(WASHINGTON D.C.) — Over the weekend, the U.S. Senate confirmed Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) with a vote of 77-18. Lindberg previously served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States during President Trump’s first term. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters.
“I congratulate Luke Lindberg on his confirmation,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR). “He will be a tireless advocate for restoring American agriculture’s global competitiveness and delivering results for producers across the country. I look forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg as we continue to support the success of rural America and strengthen our agricultural economy.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins commented on Lindberg’s confirmation saying in part “our farmers, ranchers and producers feed, clothe and fuel the world, and they deserve a strong advocate in every trade negotiation and in every market promotion. We are thrilled to have Luke join our team and I have full faith that his drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.”
During his confirmation hearing earlier this spring, Lindberg told the Senate Ag Committee that he supports free trade agreements that could help reverse the growing deficit. America’s agricultural trade deficit, which is the worst in the nation’s history, is driven by a number of factors, but principally by the lack of an America-first trade agenda that prioritizes market access for our farmers and ranchers, Lindberg said.
You can read more reactions and congratulations to Lindberg’s confirmation below:
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF applauds the U.S. Senate for confirming Luke Lindberg with a strong showing of bipartisan support. This is a critical time for agricultural trade and Mr. Lindberg brings great passion and extensive experience to this role. He has a proven track record as a champion for U.S. agriculture and USMEF looks forward to working with him to expand global demand for U.S. red meat.
Joint Statement from USDEC and NMPF on Senate Confirmation of Luke Lindberg:
Statement from Krysta Harden, President and CEO of USDEC:
“The confirmation of Luke Lindberg represents a significant win for U.S. dairy exporters and our industry’s global competitiveness. Mr. Lindberg’s experience leading trade missions and managing export initiatives position him perfectly to break down trade barriers and create pathways for American dairy to reach global consumers. Last year, U.S. dairy exports reached $8.2 billion, demonstrating the tremendous global demand for American dairy products. This position is critical to advancing America’s leadership in international dairy markets. Together we can put more Made in America dairy on more overseas shelves. We are delighted to have a strong advocate for policies that enhance competitive dairy access into international markets.”
Statement from Gregg Doud, President and CEO of NMPF:
“We are excited to get to work with Under Secretary Lindberg, who has a proven track record of advancing American agricultural interests and will help USDA deliver results for American dairy producers and cooperatives. Mr. Lindberg’s leadership and understanding of trade policy strengthen the future of U.S. dairy. We look forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg and the entire Trump administration to champion American dairy farmer interests, fight back on unjustified and unscientific barriers to American exports and open markets across the globe.”
NCBA Congratulates Luke Lindberg on USDA Trade Under Secretary Confirmation:
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement on the confirmation of Luke Lindberg to serve as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
“Trade has been front and center in this administration, and with the sheer volume of deals in progress, it’s critical to have a Senate confirmed official leading trade and foreign agricultural affairs for USDA. NCBA is thrilled to see Luke Lindberg confirmed to this post. Lindberg has spent his career expanding trade opportunities for American businesses and fixing unfair trade deals. We look forward to working with him to secure even more trade wins for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.”
NAWG Applauds the Confirmation of Luke Lindberg:
Washington, D.C. (August 4, 2025) – The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) today applauded the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). NAWG President Pat Clements released the following statement:
“We congratulate Luke Lindberg on his confirmation and look forward to working closely with him to strengthen international markets for U.S. wheat. His deep understanding of trade policy and strong commitment to American agriculture make him well-suited to advance U.S. wheat growers’ priorities on the global stage. We also thank the U.S. Senate for moving swiftly to confirm this critical role. Expanding market access and reducing trade barriers are essential to the long-term success of producers, and we’re encouraged to see leadership in place to advance those efforts.”
U.S. Wheat Associates Welcomes Senate Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as USDA Undersecretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs:
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) today welcomed the confirmation of Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“We congratulate Luke Lindberg on his Senate confirmation and look forward to working with him as the USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs,” said Mike Spier, USW President and CEO. “Lindberg will be helpful at the helm USDA’s trade efforts as we navigate new trade deals and continue our efforts to expand markets for U.S. wheat farmers.”
