Robert Primus

| Credit: ©US SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

WASHINGTON, DC, US — President Joe Biden’s designation of Robert Primus as chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) drew support from the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), which also led a letter from agricultural groups urging Primus’ appointment upon the retirement of Chairman Martin Oberman on May 10.

“NGFA congratulates Chairman Primus on his appointment to this well-deserved role,” said Mike Seyfert, president and chief executive officer of the NGFA. “Under his leadership, STB can continue to pursue a modern and more balanced approach with knowledgeable and objective members. We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Primus on fostering an efficient and competitive railway network for the US agricultural supply chain.” 

In a letter to Biden, the 24 agricultural groups offered broad support for Primus, noting his three years on the board during which the agency tackled issues that included improving rail service and the merger of Class I railroads Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. Primus was sworn in as a board member on Jan. 7, 2021, following his US Senate confirmation.

The groups also noted Primus’ nearly 30 years of experience working on freight and passenger rail transportation policy issues in a variety of staff positions in the US Congress as reasons for supporting his appointment. 

“As a board member for the past three years, Mr. Primus has demonstrated exemplary commitment and dedication to the principles of proactive oversight in STB’s regulation of the freight rail marketplace,” the letter said. “Mr. Primus has been a leader in his push to improve rail service, create more rail-on-rail competition, and develop a more streamlined method for freight rail customers to challenge unreasonable rates.”

Grain industry organizations that signed onto the letter include the American Feed Industry Association, the American Malting Barley Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the NGFA, the National Oilseed Processors Association, the North American Millers’ Association, the US Rice Producers Association and USA Rice.