White House Appoints Advocate for Ag

The Trump administration has appointed Ray Starling to the National Economic Council as special assistant to the president for agriculture, trade, and food assistance. The position was left vacant for most of the Obama administration.

“This appointment sends a clear message that the White House is serious about addressing the needs of American farmers and rural communities, and I believe Ray Starling has the knowledge, experience, and vision to be a strong advocate for American agriculture,” said Larry Wooten, president of the North Carolina Farm Bureau.

Starling has spent most of his career in agriculture policy. He leaves a position as chief of staff for Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) for this new role. About Starling’s departure, Tillis said: “There is simply no one better qualified than Ray to advise the president on agriculture and trade policy. Ray has been a lifelong champion for North Carolina’s agricultural industry, and he will now play a major role in fulfilling the administration’s plans to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers and revitalize rural America.”