Summary
- The Senate confirmed Luke Lindberg as USDA Under Secretary.
- The vote count was 77 in favor, 18 against.
- Position oversees trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
- Lindberg aims to expand U.S. agricultural global markets.
During the first Trump Administration, Lindberg was the chief strategy officer and head of staff at the Export Import Bank. Most recently, he was the president and CEO of South Dakota Trade.
During his hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee in April, Lindberg stressed the importance of free trade agreements and interagency cooperation, including with the Departments of Commerce and Treasury and the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in reversing the trade imbalance and making U.S. agriculture globally competitive.
Additionally, he acknowledged the part commodity groupings play in giving priority to trade restrictions that prevent the agricultural trade deficit from becoming a surplus.
"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.”
Lindberg oversaw trade missions to Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, and Israel when he was employed at South Dakota Trade. These countries are crucial destinations for American rice exports. Lindberg graduated from the University of Maryland with degrees in business administration, public policy, and government.
What are Luke Lindberg’s main qualifications for the trade role in agriculture?
Lindberg has a strong background in international trade policy related to agriculture. He has served as chief of staff and chief strategy officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, where he worked on facilitating and promoting U.S. exports.
Most recently, Lindberg was the president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, a public-private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters, including agricultural producers.
Lindberg holds multiple degrees from the University of Maryland, including a BA in Government and Politics, a Master of Public Policy (MPP), and an MBA. This combination equips him with a solid foundation in public policy, business administration, and international affairs.