The Senate confirmed Dr. Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the United States Trade Representative in a 53-43 vote Thursday, alongside other key Trump administration nominees including Michael Selig as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Mindy Brashears as Agriculture Undersecretary of Food Safety.
Callahan, who serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, will oversee efforts to promote U.S. farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers by reducing trade barriers and expanding export markets. Her role includes negotiating free trade agreements and representing U.S. interests in the World Trade Organization and other multilateral organizations.
Industry response
More than 80 trade associations representing farmers, ranchers and food manufacturers testified to Callahan’s ability to advocate effectively for U.S. agriculture in international negotiations. Industry leaders highlighted her commitment to lowering trade barriers and opening new markets, benefiting American workers and their families.
The National Corn Growers Association applauded Callahan’s confirmation, emphasizing her role in successfully challenging Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn imports. “We endorsed her nomination early on, knowing she has the experience to help growers navigate challenges and seize opportunities,” said NCGA President Jed Bower.
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council called Callahan “a seasoned professional” and “a great advocate” for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol, and distiller’s grains.
The American Soybean Association praised her deep understanding of export markets, with CEO Stephen Censky noting, “Soybean farmers value her extensive experience and know she will be a strong advocate.”
U.S. Meat Export Federation President Dan Halstrom highlighted the critical timing of her confirmation amid ongoing trade negotiations.
The Pet Food Institute welcomed Callahan’s expertise to support U.S. pet food exports, which exceeded $2.53 billion in 2024, stressing her importance in maintaining strong international market access.
The American Feed Industry Association also applauded Callahan’s confirmation. AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman called her “a problem-solver and communicator” with key relationships across government and the world. Cullman said, “Dr. Callahan will be a strong advocate for the U.S. agricultural sector and we look forward to working with her to establish new markets for American animal food manufacturers.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall expressed optimism about Callahan’s ability to enforce trade agreements and build new markets to help farmers and ranchers amid economic challenges.
Before her confirmation, Callahan held senior roles at the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, focusing on strategic engagement with the EU, UK, Turkey and Eastern Europe on sanitary and phytosanitary issues and technical barriers to trade. She also served in leadership positions at the Food and Drug Administration and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
