USDA trade expert to speak at United Fresh Washington Conference

U.S. Department of Agriculture trade official Ted McKinney will give the keynote address at the 2018 Washington Conference Global Trade Symposium.

McKinney, undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs for the USDA, directs and implements the agency’s trade policy and works on expanding opportunities for U.S. exports through trade programs and negotiations, according to a news release.

The new Global Trade Symposium at the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference will look at the future of trade in the fresh produce industry. McKinney will speak Sept. 24.

Topics expected to be covered include trade negotiations, disputes and potential solutions that can serve global consumers and producers.

“With trade implications challenging the fresh produce industry around the world, Undersecretary McKinney will set the stage as the keynote for this inaugural event,” United Fresh president and CEO Tom Stenzel said in the release. “He’ll draw upon his storied career and share insights that will allow the industry to advance their global business with confidence.”

McKinney was appointed by then-governor Mike Pence in 2014 to serve as director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, a position he had until joining USDA in 2017.