The Office of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Textile Trade Affairs, led by Office Director Edward Kaska, supports and advances American agricultural interests, which are integral to the State Department’s critical global trade and food security goals. We address trade barriers to open markets for American farm products. In 2010, the United States exported $115 billion in agricultural products, which led to a trade surplus of $34 billion in our agricultural sector. We contribute to the development of effective food aid policies, promote rural development and increasing agricultural productivity through biotechnology, and handle all issues within the State Department regarding textiles, including apparel and cotton. On food security, we bring stakeholders and policymakers together to address the needs of small scale farmers. Additionally, our office leads new agricultural technologies outreach to promote transparent, predictable, and science-based regulatory frameworks.
