Applicants sought for Southeast U.S. trade advisory committee

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is accepting applications for a new trade advisory committee called the Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.

The committee was formed to make recommendations to the USTR and the USDA in connection with U.S. trade policy that concerns administrative actions and legislation that would promote the competitiveness of Southeastern U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable agricultural products, according to a Federal Register notice.

USTR is accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving a four-year term as a committee member.

The U.S. trade representative and agriculture secretary jointly appoint up to 25 members who represent the views and interests of Southeast U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable agricultural products, according to the notice.

In addition to general trade, investment and development issues, members must have expertise in areas such as:

• Growing and selling seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.
• Understanding the needs and market dynamics affecting producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables in the Southeastern U.S.
• Understanding the existing state and federal support programs and resources for producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.
• Developing and presenting actionable recommendations to U.S. government officials.

To ensure that the committee is broadly representative, USTR and USDA will consider qualified representatives of key sectors and groups of the economy with an interest in seasonal and perishable produce within the Southeastern U.S., the notice said.

The U.S. trade representative and agriculture secretary appoint members jointly, and members serve at their discretion. Members serve for a term of up to four years or until the committee is scheduled to expire. Individuals may be reappointed for any number of terms, the notice said.

For more information, contact the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement at mbx.ustr.iape@ustr.eop.gov.