Current assistant trade rep nominated for top U.S. ag trade post

A number of agricultural organizations — including the National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, the Consortium for Common Food Names, and the National Sorghum Producers — have expressed strong support for President Donald Trump’s nomination of Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. All four organizations — NMPF, USDEC, CCFN, and NSP — have called on the U.S. Senate to confirm her without delay

The Chief Agricultural Negotiator plays a pivotal role in representing American agricultural interests in international trade agreements.

Gregg Doud, current president and CEO of NMPF and a former holder of the same USTR role, praised the nomination, calling Callahan “the right choice” to champion U.S. dairy interests abroad.

“Her expertise and leadership in agricultural trade policy is second to none,” said Doud. “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.”

According to her supporters, Callahan brings nearly two decades of experience in agricultural trade policy and regulatory affairs. Currently serving as the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, she plays a leading role in developing and implementing agricultural trade policies, negotiating free trade agreements, and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers that hinder U.S. exports.

Her resume also includes senior positions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Foreign Agricultural Service, where she gained first-hand insight into both domestic regulations and international trade environments. 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 MIT.

“Julie Callahan is a proven leader with deep experience navigating the complex, technical challenges that often stand between American farmers and global markets,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a Kansas sorghum farmer. “Her nomination is welcome news for U.S. agriculture.”

Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, described the nomination as “a win for U.S. agriculture,” citing Callahan’s proven ability to champion the interests of American farmers and food producers.

“The U.S. dairy industry depends on a proactive trade policy agenda to grow,” Harden said. “Dr. Callahan brings deep trade policy expertise and an unmatched record of advocacy.”