12 • November / December 2026• abasto.com •NEWS BY VIOLETA MONTES DE OCA A s part of the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and its leading role at the 2026 Ame- ricas Food and Beverage Conference, USDA Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg spoke exclusively with Abasto Media during the trade show held in Miami from Septem- ber 14 to 16, 2026. Discover how the U.S. government is prioritizing the Western Hemisphere, strengthening supply chains, and opening new opportunities for the agri-food sector across Latin America and the Caribbean. Abasto: What concrete trade outcomes is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prioritizing across Latin America this week? Luke Lindberg: Throughout the 250-year history of the United States, the family farm has been a fundamental part of American culture. I live in South Dakota, where we have everything from corn and soybean farms on the Great Plains to cow-calf operations where buffalo roam. It is part of our cultural heritage. So, recognizing that at the show as part of our 250th-anniversary celebration is truly incredible. However, I think we are witnessing tremendous growth across Latin America, the Caribbean, and South Ameri- ca. The U.S. government has made a concerted effort to prioritize the Western Hemisphere. Over the past year, I have been to Ecuador and Guatemala, as well as Venezue- la, Argentina, El Salvador, and Mexico, to help prioritize and find ways to secure a place at the table for everyone’s dinner in these countries. This spans a wide variety of products. We are seeing strong poultry sales in the region; our beef exports are re- bounding strongly; and we have also seen extraordinary dairy exports to the region. Then you have bulk commo- dities like corn and soy, which are often used to feed lives- tock in the region and for other purposes. Trade flows in both directions; I benefit from it myself every morning when I enjoy a good cup of coffee. The United States Strengthens Its Agri-Food Alliance with Latin America and the Caribbean FROM FARM TO TABLE • Sigue en la pág. 14