NABC Applauds Appointment of Julie Callahan, Ph.D., as Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Folsom, CA (Dec. 19, 2025) – The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) congratulates Julie Callahan, Ph.D., on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as Chief Agriculture Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). NABC President Kasey Cronquist and Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy Alyssa Houtby issued the following statements:
“The North American Blueberry Council congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as Chief Agriculture Negotiator. Dr. Callahan brings exceptional expertise and a deep understanding of agricultural trade policy, including the blueberry industry’s priorities related to market access, tariff reduction and the removal of nontariff barriers. 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 is a trusted and accomplished advocate for U.S. farmers. During her tenure 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 appreciate Dr. Callahan’s commitment to breaking down trade barriers and creating new opportunities for our growers, and we look forward to working with her to ensure U.S. trade policies support the long-term success of the blueberry industry.” – Alyssa Houtby, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy, NABC and appointee to the USTR-USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade for Fruits and Vegetables
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About the North American Blueberry Council
Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more at nabcblues.org.