President Trump has nominated Dr. Julie Callahan for the role as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative’s office (USTR).
Callahan, who serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for agricultural affairs and commodity policy, has been with the agency since 2016, serving as senior director for agricultural affairs before being promoted to deputy AUSTR in 2020.
Callahan has close to 20 years of working on international issues and trade at a variety of agencies, including USTR, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She earned her doctoral degree in Marine Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The chief agricultural negotiator is responsible for leading and coordinating agricultural trade negotiations and developing agricultural trade policy. The role has historically been critical to the agricultural sector and has only increased in importance as NCGA advocates for more trade deals with market access.
The nomination comes about a week after a letter signed by 42 agricultural organizations was sent to President Trump encouraging him to move quickly on nominating someone for the role.
Following the announcement of Callahan’s nomination, U.S. ag leaders issued the following responses:
Stephen Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association (ASA):
“Julie Callahan understands the importance of international export markets to the success of U.S. agriculture. Soybean farmers across the country know they have a champion in Dr. Callahan, given her history of service at USTR and across the federal government. ASA is excited to see her nominated for this important role, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in her new position.”
Kenneth Hartman, Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA):
“Corn grower leaders have been very vocal in recent weeks about the need to fill this important position, as the chief ag negotiator plays a critical role in prioritizing agriculture issues in ongoing trade negotiations. We are thrilled to see the president listened and chose someone of this caliber to represent the interests of America’s farmers. It was a pleasure to congratulate Dr. Callahan in person today during our meeting at the White House.”
Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC):
“America’s pork producers congratulate and look forward to continuing to engage with U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator nominee Julie Callahan. Exceptionally familiar with agriculture and science-based standards, Julie has also been actively engaged with trade negotiations in the Trump administration and is in a unique position to advocate for U.S. agriculture on the world’s stage.”
Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):
“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.”
Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of U.S. Grains Council (USGC):
“We appreciate President Trump for working expeditiously to nominate the AUSTR Callahan for this critical job,” said. “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.”
Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and a former USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator:
“The role of Chief Agricultural Negotiator is critical to ensuring that American dairy farmers have a voice in trade negotiations. Dr. Callahan is the right choice. Her expertise and leadership in agricultural trade policy is second to none. Dairy farmers and the entire U.S. dairy industry look forward to working with her to open new export markets and hold our trading partners accountable. We ask that the Senate move swiftly to advance her confirmation process.”
Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC):
“Dr. Callahan’s nomination today is a win for U.S. agriculture. The U.S. dairy industry depends on a proactive trade policy agenda to grow. Dr. Callahan brings deep trade policy expertise and an unmatched record of advocating for U.S. farmers and food manufacturers to a role vital to ensuring agriculture has a seat at the negotiating table. We look forward to working with her to drive back trade barriers and build markets for American dairy producers. USDEC calls on the Senate to quickly confirm her as our next Chief Agricultural Negotiator.”
Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF):
“Dr. Callahan is a pro with nearly a decade of experience negotiating trade agreements. 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. 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.”
