More than 120 ag groups endorse pick for USDA post

Agricultural organizations including the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas joined more than 120 industry groups in endorsing Luke Lindberg as USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

Lindberg, president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, was chose Jan. 17 as President Donald Trump’s pick for the position.

The public-private nonprofit administers South Dakota’s State Trade Expansion Program, facilitates trade missions and consults on exports with state companies. Lindberg is also a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

“Throughout his career, Mr. Lindberg has been a proponent of using trade to strengthen U.S. agriculture,” the group of supporters wrote in a letter (.pdf) dated March 10. “His enthusiasm in addressing the record agriculture trade deficit we are currently facing will be welcomed by farmers and exporters across the country.”

Signatories also included the Almond Alliance, American Farm Bureau Federation, California Fresh Fruit Association, National Potato Council, National Pecan Federation and North American Blueberry Council.