Julie Callahan Nominated for Chief Ag Negotiator Position

Julie Callahan, the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, is President Trump’s nominee for the role of Chief Agricultural Negotiator  Callahan has been with the agency since 2016, serving as senior director for agricultural affairs before being promoted to the deputy USTR position in 2020.  Among her previous work experiences, Callahan held senior leadership with the Food and Drug Administration.

Her nomination now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.  The President has now nominated people to serve in all USTR deputy roles.

Industry Applauds Callahan's Nomination

“Dr. Callahan is a pro with nearly a decade of experience negotiating trade agreements," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.  "She understands how important international partnerships are to agriculture and the critical role of strong export markets to strengthen our farm economy.

“As someone who has come through the ranks and worked directly on trade agreements, including reducing both technical barriers and tariffs, Julie will hit the ground running," Duvall continued.  "Her previous experience in the Foreign Ag Service at USDA and also at FDA provide important perspective to inform her work to help resolve challenging issues on the trade front.

“We look forward to a swift Senate confirmation process so that Dr. Callahan can be fully empowered to contribute to U.S. trade strategy during these volatile times,” Duvall said.

“The U.S. Grains Council and I, personally, have worked with Julie for many years, and I know, once she’s approved, she will have the producers and agribusinesses top of mind as she conducts her work with trading partners around the world,” said Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council.

“On behalf of America’s grain and feed industry, I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Julie Callahan on her nomination by President Trump as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Dr. Callahan brings a deep understanding of global agricultural trade – rooted in her service since 2016 at USTR overseeing agricultural affairs and commodity policy – and a proven record advancing the interests of U.S. agriculture in complex negotiations. We look forward to working alongside Ambassador-designate Callahan to further strengthen the industry’s competitiveness in international markets, reduce unfair trade barriers, and support profitability across the entire agricultural supply chain," said Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association.  "Her leadership will be a significant asset to the sector as we face evolving global challenges and opportunities.” 

"At this especially critical time for agricultural trade, President Trump has tapped a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and all of U.S. agriculture," said Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.  "Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position and USMEF urges her swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate."

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com