IFPA Congratulates USDA Undersecretary Nominees

January 17, 2025

Washington, DC – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) applauds President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees for key USDA undersecretary roles.

The nominees include Judge Stephen Vaden for USDA Deputy Secretary, Richard Fordyce for Agriculture Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Dudley Hoskins for Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Luke Lindberg for Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and Michael Boren for Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

“Stephen Vaden, Richard Fordyce, Dudley Hoskins, Luke Lindberg, and Michael Boren each bring a wealth of experience and dedication to agriculture that will strengthen the fresh produce industry and advance U.S. agriculture,” said IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, Rebeckah Adcock. “IFPA looks forward to working with these exceptional leaders to address the fresh produce industry’s priorities, including bolstering markets for fresh produce and floral, fostering innovation and prosperity for growers, and ensuring access to fresh and healthy produce for all Americans. We are eager to collaborate with USDA to strengthen agriculture and drive progress for growers, suppliers, and consumers.”

Each nominee boasts a distinguished background that will benefit U.S. agriculture:

Vaden is a judge on the Court of International Trade and served as general counsel for USDA during President-elect Donald Trump's first administration. He served at two major Washington law firms, Jones Day and Patton Boggs, before joining USDA.
Richard Fordyce is a fourth-generation soy, corn, and beef cattle farmer with extensive leadership experience, including his roles as Farm Service Agency Administrator and Missouri Director of Agriculture.
Dudley Hoskins currently serves as counsel for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. A longtime friend of fresh during his previous tenure at USDA during Trump’s first term that included roles as Chief of Staff for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Senior Advisor to the Secretary.
Luke Lindberg brings trade expertise from his tenure as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank. Currently President and CEO of South Dakota Trade, Lindberg also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of District Export Councils.
Michael Boren, a successful entrepreneur and founder of six companies, has also contributed to natural resource management as a board member of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. His expertise in environmental sustainability and forest management will be critical for advancing agriculture’s environmental priorities.

IFPA is eager to engage with these leaders to drive meaningful progress for the fresh produce industry and the broader agricultural sector.

IFPA Congratulates USDA Undersecretary Nominees

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