She is currently the assistant trade rep for ag affairs and commodity policy
President Trump has put forward his nomination for chief agricultural negotiator.
The president nominated Julie Callahan, the current assistant trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy in the Office of the United States Trade Representative, for the position on July 17.
The chief ag negotiator is responsible for conducting and overseeing international negotiations related to trade in agricultural products.
President Trump’s nomination came almost two weeks after dozens of U.S. ag industry groups called for him to put a name forward.
Callahan’s experience in Washington includes as a deputy assistant trade representative in the USTR Agriculture Office where she supported strategic engagement with the United Nations, and European countries, about multiple barriers to trade.
She also worked in the Food and Drug Administration to align the agency’s policy approaches to preempt or resolve regulatory issues arising in international trade.
Multiple industry groups are pleased with Callahan’s nomination given her multiple years of experience.
“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,” Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, said in a statement.
Soybean farmers can rest assured Callahan has their best interest in mind, said Stephen Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association (ASA).
“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,” he said in a statement. “ASA is excited to see her nominated for this important role, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in her new position.”
And members of the biofuels sector call Callahan the perfect pick for this role.
“The Trump Administration is aiming to rebalance our trade relationships to support American energy dominance and rural economic growth. This effort requires a strong ag negotiator, and Julie Callahan is the perfect fit, given her experience at USTR and her understanding of our industry’s trade goals,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We congratulate her and urge the Senate to approve her nomination right away. We look forward to working with her to build new markets for American farmers and create new opportunities for American ethanol producers.”
Callahan wasn’t the only person to receive an ag position nomination on July 17.
President Trump nominated Todd Lindsey to be the Chief Financial Officer of the USDA.
This person in this role serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary and other senior officials on all matters related to financial management, and related systems and controls and training.
The president also put forward John Walk’s name to be the Inspector General in the USDA.
The office of the inspector general “investigates allegations of crime against the Department's program, and promotes the economy and efficiency of its operations,” its website says.