ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 24, 2025 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) applauds the Senate Agriculture Committee’s recent advancement of Luke Lindberg’s nomination to become Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. NARA, a long-time cooperator in USDA’s export programs, strongly endorses this nomination given Mr. Lindberg’s proven track record in trade and export promotion.
Lindberg, currently President & CEO of South Dakota Trade and former Chief of Staff and Strategy Officer at th Export-Import Bank, brings extensive experience in opening international markets, especially for agricultural products. As CEO of South Dakota Trade, he helped increase exports from the state’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.
NARA staffers Dana Downing and Amy Moulden — both raised in South Dakota — join the organization’s chorus in support. “We watched Luke drive export growth for South Dakota,” said NARA’s SVP of International Programs Dana Downing. “We’re proud he’ll now help all U.S. producers achieve similar success.”
NARA emphasizes the role of USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD), and Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP)—programs in which NARA has participated for decades — to help American renderers compete globally. For over 50 years, NARA has leveraged these programs to bring U.S. rendered products to key markets worldwide.
“With exports of rendered animal proteins accounting for nearly 30% of U.S. production, these USDA initiatives are vital,” said Kent Swisher, NARA President & CEO. “Luke’s proven ability to expand trade makes him an exceptional choice to lead these efforts at USDA.”
NARA calls on the Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Lindberg, enabling him to continue his championing of U.S. agricultural exports at a critical juncture for our industry.
