USDA and USTR seek applicants for agricultural trade advisory committees

The USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are now accepting applications for new members to serve on agricultural trade advisory committees.

Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee provide advice to the administration on the implementation and enforcement of existing U.S. trade agreements, negotiation of new agreements, and other trade policy matters.

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Members of the six agricultural technical advisory committees, or ATACs, provide technical advice and recommendations on international trade issues that affect specific agricultural commodity sectors. The ATACs focus on trade in:

• Animals and animal products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grains, feed, oilseeds, and planting seeds
• Processed foods
• Sweeteners and sweetener products
• Tobacco, cotton, peanuts and hemp

Applicants must have expertise in U.S. agriculture and experience in international trade to be considered for committee membership. Committee members serve four-year terms and represent a cross-section of U.S. food and agricultural stakeholders. Committee members must be U.S. citizens, qualify for a security clearance, and be willing to serve without compensation for time, travel, or expenses. The committees hold frequent video or teleconference calls and generally meet in Washington, D.C., twice a year.

Application instructions are available online. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2024. Any applications received after the deadline will be considered for future appointments, as appropriate.