Washington, DC
March 20, 2007
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
today 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.
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. Forms may also be
requested by telephone at 202-720-6219, or e-mail to
Michelle.Moore@fas.usda.gov.
Nominations must be received by April 13, 2007, in the Office of
Negotiations and Agreements, Mail Stop 1048, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-1048.
For further information, contact Michelle Moore in the Office of
Negotiations and Agreements by e-mail:
Michelle.Moore@fas.usda.gov; or telephone (202) 720-6219; or
fax (202) 720-0340. |
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