Interviews
USDA to re-establish agricultural trade advisory committees
21 Mar '07
2 min read
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is accepting nominations to re-establish the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC) and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees for Trade (ATACs).
These committees serve in an advisory capacity to USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative. The private sector advisory system was established by Congress in 1974 to ensure that U.S. trade policy and negotiation objectives reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The system's three tiers consist of the President's Advisory Committee on Trade and Policy Negotiations, five general policy advisory committees (including APAC), and 22 technical advisory committees (including six ATACs).
The APAC provides advice on overall agricultural trade policy objectives and positions prior to entering trade agreements, the operation of trade agreements and other trade matters.
The six ATACs focus on specific commodities, covering trade in:
• animals and animal products
• fruits and vegetables
• grains, feed and oilseeds
• sweeteners and sweetener products
• tobacco, cotton, peanuts and planting seeds
• processed foods
The committees, usually composed of 35 members, represent a cross-section of the food and agriculture industry and must have knowledge of agriculture and trade matters. Committee members must be U.S. citizens, qualify for a security clearance and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses. The committees meet about four times a year.
These committees serve in an advisory capacity to USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative. The private sector advisory system was established by Congress in 1974 to ensure that U.S. trade policy and negotiation objectives reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The system's three tiers consist of the President's Advisory Committee on Trade and Policy Negotiations, five general policy advisory committees (including APAC), and 22 technical advisory committees (including six ATACs).
The APAC provides advice on overall agricultural trade policy objectives and positions prior to entering trade agreements, the operation of trade agreements and other trade matters.
The six ATACs focus on specific commodities, covering trade in:
• animals and animal products
• fruits and vegetables
• grains, feed and oilseeds
• sweeteners and sweetener products
• tobacco, cotton, peanuts and planting seeds
• processed foods
The committees, usually composed of 35 members, represent a cross-section of the food and agriculture industry and must have knowledge of agriculture and trade matters. Committee members must be U.S. citizens, qualify for a security clearance and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses. The committees meet about four times a year.
United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service
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