Luke Lindberg Nominee for USDA Under Secretary for Trade: Prioritizing U.S. Agriculture Exports

Addressing the U.S. Agricultural Trade Deficit

• 🎯 The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to reach a record $49 billion this year.
• 🔑 Luke Lindberg, nominee for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, stated that returning to a trade surplus would be his number one priority.
• 💡 Lindberg plans to identify priority countries, markets, products, and dollar values to achieve this surplus.
• 🤝 He emphasizes that exporting is a team sport requiring collaboration across government agencies like USDA, Commerce, and Treasury.

Role of Trade Programs in Market Expansion

• 📈 Lindberg highlighted his experience with the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs.
• ✈️ In his role at South Dakota Trade, he led trade missions utilizing MAP and FMD funding to support agricultural producers overseas.
• 🤝 He plans to leverage existing relationships with foreign agricultural service staff to advance U.S. agricultural community needs in specific markets.

Ensuring Respect and Protecting Civil Rights at USDA

• 🏛️ Mr. West Hill discussed the importance of the Office of the Secretary for Civil Rights (OSCR) at USDA.
• ✅ He stressed the need for efficient processing of EEO complaints and rectifying backlogs quickly, aiming for resolution within three months or faster.
• 🗣️ Ensuring employees understand their rights and responsibilities through proactive prevention techniques and training is crucial.
• ✊ Leadership commitment to enforcing civil rights is essential for employees to feel secure and not fear retaliation.