USDA Continues Efforts to Expand Global Markets for U.S. Agriculture

Trade officials discussed export growth, biofuel opportunities and market access during the National Restaurant Association Show.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA trade officials continue working to expand export opportunities for American agriculture as global demand and market competition continue evolving.

USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg recently met with agriculture industry leaders during the National Restaurant Association Show, where discussions centered around growing international market access for U.S. products.

Lindberg joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss some of the priorities highlighted during the event.

In his conversation with RFD News, Lindberg touched on conversations with NASDA, Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northwest surrounding new export opportunities and concerns tied to opening additional markets for U.S. agriculture.

The conversation also focused on the process of turning trade agreements into actual sales opportunities for producers and how USDA continues working to strengthen export financing for agricultural exporters.

Lindberg additionally discussed the outlook for ethanol and biofuel exports as demand for renewable fuel markets continues growing worldwide.

Related Stories
New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

University of Wisconsin-Madison’s John Shutske says simple safety habits can help prevent some of agriculture’s most common injuries.
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Founder Jon Mollhagen says automation continues playing a larger role in reducing labor demands and animal stress.
Commissioner Sid Miller says productive farmland, water resources, and rural infrastructure are increasingly under pressure as data centers continue growing across Texas.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.