Blanchard Appointed Ambassador to UN Food & Agriculture Organization

Alabama native Lynda Blanchard (Lindy) has been appointed by President Trump as the American Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). When confirmed, she will be serving at the Organization’s central headquarters in Rome, Italy.

President Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform Friday evening.

Blanchard served as Ambassador to Slovenia during the President's first term. When asked about her new appointment, Blanchard said:

“I’m pleased and honored to be called by President Trump to serve in his administration for a second time. As the American Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, I’ll be working with our UN partners to improve the world’s food supplies and access to clean water. 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. 

“I appreciate the vote of confidence that President Trump has given me with this nomination, and when I’m confirmed I’ll be doing my best to carry out his policies in support of the FAO’s mission of food security for all.”

The FAO is a specialized agency of the UN tasked with leading international efforts to improve food security and nutrition and alleviate hunger. As part of this mission, it works with governments and agencies to improve and develop forestry, fisheries and water resources. At present, it has 195 members, 194 countries and the EU. Its motto is “fiat panis”—“let there be bread.” It was founded in 1945, and currently works in 130 countries worldwide.

Blanchard has previously not only been Ambassador to Slovenia, but also ran for Governor in 2022. Prior to entering public service, she and her husband John built a successful real estate business in Montgomery. A graduate of Auburn University, she and her family live in Montgomery.