Nominations sought for ag trade advisory committees

The Agriculture Department and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will accept nominations for four-year terms until March 1.    The Agriculture Department, in cooperation with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, is accepting nominations for new members of its agricultural trade advisory committees, USDA announced Monday.
   Nominations received by 5 p.m. March 1 will be considered for the next round of appointments, USDA said.
   “USDA and USTR rely on the agricultural trade advisory committees to provide significant insight into trade issues for the United States. Hearing the diverse views of our agricultural experts helps us formulate trade strategy and keep American exports growing,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue (pictured above) said in a statement. “Committee members serve an invaluable role to help enact trade agreements and trade policies that benefit America’s farmers, ranchers and rural America.”
   Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee advise USDA and USTR on operating existing U.S. trade agreements, negotiating new agreements and other trade policy matters.
   Members of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs) provide technical advice and guidance on trade issues affecting both domestic and foreign production, focusing on trade in animals and animal products; fruits and vegetables; grains, feed, oilseeds and planting seeds; processed foods; sweeteners and sweetener products; and tobacco, cotton and peanuts.
   Committee members 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.