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"USDA and the US Trade Representative rely heavily on the individuals who serve on these committees to provide their expert advice on US trade policy and priorities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They will be an invaluable asset as we work to deliver economic and strategic trade benefits and opportunities to America's farmers and ranchers as we work toward doubling US exports as part of the President's National Export Initiative."
The private sector advisory system was established by Congress in 1974 to ensure that US trade policy and negotiation objectives reflect US 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, oilseeds and planting seeds; processed foods; sweeteners and sweetener products; and tobacco, cotton and peanuts.
Usually composed of 35 members, the committees represent a cross-section of the food and agriculture industry and must have knowledge of agriculture and trade matters. Committee members must be US citizens, qualify for a security clearance and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses.
Nominations for any of the committees must include a current resume and AD-755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information), available on the internet at http://www.fas.usda.gov/admin/ad755.pdf. In addition, FAS encourages the submission of the optional form AD-1086 (Applicant for Advisory Committees Supplemental Sheet), available on the internet at www.fas.usda.gov/admin/ad1086.pdf.
Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Dec. 17, in the Office of Negotiations and Agreements, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, Room 4133-S, Mail Stop 1040, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-1040.
