U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on June 12 announced that Dr. Julie Callahan will replace Sharon Bomer Lauritsen as the assistant U.S. Trade Representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy. Bomer Lauritsen retired in April.
Dr. Callahan comes to the new role from USTR’s Agricultural Affairs Office, where she focused on strategic engagement in United Nations organizations, EU, U.K., Turkey and Eastern European Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues and agriculture-related Technical Barriers to Trade.
As assistant USTR for agricultural affairs and commodity policy – which Dr. Callahan has served in an acting capacity since Bomer Lauritsen’s April retirement – she will work alongside USTR’s chief agricultural negotiator Gregg Doud.
Her role will include oversight of agricultural trade policy development, work to reduce tariff and nontariff barriers to U.S. agricultural exports, negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs), and work in the World Trade Organization and multilateral organizations on agricultural trade-related issues for USTR.
“Her extensive knowledge and experience make Dr. Callahan a perfect fit for this key position, Lighthizer said in a statement. “As the Trump Administration continues to fight for better access to foreign markets for our farmers and ranchers, her leadership is essential.”
