Agricultural News
Oklahoman Named to USDA Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee
Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:50:12 CDT
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today announced the appointment of 148 private-sector members to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs).
Oklahoman Harvey Schroeder, executive director of the Oklahoma Cotton Council and member of American Farmers and Ranchers and Oklahoma Farmers Union, was appointed to serve and represent the state on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee on Tobacco, Cotton, and Peanuts. Schroeder was the only Oklahoma representative selected for any of the advisory committees.
"With U.S. agricultural exports reaching record highs as our farmers and ranchers bring the American brand to more of the world consumers, agricultural trade is demonstrating once again its vital role in the health of our nation's economy," said Vilsack. "Members of these seven committees understand the importance of open markets to the U.S. economy. By serving on these committees, they have the opportunity to provide their expertise and knowledge to deliberations that influence U.S. trade policy, ultimately helping to grow, innovate and out-compete the rest of the world."
"These appointments are an important step in the Obama Administration's ongoing efforts to expand trade and bring new opportunities to America's farmers and ranchers, as well as the businesses and workers they support," said Ambassador Kirk. "Agricultural exports are a critical component of America's economy, and the input and advice these individuals will provide in the coming years will be indispensible in helping to identify and capitalize on new and emerging trade opportunities."
Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure a private-sector voice in establishing U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives to reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative jointly manage the committees.
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson was appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee saying, "This is a tremendous honor, and ensures that family farmers and ranchers will have a voice at the table when it comes to trade issues."
"Trade is very important to agriculture and agriculture is important to U.S. trade, being one of the few sectors to routinely post a trade surplus in the face of a very large U.S. trade deficit. U.S. trade considerations need to include the impacts of trade surpluses and deficits, said Johnson. "We also need to consider the impact on hunger, human rights, the environment, and development goals around the world. Too often our trade policies discount these other important international goals."
The APAC provides advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on negotiating objectives, positions and other matters related to the development, implementation and administration of U.S. agricultural trade policy. The ATACs offer technical advice and information on specific commodities.
The six ATACs are: Animals and Animal Products, Fruits and Vegetables, Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds, Processed Foods, Sweeteners and Sweetener Products, and Tobacco, Cotton and Peanuts.
This initial group of committee members will serve until June 9, 2015. They will be supplemented by additional appointments over the next four years. Applications are encouraged at any time and will be reviewed periodically for additional appointments going forward. Questions may be directed to Steffon Brown at 202-720-6219 or via e-mail to Steffon.Brown@fas.usda.gov
The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is listed below. Click here to see a complete listing of the six different agricultural advisory committees.
Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee
Laura Batcha - Organic Trade Association
Jon Caspers - Pig Farmer
Nancy Cook - Pet Food Institute
Marsha Echols - World Food Law Institute
Audrae Erickson - Corn Refiners Association
Hezekiah Gibson - United Farmers USA, Inc.
Thomas Hammer - National Oilseed Processors Association
Shannon Herzfeld - Archer Daniels Midland
Leonard Johnson - National Farmers Union
Peter Kappelman - Meadow Brook Dairy Farms
Alan Kemper - Kemper Farms
Robert Koch - The Wine Institute
Robert Litterer - Litterer Farmers
Rik Miller - DuPont Crop Protection
Brenda Morris - Morris Farms
Daniel Moss - Moss Farms Partnership
Gary Murphy - U.S. Rice Producers Association
Thomas Nassif - Western Growers Association
Forrest Roberts - National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Christian Schlect - Northwest Horticultural Council
Philip Seng - U.S. Meat Export Federation
Michael Stuart - Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
James Sumner - USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
Alan Tracy - U.S. Wheat Associates
Larry Wooten - North Carolina Farm Bureau
Michael Wootton - Sunkist Growers
Van Yeutter - Cargill
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