USDA, USTR Seek New Members for Trade Advisory Committees

The USDA and U.S. Trade Representative’s Office are accepting nominations for new members to serve on its agricultural trade advisory committees.

Announced Monday, nominations received by Friday, March 1, 2019, will be considered for the next round of appointments.  Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer says farmer input on the panels can “help guide President Trump’s trade strategy” in opening markets for U.S. agriculture through ongoing trade negotiations.  Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee 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 represent specific commodity sectors and provide technical advice and guidance on trade issues that affect both domestic and foreign production. 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.

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