Before leaving on its August recess, the U.S. Senate confirmed Luke Lindberg to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, on a vote of 77-18. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom applauded the strong support.
“Luke Lindberg has a very proven track record as a champion, not only for agriculture, but he really understands the trade issues that we’re all dealing with each and every day,” Halstrom says. “And I have personally had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions in his former role at South Dakota Trade… I’ve been able to see firsthand his command of the issues and his passion for ag.”
He said it’s also important for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to be at full strength. He urged the Senate to move quickly on President Trump’s nominee for chief agricultural negotiator.
“With all the balls in the air on trade, with tariffs and some of these trade agreements that have been recently announced, it’s important to get these positions filled,” Halstrom explains. “There’s another key position that needs to get filled as well, and that’s the chief ag negotiator at USTR. Dr. Julie Callahan has been put forward in that role, and I think that when the Senate gets back from their August recess, that they can move quickly on her nomination.”
In addition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulates Lindberg on the confirmation as well at the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (formerly U.S. Grains Council).
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