USDA Undersecretary nominee says U.S. has let other nations “rig” farm trade against American farmers

The nominee for USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs says the U.S. has “given up” its role in feeding the world.

Trade nominee Luke Lindberg tells lawmakers that enough is enough.

“Our ethanol producers are no longer competitive in Brazil because of Brazilian import tariffs. Our hog farmers cannot export pork to Brazil, India, Nigeria, Jamaica, Namibia, or Thailand. Mexico has enjoyed a 557% increase in specialty crop imports into the United States in just the last decade. Canada has rigged the USMCA agreement terms against our dairy and wheat farmers.”

Lindberg says another major offender is the EU, noting it is responsible for about half of the U.S. trade deficit. He tells lawmakers he wants to take a “strategic and targeted” approach when assessing the markets. From there, he says they can begin breaking down trade barriers. Lindberg still faces a full Senate vote.

Related Stories
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln ag educator Matt Kreifels discusses his recent FFA Alumni award and the future of ag education.
Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water into the Rio Grande, offering temporary relief to South Texas farmers as Congress advances the PERMIT Act.
Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.
Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.