WASHINGTON, July 21, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $349 million in funding for 15 rural electric infrastructure projects to build or improve more than 1,844 miles of transmission and distribution lines for rural electric cooperatives and utilities in 13 states.

"Eighty years ago, USDA took on the challenge of bringing power to rural America and it helped make this the greatest, most productive country on Earth," said Vilsack. "Today we are continuing that commitment by investing in the next generation of power transmission - smart grid technology - to make our electric system more reliable, efficient and effective. Upgrading the electric grid will not only improve reliability and better manage costs, but it will also bring jobs and increased economic opportunities, helping to build a sustainable and dynamic future for rural residents and businesses."

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Electric Program, which makes insured loans and loan guarantees to non-profit and cooperative associations, public bodies and other utilities. The loans primarily finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas.

For example, the Macon Electric Cooperative in Missouri has been selected to receive a $15.2 million loan to build or improve 51 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $2 million for smart grid projects.

The Douglas Electric Cooperative, Inc. in South Dakota is receiving $1.3 million to build and improve 15 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $270,000 for smart grid projects.

The Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative will receive a $25.5 million loan to build or improve 171 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $2 million for smart grid projects and $222,000 for service to Native Americans.

The total of $349 million in electric loans includes a $44 million loan to Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative announced by Vilsack on July 17.

Smart grid increases the reliability of electric power by helping utilities better manage the electric grid to improve operational efficiencies. It includes metering, substation automation, computer applications, two-way communications, geospatial information systems, and other system improvements.

USDA has been committed to improving production and transmission of electricity for rural America since the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935. In 2014 alone, USDA's Rural Utilities Service awarded $2.7 billion in electric loans. These loans helped 4.6 million rural residents receive improved electric service.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

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Science-based technology provides users greater customizing to help reach and sustain a healthy weight

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have partnered to add the NIH Body Weight Planner to USDA's SuperTracker online tool as a goal-setting resource to help people achieve and stay at a healthy weight. Created in 2011, the SuperTracker tool empowers people to build a healthier diet, manage weight, and reduce risk of chronic disease. Users can determine what and how much to eat; track foods, physical activities, and weight; and personalize with goal setting, virtual coaching, and journaling. With science-based technology drawing on years of research, the Body Weight Planner will enable SuperTracker's more than 5.5 million registered users to tailor their plans to reach a goal weight during a specific timeframe, and maintain that weight afterward.

The math model behind the Body Weight Planner, an online tool published by NIH in 2011, was created to accurately forecast how body weight changes when people alter their diet and exercise habits. This capability was validated using data from multiple controlled studies in people.

"We originally intended the Body Weight Planner as a research tool, but so many people wanted to use it for their own weight management that we knew we needed to adapt it with more information about how to achieve a healthy lifestyle," said Kevin Hall, Ph.D., who led creation of the Planner and is a senior investigator at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the NIH. "The Planner is a natural fit within the SuperTracker as it lets people accurately determine how many calories and how much exercise is needed to meet their personal weight-management goals."

The Planner's calculations reflect the discovery that the widely accepted paradigm that reducing 3,500 calories will shed one pound of weight does not account for slowing of metabolism as people change their diet and physical activities. More recently, the math model was further validated using data from a two-year calorie restriction study of 140 people. With those data, Hall and colleagues showed the model can also provide accurate measurements of calorie intake changes by tracking people's weight. Researchers are examining how to apply this method for public use.

"We are pleased to offer a variety of interactive tools to support Americans in making healthy lifestyle changes," said Angie Tagtow, executive director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which created and manages SuperTracker. "The NIH Body Weight Planner helps consumers make a plan to reach their goals on their timeline, and SuperTracker helps them achieve it."

More than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent complications related to overweight and obesity such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death.

"NIH's collaboration with USDA allows the public to quickly reap the benefits of the latest medical research results," said NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D. "Sharing resources and expertise lets us get out important information as efficiently as possible, empowering people to take charge of their weight and their health."

The NIDDK, a component of the NIH, conducts and supports research on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutrition and obesity; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases. Spanning the full spectrum of medicine and afflicting people of all ages and ethnic groups, these diseases encompass some of the most common, severe and disabling conditions affecting Americans. For more information about the NIDDK and its programs, see www.niddk.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

About the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, part of USDA's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services mission area, works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

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$44 Million Loan Includes Investment in Smart Grid Technology

WILTON, Iowa, July 17, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative's headquarters in Wilton, Iowa, today to announce a $44 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) electric loan that will help improve nearly 350 miles of electric distribution lines throughout eastern Iowa.

