WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab today announced the departure on May 31 of Chief Agriculture Negotiator Richard Crowder and announced the appointment of Joseph W. Glauber, a distinguished economist and expert in the field of international agricultural trade, to the position of Special Doha Agricultural Envoy.  Dr. Glauber will step into Ambassador Crowder’s role as lead agriculture negotiator for the Doha Round.  Crowder has agreed to serve USTR as a consultant (senior advisor).

“I regret Dick Crowder’s departure.  Though he is an integral member of the USTR family, I understand his desire for relief from the countless hours traveling around the world and his wish to spend more time with his real family at his beloved farm in southern Virginia.  His exceptional knowledge, skill and dedication will be missed,” said Ambassador Schwab.  “At the same time, I am delighted Joe Glauber has agreed to step up to the important role of leading U.S. agricultural negotiations in the World Trade Organization’s Doha Development Round.  As Deputy Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dr. Glauber has been a valuable member of the U.S. government’s team throughout these negotiations and will make a great contribution in this larger role.  Joe brings with him a sophisticated understanding of the complex issues at the heart of the Doha Round, and a deep knowledge of the U.S. agriculture community.”

Ambassador Crowder stated: “I am leaving USTR knowing that we have accomplished a lot.  From the bilateral WTO accession agreement with Russia to free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, Peru and Panama, the Bush Administration has built an outstanding record in trade on behalf of U.S. agriculture.  The benefits of these agreements when enacted will be huge and long lasting.  The opportunity for additional success is possible with a strong Doha Round agreement, and I know Joe Glauber, Ambassador Schwab and President Bush will continue to do everything possible to open up markets for American farmers and ranchers through this Round.”

Glauber has served as Deputy Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1992.  In addition to his work in the Doha negotiations, he served as economic adviser at the so-called Blair House agreements leading to the completion of the Uruguay Round negotiations.  He is the author of numerous studies on crop insurance, disaster policy and U.S. farm policy.  Prior to his current position, he was senior staff economist for agriculture, natural resources and trade at the President's Council of Economic Advisers from 1991 to 1992 and from 1984 to 1991, served as economist at the Economic Research Service, USDA. 

Glauber received his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1984 and holds an AB in anthropology from the University of Chicago. 

Ambassador Crowder’s service at USTR was the culmination of more than 30 years experience in the food, agriculture, and international trade sectors.  Before joining USTR, he was president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, served in high-level executive positions at DEKALB Genetics Corporation, Armour Swift-Eckrich, and the Pillsbury Company.  He also served as Under Secretary of International Affairs & Commodity Programs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1989-1992, where he played leadership roles in negotiating on agricultural issues in the Uruguay Round of the GATT and in managing the 1990 Farm Bill.

Ambassador Crowder, who grew up on a farm in Virginia, earned a B.S. and M.S. from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.