WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh’s President and CEO, Tom Stenzel, along with Senior Vice President, Food Safety and Technology, Dave Gombas, Ph.D. and Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Robert Guenther, have been appointed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to serve on federal agriculture advisory committees.
Stenzel is one of 34 members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) that will advise the Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative on the administration of trade policy, including the enforcement of existing trade agreements and negotiating objectives for new trade pacts. Guenther serves on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables – one of six technical committees that provide counsel on specific commodities and products. Gombas is a member of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, which provides impartial, scientific advice to federal food safety agencies.
Noting that international sales of American farm and food exports over the last six years were the strongest in history – totaling $771.7 billion – Vilsack considers committee appointees “an invaluable asset representing one of the most important sectors to America’s export economy, whose expertise and knowledge will be relied upon to bring home the best possible trade deals.”
In addition, representatives from several United Fresh Produce Association member organizations have been named to USDA’s advisory committees on trade policy, fruits and vegetables, and grains, including:
Almond Board of California
Julie Adams
California Avocado Commission
Ken Melban
California Citrus Mutual
Joel Nelsen
California Citrus Quality Council
James Cranney, Jr.
California Fresh Fruit Association
Marcy Martin
CoBank, ACB
Karen Lowe
Earthbound Farm
John Foster
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
Michael Stuart
Florida Tomato Exchange
Reginald Brown
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Larry Wooten
Northwest Horticultural Council
Christian Schlect
Sunkist Growers
Rayne Thompson
Texas Citrus Mutual
Dale Murden
Washington State Potato Commission
Matt Harris
Western Growers Association
Tom Nassif
Established by Congress in 1974, the committees ensure that the private-sector has a voice in the development of agricultural trade policy objectives that reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. Appointee terms last until June 15, 2019.
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About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.
We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite out industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
