Trump Nominates Greg Ibach for USDA Trade Under Secretary

President Donald Trump nominated Greg Ibach to serve as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ibach, a former Nebraska agriculture director and former under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, will succeed Luke Lindberg, who was appointed Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised Lindberg's tenure, noting he facilitated $177 billion in exports, established 20 new trade agreements, and reduced the agricultural trade deficit by 51%. Rollins described Ibach as a lifelong producer and proven leader. In addition to the under secretary role, Trump sent nominations to the Senate for Carl Bednarski, John Grunewald II, and James Russell Middleton to serve on the Farm Credit Administration board.

Industry groups, including the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, issued statements welcoming the nomination. Leaders Gregg Doud and Krysta Harden highlighted Ibach's experience as a farmer and his previous USDA tenure as assets for promoting U.S. interests in international markets. Both organizations urged the Senate to ensure a swift confirmation process.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman plans to hold confirmation hearings for Ibach and the Farm Credit Administration nominees when the Senate reconvenes in November.