President Donald Trump has officially sent the nomination of Greg Ibach to lead the USDA’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission area to the U.S. Senate. The appointment positions a veteran agricultural leader at the head of federal efforts to expand export markets, reduce foreign tariff and non-tariff barriers, and build international demand for American farm commodities.
If confirmed by the Senate, Ibach will succeed Luke Lindberg, who recently stepped down from the role to accept a leadership position with the United Nations World Food Programme.
A fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Sumner, Nebraska, Ibach brings an extensive background in federal and state agricultural policy. He previously served as the USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs from 2017 to 2021. Prior to his work in Washington, he served from 2005 to 2017 as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture, making him the longest-serving ag director in that state’s history.
The post oversees the Foreign Agricultural Service and directs market development, export assistance programs, and trade policy negotiations for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Confirmation proceedings before the Senate Agriculture Committee are expected to take place when the Senate reconvenes in November.
