The Pet Food Institute (PFI) congratulated Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
Callahan will oversee agricultural trade policy development and work to reduce tariff and nontariff barriers to U.S. agricultural exports, including pet food. PFI noted U.S. pet food exports exceeded US$2.53 billion in 2024 and reached more than 90 countries.
Callahan will serve as the assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy, promoting interests of U.S. farmers, ranchers and food manufacturers. She previously served as deputy assistant U.S. trade representative and senior director in the USTR agriculture office.
"PFI looks forward to working alongside Dr. Callahan to maintain strong international market access and support continued growth for exports of U.S. pet food, which is predominantly made with ingredients from American farms," said Dana Brooks, PFI's president and CEO. "With exports exceeding $2.53 billion in 2024 and reaching more than 90 countries, Dr. Callahan's extensive agricultural trade expertise will be essential as the U.S. pet food industry continues its global expansion."
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) also applauded the Senate confirmation of Callahan.
“The AFIA extends a warm congratulations to Julie Callahan on her confirmation,” said AFIA’s president and CEO Constance Cullman. “She is a problem-solver and communicator with key relationships across the Hill, the administration and the world. Dr. Callahan will be a strong advocate for the U.S. agricultural sector and we look forward to working with her to establish new markets for American animal food manufacturers.”
Before joining USTR, Callahan held senior leadership positions in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where she aligned FDA analytical and policy approaches to resolve regulatory issues in international trade. She also served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service and at the American Chemical Society.
AFIA noted Callahan has been strong voice for American agriculture throughout her time in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and the last several years at the USTR, serving as assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs. The AFIA looks forward to continued collaboration with Callahan on international policy that will serve AFIA members and the greater feed and pet food industry, added Cullman.
