Ambassador Lynda Blanchard Highlights UN Work, U.S. Farmers
Montgomery native Blanchard, U.S. Ambassador to UN Food and Agriculture agencies focuses on aid, support for U.S. farmers in new Instagram spot
Lynda “Lindy” Blanchard, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture and the World Food Programme is featured in a new video from the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Rome, Italy.
In the Instagram video, Blanchard says:
“I have seen the effects of crisis.
‘Hunger threatens our national security, children suffering, lives lost. Who will answer the call for help?
‘We will.
“The United States is the world's largest provider of food assistance. Under President Trump, we are spending US taxpayer dollars more efficiently.
“We are buying from American farmers to feed the world, and we are continuing to save lives through America first leadership.
“My name is Lynda Blanchard, US Ambassador to the World Food Program and Food and Agriculture Organization, and we are just getting started.”
The video also features a brief quote from President Trump, saying “We love our farmers, and they're the backbone of our country.”
Blanchard’s role places her in Rome to lead U.S. engagement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme and related global efforts to fight hunger and strengthen agriculture.
Blanchard’s confirmation came Oct. 7, 2025, in a party-line 51–49 Senate vote that approved her nomination along with 106 other Trump administration appointees.
A graduate of Auburn University and a successful business leader in real estate, Blanchard previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia under President Trump from 2019 to 2021. She also ran for Alabama Governor in 2022, finishing second in the Republican primary.
In her confirmation remarks issued at the time of her nomination, Blanchard said she was “pleased and honored to be called by President Trump to serve in his administration for a second time.” She stressed the urgency of global food and water needs, noting, “There’s nothing more basic than that. There are over forty nations worldwide that are at risk for starvation and malnutrition, and I hope I can do my own small part towards bringing that number down.”
Blanchard’s current posting makes her the Chief U.S. Representative to Rome-based agencies that coordinate international efforts to improve food security and agricultural development. The FAO, with 195 member states, works in over 130 countries to strengthen food systems, nutrition and sustainable use of water, land and fisheries.
At Blanchard’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in July 2025, Senator Katie Britt introduced her to lawmakers and highlighted her global experience. Britt said Blanchard’s record showed a commitment to elevating communities both domestically and abroad. “She has a record of bringing sustainable change through education, health, anti-hunger initiatives, you name it,” Britt said, adding that Blanchard was prepared to “strengthen international efforts to address food security and advance agricultural development.”
Blanchard’s diplomatic service underscores Alabama’s growing footprint in federal affairs and the administration’s focus on addressing global hunger and agricultural challenges. As Ambassador, she is helping to shape U.S. strategy and partnerships on some of the world’s most pressing food security issues.
The Instagram spot may be seen at THIS LINK or below:
