USDA seeking nominations for agricultural trade advisory committees

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in cooperation with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), is accepting nominations for new members to serve on its agricultural trade advisory committees.

Nominations received by Friday, March 1, 2019, will be considered for the next round of appointments.

“With around 20 percent of farm income derived from exports, it is critical that we get advice from the American food and agriculture community to ensure we are negotiating the best deals possible,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “Our farmers, ranchers and food manufacturers and workers can compete against anyone in overseas markets, and input from our stakeholders can help guide President Trump’s trade strategy in opening these markets.”

Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) advise USDA and USTR on operating existing U.S. trade agreements, on negotiating new agreements, and on other trade policy matters. Members of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs) represent specific commodity sectors and provide technical advice and guidance on trade issues that affect both domestic and foreign production. The six ATACs focus on trade in:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Animals and animal products
• Grains, feed, oilseeds and planting seeds
• Processed foods
• Sweeteners and sweetener products
• Tobacco, cotton and peanuts

Matt Harris of the Washington State Potato Commission served on the most-recent ATAC for Trade in Fruits & Vegetables committee.

Committee members represent a cross section of U.S. food and agricultural stakeholders and must have knowledge of agriculture and trade matters. Committee members, who serve four-year terms, must be U.S. citizens, qualify for a security clearance, and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses. The committees generally meet in Washington, D.C., at least twice a year.

Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2019. Nominations received after that date will be considered for future appointments as appropriate to maintain staggered terms.

All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, complete package to:

Sonny Perdue
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Attn: APAC/ATACs
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-1001

Courtesy electronic copies of the nomination materials should be sent to ATACs@fas.usda.gov.

For additional information, including application instructions and forms, visit www.fas.usda.gov/ATACs or e-mail ATACs@fas.usda.gov.