Stenzel is one of 34 members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) that will advise the Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative on the administration of trade policy, including the enforcement of existing trade agreements and negotiating objectives for new trade pacts. Guenther serves on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables – one of six technical committees that provide counsel on specific commodities and products. Gombas is a member of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, which provides impartial, scientific advice to federal food safety agencies.
Noting that international sales of American farm and food exports over the last six years were the strongest in history – totaling $771.7 billion – Vilsack considers committee appointees “an invaluable asset representing one of the most important sectors to America’s export economy, whose expertise and knowledge will be relied upon to bring home the best possible trade deals.”
In addition, representatives from several United Fresh Produce Association member organizations have been named to USDA’s advisory committees on trade policy, fruits and vegetables, and grains:
- Almond Board of California- Julie Adams
- California Avocado Commission- Ken Melban
- California Citrus Mutual- Joel Nelsen
- California Citrus Quality Council- James Cranney, Jr.
- California Fresh Fruit Association- Marcy Martin
- CoBank, ACB- Karen Lowe
- Earthbound Farm- John Foster
- Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association- Michael Stuart
- Florida Tomato Exchange- Reginald Brown
- North Carolina Farm Bureau- Larry Wooten
- Northwest Horticultural Council- Christian Schlect
- Sunkist Growers- Rayne Thompson
- Texas Citrus Mutual- Dale Murden
- Washington State Potato Commission- Matt Harris
- Western Growers Association- Tom Nassif
Established by Congress in 1974, the committees ensure that the private-sector has a voice in the development of agricultural trade policy objectives that reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. Appointee terms last until June 15, 2019.
For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org