WASHINGTON – Four additional members have been named to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products, one of six agriculture trade advisory committees.

The new members are Arne Anderson, United Food and Commercial Workers Union; Jalel Aossey, Midamar Corp.; William Westman, American Meat Institute; Douglas Wolf, Wolf L&G Farms LLC.
US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk (USTR) announced the appointments, a total of 16, on June 21. The US Department of Agriculture and the USTR jointly manage the committees.

"USDA and USTR rely on the advice and counsel these committees provide on trade issues," Vilsack said. "With US exports of food and agricultural products expected to reach the second highest level ever this fiscal year, trade contributes substantially to a healthy agricultural economy.

"These new members broaden the spectrum of US agricultural experts that we can consult with on the committees as we formulate our trade strategy," he added. This helps ensure that we provide the best support we can to our farmers, ranchers and related agribusinesses so they can continue their strong exports."

The committees advise and provide information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the USTR on negotiating positions and objectives. The technical advisory committees offer technical advice and information on specific product sectors.

"The addition of these new members will bring important new perspectives to the committees," Kirk said. "The input and advice received from the committee members is critically important as we work to carry out President Obama’s ambitious trade agenda."