California Ag Network

Tag: luke lindberg

  • USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Argentina and Ecuador

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) mission to Argentina and Ecuador this week to open new markets and strengthen export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and producers.

    Built on the Reciprocal Trade and Investment agreements signed with Argentina and Ecuador earlier this year, the mission led by USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, aims to increase fair access to two of the Western Hemisphere’s fastest-growing markets.

    “Our three-point plan has already reduced the agricultural trade deficit by 42%, and now, TRUMP trade missions like this one are turning new market access into true market share,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By taking our farm groups straight to the table with willing buyers in Argentina and Ecuador, we’re converting these historic reciprocal agreements into lasting commercial wins for our hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers back home.”

    In 2025 alone, the U.S. exported $166 million in seeds, essential oils, livestock genetics, tree nuts and more to Argentina. The same year, $595 million in agricultural products were exported to Ecuador, including soybean meal, wheat and other feeds and fodders.

    Staff from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business-to-business meetings, and meet with Argentine and Ecuadorian officials to support U.S. trade priorities and American agricultural producers. The delegation includes representatives from:

    1.     California Almonds – Modesto, Calif.

    2.     USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.

    3.     U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C.

    4.     U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. – Mount Horeb, Wis.

    5.     U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.

    6.     U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.

    7.     U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • USDA Reveals 3-Point Plan to Support U.S. Farmers, Ranchers and Exporters

    Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, has announced an aggressive three-point plan that will support American agricultural producers and exporters.

    “President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair, reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers, and ranchers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Secretary Rollins is focused on expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity. Market promotion support, rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements, and better financing programs will translate to progress in chipping away at the $50 billion agricultural deficit.”

    The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

    America First Trade Promotion Program

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized an additional $285 million per year for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027. USDA will kickstart that program one year early with $285 million in FY26 and launch the American First Trade Promotion Program.

    T.R.U.M.P. Missions (Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers).

    USDA will launch a new model of trade missions — as a supplement the current model — targeting reciprocal trade deal countries and new market access opportunities. The focus of these will be determined country-by-country to maximize high-return, low-risk agricultural export prospects and connect buyers and sellers.

    Revitalize export finance opportunities

    The GSM-102 credit guarantee program is authorized to offset $5.5 billion in market risk for purchasers of American commodities. Currently, the program has only $2 billion in liabilities on its books. USDA will reinvigorate this program to ensure it is best aligned to facilitate American exports to new markets. The GSM-102 program provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products. By reducing financial risk to lenders, credit guarantees encourage exports to buyers in countries that have sufficient financial strength to have foreign exchange available for scheduled payments.

    “Advancing these programs, as supplements to our existing programs, ensures the health, prosperity, and security of rural America, our farmers, ranchers and producers,” said Lindberg. “Restoring the United States to the Golden Age of the American farmer is an exciting journey and will once again culminate in our status as the breadbasket to the world.”