Reactions on Deputy Ag Secy Resignation & Organic Prod. Sales Grow

**After Deputy Ag Secretary Jewell Bronaugh announced she’ll be leaving her post at the end of February, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says they’ve enjoyed working with her the past two years.

Duvall thanked her for her service to America’s farmers and ranchers, and says she’s long been someone who understands the needs of farmers and rural communities.

House Ag Committee Ranking Democrat David Scott congratulated Bronaugh on “a job well done.”

**Organic fresh produce sales grew by 3% last year while total volume dropped 3.7%.

The Organic Produce Network says total sales topped $9.4 billion.

The 2022 Organic Produce Performance Report says the fresh berry category was the top organic produce category with more than 16% of organic fresh produce dollars.

Total fresh produce sales gained 7.3% in dollars during the year but dropped 1.3% in volume from the prior year.

**The U.S. is currently in a third round of talks to redo the World Trade Organization’s trade dispute arbitration system.

The U.S. Ambassador to the WTO told Reuters that America wants it to be fully up and running by the end of 2024.

The WTO’s appeals bench rules on top disputes among nations, but has been out of service for two years due to U.S. appointment blockages put in place during the Trump Administration.