USDA, USTR seek trade advisory committee members for Southeast U.S. seasonal ag

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA are taking nominations for members of a new trade advisory group known as the Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.

The committee will provide advice and 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.

The notice said the USTR and the USDA will jointly appoint up to 25 members who represent the views and interests of Southeast U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable agricultural products.

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, the notice said that 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.

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

For more information, contact Ethan Holmes, director for private sector engagement, at Ethan.M.Holmes@ustr.eop.gov or 202-881–9185.