From the USDA to the United Nations: Under Secretary Luke Lindberg on Trade, Policy and Feeding the World

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Luke Lindberg, former USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and incoming executive director for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). In his role with USDA, Lindberg worked alongside Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to expand market access, strengthen American agriculture’s competitiveness and reduce our nation’s agricultural trade deficit. Cronquist and Lindberg have traveled together on USDA agricultural trade missions to Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

“I’ve been really fortunate to be able to, in this position, represent what I think is one of been the most fun constituents to ever work with, which is America’s farmers and ranchers and growers all around the country.” – Luke Lindberg

 Topics covered include: 

• An introduction to Lindberg and his efforts at USDA. 
• The impact of U.S. trade negotiations and agreements, and how they directly affect American farmers.
• The connections between food security and national security.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you’ll hear from Liczy Sotomayor in Mexico. This was recorded on Oct. 15, 2026.