SE Nebraska News

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to Nebraska for a series of visits with local agricultural producers and manufacturers. The agenda included tours of Preferred Popcorn headquarters in Chapman and the Mars Petcare production facility in Aurora. The officials also participated in a listening session at Central Valley Ag in York, focusing on the upcoming 2026 Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Smith emphasized the importance of USMCA for Nebraska’s agriculture sector, stating, "Mexico and Canada are Nebraska’s most significant agriculture export markets, and USMCA plays a vital role, ensuring our farmers and ranchers have a level playing field. As the Trump administration gathers stakeholder feedback, input from our producers is critical to ensure a successful review process. I thank Under Secretary Lindberg, who has been a fierce advocate for American agriculture both at home and abroad, for taking the time to hear from Nebraskans."

Under Secretary Lindberg recognized Nebraska's contributions to global agriculture: "Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse, and their products are in high demand around the world," he said. "I’d like to thank Chairman Smith, Governor Pillen, and Director Vinton for hosting me today and showcasing some of the incredible agricultural products being made, grown, and raised in Nebraska and delivered around the globe."

Adrian Smith has represented Nebraska’s 3rd district in Congress since 2007 after serving in the Nebraska Legislature from 1999 to 2007. He was born in Scottsbluff in 1970 and currently resides in Gering. Smith earned his BA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1993.