(WASHINGTON D.C.) — The White House announced this morning that President Trump has nominated Julie Callahan to serve as chief agricultural negotiator at USTR. Callahan is currently the assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy.
Reaction is coming in from groups across the ag industry. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement saying that “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. 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.”
U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand said in a statement that “we appreciate President Trump for working expeditiously to nominate the AUSTR Callahan for this critical job. The Council and I, personally, have worked with Julie for many years and I know, once approved, she will have the producers and agribusinesses top of mind as she conducts her work with trading partners around the world.”
Callahan has been with the agency since 2016, serving as senior director for agricultural affairs before being promoted to deputy AUSTR in 2020. The President now has nominated people to serve in all of the traditionally held USTR deputy roles.
