Courtney Kingery has been appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds, and Planting Seeds by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Kingery, who serves as the CEO of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and Indiana Corn Growers Association, will be part of a committee that plays a crucial role in shaping agricultural trade policies until December 2028. Other committee members include Matthew Rekeweg, Guy Allen, Asif Chaudry, Rosalind Leeck, Jess McCluer, and Mike Nichols.
This appointment comes at a time when Indiana's agricultural exports are valued at approximately $4 billion, with significant contributions from soybeans and corn. In 2023, the U.S. exported 1.8 billion bushels of soybeans worth $28 billion, while Indiana's soybean exports alone were estimated at $2.6 billion. Additionally, Indiana corn exports generated $1.3 billion in 2023, and ethanol exports added $217 million to the state's economy. The impact of these exports is substantial, with U.S. agricultural export value increasing by $24.50 for every dollar invested in export market development from 1977 to 2019.
Kingery's expertise and leadership in Indiana's agricultural sector are expected to enhance the state's influence in national trade discussions, particularly in the context of ongoing trade negotiations with major partners like China. As agricultural trade continues to evolve, the insights from this advisory committee will be vital in addressing challenges and opportunities in the market. The committee's work will likely focus on improving trade relations and ensuring that U.S. agricultural products remain competitive on the global stage. [53558f06]