NABC Applauds Nomination of Julie Callahan, Ph.D., as Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Folsom, CA (July 21, 2025) – The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) congratulates Julie Callahan, Ph.D., on her nomination by President Trump to serve as Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). NABC President Kasey Cronquist and Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby issued the following statements in support of her nomination:
“The North American Blueberry Council fully supports Dr. Julie Callahan’s nomination as Chief Agriculture Negotiator. Dr. Callahan is a trusted and accomplished advocate for U.S. farmers. During her time as Assistant USTR for Agricultural Affairs, she played a key role in securing meaningful trade wins for the blueberry industry, including expanded market access and tariff reductions in several priority markets. We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Callahan to reduce barriers to trade and grow global demand for U.S. blueberries.” – Kasey Cronquist, President, North American Blueberry Council
“Dr. Callahan brings exceptional expertise and a clear understanding of agricultural trade policy, including the blueberry industry’s priorities around market access, tariff reduction and the removal of nontariff barriers. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is vital to our industry, and we look forward to working with her as the agreement undergoes reevaluation. Her leadership and insight will be key to ensuring USMCA continues to support fair and open trade for the blueberry industry. We appreciate Dr. Callahan’s commitment to knocking down barriers and creating new opportunities for our growers, and we urge the Senate to confirm her nomination without delay.” – Alyssa Houtby, Director of Government Affairs, North American Blueberry Council and appointee to the USTR-USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables
###