Source: The White House
Nomination sent to the Senate

Richard T Crowder, of Virginia, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador.

Mr. Crowder currently serves as President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. He previously served as Senior Vice President, International at DEKALB Genetics Corporation, an agricultural genetics company. Prior to that, Mr. Crowder was Executive Vice President and General Manager, International at Armour Swift-Eckrich, a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, Inc. Earlier in his career, he served as Under Secretary of International Affairs and Commodity Programs at the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Crowder received his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He also received his PhD from Oklahoma State University.

United States Trade Representative Rob Portman today applauded President Bush's nomination Richard Crowder as Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Mr. Crowder is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer for the American Seed Trade Association. From 1989 to 1992 he served as Under Secretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs at the US Department of Agriculture.

"Dick Crowder has a long, impressive background dealing with agriculture issues," said Portman. "He brings to the negotiating table unique insight to the needs of farmers and ranchers coupled with solid experience in the government. He comes at a crucial time in the global trade talks, commonly known as the Doha Development Agenda, where negotiations on agriculture reform are key to opening markets worldwide."