USDA Seeks New Trade Advisory Committee Members

USDA is seeking new members for its trade advisory committees. Members of these committees provide advice to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative based on their experience in international trade. The committees are consulted regularly regarding ongoing negotiations, implementation of existing agreements, and other issues that arise related to international trade. By serving on one of these committees, members have the opportunity to contribute their expertise and knowledge to government deliberations that influence U.S. trade policies. The vital role that agricultural trade plays in the health of our economy makes members’ advice and input all the more important. USDA is committed to diversity and, therefore, encourages nominations of qualified women, minorities, and people with disabilities. This ensures that the recommendations of the Committee take into account the needs of the diverse groups USDA serves. Nominations are accepted at any time and appointments will be made periodically; generally for a period of four years. Please go to http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/apac-atacs/advisorycommittees.asp for more information on membership criteria and nomination procedures. Questions may be directed to Steffon Brown or Bob Spitzer at 202-720-6219 or via email to Steffon.Brown@fas.usda.gov or Bob.Spitzer@fas.usda.gov.

The following individuals currently represent the pork and beef industries on the Animal and Animal Products ATAC:

Pork

• Jill Appell, Appell’s Pork Farms, Inc., Altona, IL
• Don Butler, Murphy-Brown LLC, Warsaw, NC
• Michael Lemmon, Whiteshire Hamroc, LLC, Albion, IN

Beef

• Ed Blair, Blair Brothers Angus, Vale, SD
• Steve Foglesong, Black Gold Ranch & Feedlot, Vermont, IL
• Luisa Jaca, Jaca Livestock, Nampa, ID
• James McCan, McFaddin Enterprises, Victoria, TX

Packers and Exporters

• Duane Rhodes, Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, AR
• Hal Shenson, Nature's SunGrown Foods, Inc., San Rafael, CA

Industry Associations

• Errol Rice, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Inc., Lower Level Helena, MT
• Thad Lively, U.S. Meat Export Federation, Denver, CO