ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has applauded the Senate Agriculture Committee’s recent advancement of Luke Lindberg’s nomination to become US Department of Agriculture (USDA) undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. NARA strongly endorses this nomination, given Lindberg’s proven track record in trade and export promotion. 

Lindberg, president and chief executive officer of South Dakota Trade, brings extensive experience in opening international markets, especially for agricultural products, according to NARA. As CEO of South Dakota Trade, he has helped increase exports from the state’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. 

Dana Downing, senior vice president of International Programs for NARA, and Amy Moulden, director of operations and member relations, who were both raised in South Dakota, also joined the organization’s outpour of support.

“We watched Luke drive export growth for South Dakota,” Downing said. “We’re proud he’ll now help all US producers achieve similar success.”

In its message of support, NARA emphasized the role of the USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to help American renderers compete globally. For more than 50 years, NARA has leveraged these programs to bring US rendered products to key markets worldwide. 

“With exports of rendered animal proteins accounting for nearly 30% of US production, these USDA initiatives are vital,” said Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA. “Luke’s proven ability to expand trade makes him an exceptional choice to lead these efforts at USDA.”

NARA has called on the Senate to swiftly confirm Lindberg, enabling him to continue his championing of US agricultural exports at a critical time for the rendering industry.

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