Trade leadership refreshed with 55 experts

Aug 02, 2024
By Farms.com

New trade advisors to shape future US agriculture policy

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai have appointed 55 members to various agricultural trade advisory committees. These appointments, both new and reappointments, are intended to provide expert advice and perspectives on trade policy tailored to the needs of the U.S. agricultural sector.

The advisory system, established by Congressional mandate, includes the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees.

Each plays a critical role in advising on comprehensive trade policies and specific sectoral strategies, respectively. These committees consist of experienced leaders from the agricultural community, ensuring well-rounded and effective policy guidance.

Members are set to contribute until 2028, reflecting the long-term commitment of the USDA and USTR to foster a consultative and inclusive approach to trade policy development. This effort aims to secure a competitive edge for U.S. agriculture in international markets.

Continuous applications for membership highlight the ongoing opportunity for engagement and influence in U.S. trade strategy.

Further information and the full roster of advisory committee members are available on the USDA's official website, showcasing the transparency and proactive approach of this initiative.

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.