The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai have announced the appointment or reappointment of 53 members to seven agricultural trade advisory committees. These appointments, effective until December 2028, reinforce the USDA commitment to engaging agricultural stakeholders in shaping U.S. trade policy.
Key points of the announcement include:
The advisory committee system, established by Congress in 1974, ensures U.S. agricultural stakeholders have input on trade policy and negotiating objectives.
The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee comprises senior representatives from the U.S. agricultural community, while six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees offer sector-specific guidance.
Appointees represent a diverse range of agricultural interests, including major commodity groups, industry associations, and academic institutions.
Notable appointments include John Bode from the Corn Refiners Association, Julie Anna Potts from the Meat Institute, and William "Colin" Woodall from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee.
Technical committees cover areas such as animals and animal products, fruits and vegetables, grains and oilseeds, processed foods, sweeteners, and tobacco, cotton, peanuts, and hemp.
This appointment process underscores the importance of agricultural trade to the U.S. economy.
