Letter of support for Dr. Callahan to be the Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the U.S. Trade Representative

Letter

Dear Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Wyden:

As trade associations representing farmers, ranchers, fishermen, producers, agribusiness and rural America, we write in strong support of the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan by President Trump as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Dr. Callahan brings a deep understanding of global agricultural trade – rooted in her service since 2016 at the Office of the United States Trade Representative overseeing agricultural affairs and commodity policy – and a proven record advancing the interests of U.S. agriculture in complex negotiations. She has worked repeatedly with our organizations on behalf of American agriculture to level the playing field and knock down unfair barriers to trade. Swiftly confirming her and filling this position is vitally important as negotiations continue on reciprocal tariffs and access for U.S. agricultural products with dozens of countries.

We look forward to working alongside Dr. Callahan to further strengthen American agricultural competitiveness in international markets, reduce unfair trade barriers, and support profitability across the entire agricultural supply chain. Her leadership will be a significant asset to all of us as we face evolving global challenges and opportunities.

We strongly urge the Committee to advance Dr. Callahan’s nomination in a timely manner, so she may use her Ambassadorial status in the current and future trade negotiations for the benefit of American agriculture.

Regards,

Agricultural Retailers Association
Agriculture Transportation Coalition
Agriculture Transportation Working Group
Almond Alliance
American Cotton Shippers Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Feed Industry Association
American Frozen Food Institute
American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association
American Seed Trade Association
American Soybean Association
American Sugar Alliance
AmericanHort
Animal Health Institute
California Alfalfa and Forage Association
California Association of Wheat Growers
California Bean Shippers Association
California Cherry Growers and Industry Association
California Grain and Feed Association
California Pear Growers Association
California Prune Board
California Seed Association
California State Floral Association
California Sweet Potato Council
California Warehouse Association
CEA Alliance
Consumer Brands Association
Corn Refiners Association
Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology
CropLife America
Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Farm Credit Council
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Grain and Feed Association of Illinois
Growth Energy
Illinois Soybean Growers
Independent Bakers Association
International Dairy Foods Association
International Fresh Produce Association
Meat Import Council of America
Meat Institute
Michigan Agri-Business Association
Midsouth Grain Association
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Barley Growers Association
National Chicken Council
National Corn Growers Association
National Cotton Council
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Farmers Union
National Fisheries Institute
National Grain and Feed Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pecan Federation
National Pork Producers Council
National Potato Council
National Sorghum Producers
National Sunflower Association
National Turkey Federation
North American Blueberry Council
North American Export Grain Association
North American Millers’ Association
North American Renderers Association
North Dakota Grain Dealers Association
Northeast Agribusiness & Feed Alliance
Northwest Horticultural Council
Pacific Seed Association
Pet Food Institute
Renewable Fuels Association
Sweetener Users Association
Texas Grain & Feed Association
The Fertilizer Institute
The Hardwood Federation
U.S. Apple Association
U.S. Canola Association
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
U.S. Peanut Federation
U.S. Wheat Associates
United Dairymen of Arizona
USA Poultry and Egg Export Council
USA Pulses
USA Rice
Washington Association of Wheat Growers
Washington Red Raspberry Commission
Western Growers
Wine Institute

September 5, 2025

The Agricultural Coalition

The Honorable Mike Crapo
Chairman
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Ron Wyden
Ranking Member
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Letter of support for Dr. Callahan to be the Chief Agricultural Negotiator at USTR