AFBF Congratulates New Chief Agricultural Negotiator
“Farm Bureau congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation to be chief agricultural negotiator at USTR. Her experience at USTR, the Foreign Agricultural Service at USDA and at the Food and Drug Administration will serve her well as she works to improve trading relationships with international partners. “Trade disputes and imbalances have hit farmers hard at a time they were already pummeled by record-high expense costs and low commodity prices. We look forward to working with Dr. Callahan to enforce existing trade agreements while strengthening and building new markets to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue growing food and fiber for families around the world.”
NASDA applauds Callahan and Brashears confirmations
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her recent confirmation as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Dr. Mindy Brashears on her confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety. McKinney issued the following statement: “Dr. Callahan and Dr. Brashears have an astute understanding of what it takes to successfully raise, grow, harvest and promote U.S. agricultural products given their deep experience with agricultural policy and regulation within the federal government,” McKinney said. “This is a critical time to advance U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness, reduce barriers to trade and improve food access for Americans and beyond. On behalf of NADSA members, we congratulate our friends on being confirmed for these essential positions and look forward to working with Dr. Callahan as we seek to open new markets for America’s farmers and ranchers and Dr. Brashears as we continue our cooperative agreement with USDA Food Safety Inspection Service to keep U.S. produced food of the highest safety and quality.”
USMEF Statement on Dr. Julie Callahan’s Confirmation as USTR’s Chief Ag Negotiator
Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position and USMEF congratulates Dr. Callahan on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate. This is an especially critical time for agricultural trade, with ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and many key trading partners. USMEF thanks the U.S. Senate for its timely confirmation of a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. agriculture.
Growth Energy Congratulates Julie Callahan on Her Confirmation as USTR Chief Ag Negotiator
“As the Trump Administration works to strengthen America’s hand in global trade and deliver new opportunities for U.S. agriculture, Julie Callahan’s leadership will be essential,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Her deep experience at USTR and strong command of the issues facing our farmers and biofuel producers make her an outstanding choice for this critical role.” “We look forward to continue working with her to advance trade opportunities and expand export markets for biofuels, and to support continued growth and certainty for rural communities across the country.”
NPPC Congratulates Callahan on Senate Confirmation
National Pork Producers Council President and Ohio pork producer Duane Stateler released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Julie Callahan to serve as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Congratulations to Julie Callahan on her Senate confirmation as chief agricultural negotiator, a vital seat at the table to represent U.S. agriculture trade interests. We are confident she will be a champion for America’s pork producers, fighting to break down unfair trade practices and opening new markets, which will boost international demand for U.S. pork.” NPPC has pushed the administration to quickly fill the chief agricultural negotiator position, which is especially critical to American agriculture given ongoing trade negotiations. In 2024, an estimated 7.1 billion pounds of U.S. pork was exported—more than 25% of pork production. Pork export values in 2024 totaled $8.6 billion dollars, equating to an average of $66 in value from each hog marketed.
NASDA applauds Callahan and Brashears confirmations
“Dr. Callahan and Dr. Brashears have an astute understanding of what it takes to successfully raise, grow, harvest and promote U.S. agricultural products given their deep experience with agricultural policy and regulation within the federal government,” McKinney said. “This is a critical time to advance U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness, reduce barriers to trade and improve food access for Americans and beyond. On behalf of NADSA members, we congratulate our friends on being confirmed for these essential positions and look forward to working with Dr. Callahan as we seek to open new markets for America’s farmers and ranchers and Dr. Brashears as we continue our cooperative agreement with USDA Food Safety Inspection Service to keep U.S. produced food of the highest safety and quality.”
Dairy Industry Praises Julie Callahan Confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator
“Dr. Callahan will be an incredible Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said. “This is a critical position for U.S. agriculture, and Dr. Callahan is the right person for the job. Her work to open new markets and opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers is second to none. U.S. dairy will be greatly served by her skilled hand and her commitment to delivering meaningful, lasting results.” “Congratulations to Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, said. “This is an important moment for American agriculture, and her leadership comes at exactly the right time. Dr. Callahan’s deep understanding of global markets and unwavering commitment to America’s farmers and food manufacturers will serve the country well. We look forward to working with her to expand market access, resolve long-standing trade barriers and champion U.S. dairy on the world stage.” “Dr. Callahan’s confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator marks a truly important moment for American agriculture and for U.S. leadership in global trade,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names, said. “Few individuals combine the depth of expertise, diplomatic talent, and unshakable commitment to America’s producers that Dr. Callahan brings to this role. She has demonstrated herself as a champion for the rights of American producers to use the common food and beverage terms that global consumers have come to know and love. We look forward to joining her in the fight to preserve and grow global market opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and exporters for generations to come.”
Callahan Confirmed As USTR Chief Ag Negotiator
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council congratulated Callahan saying “The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is pleased to hear of Julie Callahan’s confirmation. She’s a seasoned professional with years of experience in sensitive trade negotiations and will continue to be a great advocate for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distiller’s grains in her new role. Callahan is the right choice at the right time, and we commend her for stepping up for U.S. agriculture.”
NCGA- Senate Confirms Callahan as Chief Ag Negotiator
“We are extremely pleased to see that Ambassador Callahan will serve in this role, which is critical to the success of farmers,” said Ohio grower and NCGA President Jed Bower. “We endorsed her nomination early on, because we know she has the extensive experience and know-how to help growers take advantage of opportunities and navigate challenges. We look forward to working with the ambassador to position corn and corn products for successful inclusion in trade deals negotiated by the administration.”
NCGA led a letter earlier this year requesting that this position be promptly filled due to its importance for U.S. agriculture. The position Callahan holds has proven vital to America’s corn growers in recent years. Earlier this year, Mexico withdrew a measure banning genetically modified corn imports from the U.S. after USTR successfully filed a dispute settlement against the country over the matter. The chief agricultural negotiator was instrumental throughout the dispute, which allowed the United States to prevail.
Mexico is the biggest market for American corn growers, and over 90% of American corn is genetically modified.
