Lindberg Highlights Ag Trade Successes Before Leaving USDA

The Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg made his transition late last week to Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program.  But, before he left USDA, he noted how a significant ag trade deficit has been cut by over 50% over the past few months. 

“By 51% is what the most recent numbers are showing in our 18 months in office, and it's been really a combined effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Trade Representatives Office, other parts of the U.S. government, and President Trump's negotiating prowess,” Lindberg said.  “But at the end of the day, too, it's really been a partnership driven by our farmers and ranchers.” 

Referring to the participation of producers, along with representatives of ag trade organizations and commodity groups and state ag departments in various USDA-led ag trade missions, both traditional ATMs of the Foreign Agricultural Service and rapid response trade missions conducted shortly after trade agreements are reached. 

Photo: USDA

Fixing Financing Tools Have Helped With Sales

“We have led 14 trade missions over the past year to different markets,” said Lindberg.  “USDA traditionally does about six or so trade missions a year, and so we've more than doubled the amount of opportunities we've had to put willing buyers and willing sellers together, and we're continuing that aggressive march going forward.” 

There has also been the fixing of financing tools to facilitate export sales. 

“To make sure that if there are foreign buyers that want to buy American, they have the financial resources and the financing they need to make those purchases,” Lindberg noted.  “And we've seen real situations now in the marketplace where us fixing that financing program has provided the liquidity needed for folks to choose American.” 

Photo: USDA

More Opportunities For Value-Added Products

Then there is emphasis on growing new markets for new and expanded for new and expanded value-added products.  For example, ethanol.  2025 marked the 2nd consecutive year of record exports, with 2026 sales to date pointing towards a potential three consecutive record years. 

“Guatemala, they are in the process now of using E10, 10% ethanol blend in their fuel supply,” he noted.  “The first U.S. ethanol landed down there on a ship just a couple of months ago.” 

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