The Trump White House appointed Ray Starling to the position of Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade, and Food Aid, a move hailed by multiple Ag groups as a positive.
Starling was most recently an aid to North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
Starling’s appointment fills a position left mostly vacant during the Obama Administration.
A National Pork Producer’s Council release called Starling a “true champion for American Agriculture,” adding that his appointment signals a clear intention by the Trump Administration to undo some of the unnecessary regulations that are making it hard for pork producers and all American farmers to do their jobs.
The special assistant position is part of the National Economic Council and Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said Starling is a great choice.
“Mr. Starling not only knows agriculture from his farm background, he’s also an accomplished Ag policy specialist.
We look forward to working with him as he advises the president,” Duvall said.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Cotton Council also issued releases praising Starling as a good addition to the National Economic Council.
