On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Michelle Bekkering, Acting Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, joined Nick Papagni to discuss expanding international markets for American agricultural products, new trade agreements and opportunities for California’s specialty crop growers.
Bekkering, who previously served as deputy under secretary alongside Luke Lindberg, explained that her priority is maintaining momentum on USDA’s international trade initiatives while helping American farmers navigate difficult economic conditions.
Growing up on a family farm in northwest Iowa, Bekkering said she understands firsthand the challenges producers face, particularly as rising input costs and international competition continue to affect profitability.
A major focus of the conversation was the agricultural trade deficit.
According to Bekkering, the administration has reduced the U.S. agricultural trade deficit from approximately $50 billion to $25 billion, an improvement she attributed to new trade frameworks and efforts to expand access to foreign markets.
She emphasized that USDA is pursuing opportunities for California commodities, including table grapes, dairy products, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and other specialty crops.
Rather than relying heavily on established trading partners, Bekkering said USDA is working to diversify agricultural exports and develop relationships with emerging markets.
One important tool is the department’s agricultural trade missions, which bring American producers and agricultural businesses directly together with international buyers.
Bekkering described the meetings as “speed dating for trade,” explaining that USDA arranges individual meetings designed to connect exporters with buyers interested in their products.
Upcoming trade missions include Vietnam and Singapore, with eight additional missions planned for 2027.
The interview also explored USDA’s approach to agricultural trade negotiations, including efforts to improve market access in China and expand ethanol exports to Mexico.
Bekkering discussed the administration’s approach to international food assistance, explaining how USDA aims to address global hunger while creating additional demand for American-grown agricultural products.
For California growers facing high production costs, she stressed that USDA recognizes the importance of maintaining premium prices rather than competing solely on cost.
Bekkering encouraged agricultural businesses interested in exporting to explore USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service programs and participate in upcoming trade missions.
The conversation offers an inside look at how USDA is working to develop international demand for California agriculture while supporting producers through ongoing economic challenges.
Hear the full conversation with Michelle Bekkering in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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