WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — In the push to expand trade opportunities, the United States could soon have a new Chief Agriculture Negotiator. Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
“She’s a longtime career staffer who knows the business, the community, and the countries, and she’s already been hard at work,” Greer said. “She’ll, of course, have added authority when she’s confirmed. One of the things I’ve asked them to look at is what about Brazil, right? I’ve heard a lot about Brazil today and who they are as a trading partner, but we have to remember—in terms of ag—they’re a competitor, not just in ag, but in aerospace and other things. They are a competitor. And every time someone retaliates against us, Brazil tends to do the backfill. So, there are a lot of things to solve here; and our ag negotiator — she’s ready for the job.”
Callahan has spent nearly a decade with the U.S. Trade Rep’s office. She currently serves as an Assistant Trade Representative for agricultural and commodity policy. If confirmed, Callahan would replace Doug McCalip, who left Washington with the previous Biden Administration.