“We also thank the U.S. Senate for prioritizing this position for confirmation. Having designated leadership for agriculture in place is critical during this period of rapid trade talks and for upcoming USDA trade missions.”
Growth Energy Statement on Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed news that the Senate had approved the nomination of Luke Lindberg as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Our industry is confident that Lindberg will be a strong voice to speak on behalf of American farmers and ethanol producers on the global stage,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “His experience at South Dakota Trade and at the Export-Import Bank make him uniquely qualified to take bold action on behalf of our industry and our farm partners, and we commend the Senate for taking quick action on his nomination. We look forward to working with Lindberg and other leaders at USDA to make sure American farmers and rural communities benefit from the Administration’s efforts to balance our trade relationships.”
NSP Welcomes Lindberg as USDA Under Secretary for Trade:
WASHINGTON (August 04, 2025) — National Sorghum Producers today congratulated Luke Lindberg on his confirmation as U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
“We’re excited to welcome Luke Lindberg into this important role,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kan. “Trade is the lifeblood of sorghum farming families, and having a strong advocate for agriculture at the table makes all the difference. I’m confident his experience and drive will help open more doors for U.S. farmers and ensure our voices are heard on the global stage.”
International trade is a top priority for National Sorghum Producers, and the organization looks forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg to continue developing new markets and strengthening existing ones for U.S. sorghum.
NASDA Applauds Lindberg’s Confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs:
ARLINGTON, Va. — National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney congratulates Luke Lindberg on his recent confirmation as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. McKinney issued the following statement:
“NASDA welcomes Under Secretary Lindberg’s enthusiasm in addressing agricultural trade challenges and opportunities for U.S. farmers. The agricultural industry needs a steadfast advocate in this role to stand with our farmers and exporters as they continue to provide safe and nutritious food to people worldwide. NASDA remains ready to collaborate closely with Under Secretary Lindberg and Secretary Rollins on these critical priorities.”
USA Rice Comments on Lindberg Confirmation:
“We’re excited to see Luke’s nomination finally get approved by the full Senate,” said Karah Janevicius, USA Rice director of international trade policy. “It’s important for the U.S. rice industry to have key trade personnel in place as the Trump Administration acts to reverse the agricultural trade deficit. The TFAA under secretary role is critical to support not only the policies being negotiated but the promotional funds we use in key markets around the world.”
AFIA Congratulates Lindberg on Confirmation as USDA’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Undersecretary:
AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman issued the following statement today following the 77-18 Senate vote on Capitol Hill.
“Congratulations to Luke Lindberg on his well-deserved confirmation as USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Lindberg brings a deep understanding of global trade and a strong track record of advocating for American agriculture. His leadership comes at a critical time, and we’re confident he will be a powerful voice in opening new markets, strengthening trade relationships and advancing the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports, which include animal food. We look forward to working closely with him in support of our nation’s producers and and animal food manufacturers.”
ASTA Congratulates Luke Lindberg on Under Secretary Confirmation:
Alexandria, VA—August 4, 2025— The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) issued the following statement after Luke Lindberg’s confirmation as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
“ASTA offers our congratulations to Luke Lindberg on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Trade is what keeps American agriculture and seed industries thriving, and his leadership at USDA will support the seed sectors’ efforts to sell the highest quality, professionally produced seed to U.S. farmers and markets across the world.” said Andy LaVigne, ASTA President & CEO.
“We are excited to work with Under Secretary Lindberg to bolster America’s role in the global economy and to expand markets for U.S. seed exports.”
Blue Diamond Growers Applauds Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as New USDA Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs:
Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond cooperative, released the following statement of support following the announcement:
“Blue Diamond Growers applauds the confirmation of Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. His appointment comes at a critical time for agricultural trade, as almond farming families face increasing competition and evolving market pressures. As the leading global brand for almonds and almond products, we are encouraged by Lindberg’s strong background in trade and commitment to expanding market access. We look forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg and his team to promote trade, strengthen export opportunities, and support the long-term stability of our cooperative’s nearly 3,000 growers.”
