Senate approval of Callahan and Dr. Mindy Brashears strengthens U.S. trade leadership and opens doors for farmers and ranchers worldwide
U.S. agriculture groups are celebrating a major development in trade leadership. On Thursday, December 18, the U.S. Senate confirmed Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), a role pivotal to advancing American agricultural interests on the global stage.
Callahan, who currently serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, will oversee efforts to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, negotiate and implement free trade agreements (FTAs), and represent U.S. agriculture in multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her work directly impacts farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers by opening new markets and ensuring fair trade practices.
Agricultural organizations praised the confirmation, citing Callahan’s extensive background in trade policy and regulatory affairs. Prior to her current role, she served as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative and Senior Director in USTR’s Agriculture Office, where she focused on strategic engagement with the EU, UK, Turkey, and Eastern Europe on sanitary and phytosanitary issues and technical barriers to trade.
Callahan’s career spans leadership positions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where she aligned regulatory strategies to resolve trade-related challenges, and at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Her experience also includes work with the American Chemical Society. Academically, she holds a Ph.D. in Marine Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts and a B.S. in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science from MIT.
Industry leaders say her confirmation comes at a critical time as global trade dynamics evolve and U.S. agriculture seeks to maintain competitiveness. With Callahan at the helm, stakeholders expect renewed momentum in trade negotiations and stronger advocacy for American agricultural products worldwide.
Her appointment was applauded by several groups.
“Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position and USMEF congratulates Dr. Callahan on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate,” said U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “ This is an especially critical time for agricultural trade, with ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and many key trading partners. USMEF thanks the U.S. Senate for its timely confirmation of a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. agriculture.”
“Congratulations to Julie Callahan on her Senate confirmation as chief agricultural negotiator, a vital seat at the table to represent U.S. agriculture trade interests,” stated National Pork Producers Council President and Ohio pork producer Duane Stateler. “We are confident she will be a champion for America’s pork producers, fighting to break down unfair trade practices and opening new markets, which will boost international demand for U.S. pork.”
Dr. Mindy Brashears was also confirmed as USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety.
"Dr. Callahan and Dr. Brashears have an astute understanding of what it takes to successfully raise, grow, harvest and promote U.S. agricultural products given their deep experience with agricultural policy and regulation within the federal government,” affirmed National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney.
"This is a critical time to advance U.S. agriculture's competitiveness, reduce barriers to trade and improve food access for Americans and beyond. On behalf of NADSA members, we congratulate our friends on being confirmed for these essential positions and look forward to working with Dr. Callahan as we seek to open new markets for America's farmers and ranchers and Dr. Brashears as we continue our cooperative agreement with USDA Food Safety Inspection Service to keep U.S. produced food of the highest safety and quality.”