USDA trade mission targets agricultural opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg has completed a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand aimed at expanding opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses. The mission included more than 60 U.S. businesses, 11 state departments of agriculture, and 15 industry organizations.

Key objectives included discussing market access for U.S. blueberries in New Zealand, apples in Australia, and American pork. Lindberg noted that differing growing seasons in these regions create complementary markets for fresh produce. The mission also involved over 150 business-to-business meetings and discussions regarding the mutual recognition of organic certifications.

This initiative is part of a broader USDA strategy to diversify export markets and reduce U.S. agricultural dependence on a limited number of major trading partners, with Lindberg identifying Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam, as a high-potential region for future growth.