The $44 million loan to Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative is the largest electric distribution loan ever issued by USDA's Rural Utilities Services in Iowa. It will assist the electric cooperative with implementing its four-year construction and system-improvement plan.

The loan includes $580,000 in smart-grid technology and other improvements such as the installation of automated substation re-closers, or large circuit breakers that can be controlled remotely to turn off power during storms, new advanced metering infrastructure for system users and 60 new substation control buildings to protect the new equipment and technologies.

More than $5.3 million of the loan will be used to improve electric lines that were damaged during historic ice storms impacting eastern Iowa from 2007 to 2009. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assisted Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative with the recovery and restoration of electric services immediately following the storms. The cooperative is using USDA's electric loan program to complete additional upgrades to electric lines to help protect them against future storm damages.

"Eighty years ago, USDA took on the challenge of bringing power to rural America and it helped make this the greatest, most productive country on Earth," said Vilsack. "Today we are continuing that commitment by investing in the next generation of power transmission - smart grid technology - to make our electric system more reliable, efficient and effective. Upgrading the electric grid will not only improve reliability and better manage costs, but it will also bring jobs and increased economic opportunities, helping to build a sustainable and dynamic future for communities in Eastern Iowa."

Eastern Iowa Light and Power Cooperative provides power to nearly 19,000 homes, farms and businesses in Cedar, Clinton, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties, as well as portions of Des Moines, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties.

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Electric Program, which makes insured loans and loan guarantees to non-profit and cooperative associations, public bodies and other utilities. The loans primarily finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas.

Smart grid increases the reliability of electric power by helping utilities better manage the electric grid to improve operational efficiencies. It includes metering, substation automation, computer applications, two-way communications, geospatial information systems, and other system improvements.

USDA has been committed to improving production and transmission of electricity for rural America since the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935. In 2014 alone, USDA's Rural Utilities Service awarded $2.7 billion in electric loans. These loans helped 4.6 million rural residents receive improved electric service.

Since 2009, nearly $31 billion in USDA electric loans have helped improve and modernize rural electric infrastructure that serves more than 8.6 million rural residents and businesses including168,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines across the nation, and 9,348 miles in Iowa.

In addition, USDA has made strategic investments in renewable energy, smart grid technology and air quality improvement technologies.

For an idea of the scale of these investments, consider this: The 350 miles of repaired line in eastern Iowa announced today would more than stretch from one end of Iowa to the other and the more than nine thousand miles of line that USDA has invested in since 2009 would encircle the state more than nine times.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

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Updated Memorandum of Understanding strengthens research and data sharing, promotes STEM and agriculture to younger generations

MOFFETT FIELD, California, July 16, 2015–Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman today announced an expanded partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) designed to better protect America's working lands, predict and prevent natural disasters, and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and agriculture.

"Space is a unique laboratory that can be a gateway to solving some of the greatest agricultural challenges of our time," says Deputy Secretary Harden. "This partnership is a powerful opportunity for USDA and NASA to yield new tools and techniques to help farmers and ranchers as they deal with the ongoing impacts of climate change and drought. Perhaps most importantly, this partnership will expose more young people to the power of science and innovation to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges."

"There are many areas where NASA and USDA have overlapping interests," said NASA's Deputy Administrator Dava Newman. "We can now better coordinate and build on the resources of both NASA and the USDA to help learn more about our planet's vital resources and inspire the next generation to become better stewards of our planet."

Among other things, the agreement will expand cooperation on space-borne remote sensing efforts to gather soil moisture data. One potential outcome of the expanded partnership between USDA and NASA could be using satellite data to create a series of soil moisture maps for California that could be used to improve weather and water availability forecasting and provide a drought early-warning system to producers, particularly in California.

Under the new agreement, USDA now has expanded access to data from NASA satellites that will help Forest Service fire fighters and first responders better detect wildfires and predict their behavior. USDA and the Department of the Interior have spent nearly $1.5 billion annually over the past decade on wildfire suppression, but this new technology has the potential to stop wildfires before they start, saving money, land, and even lives.

Deputy Secretary Harden and Deputy Administrator Newman were joined by California 4-H members at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the expanded collaboration between USDA and NASA. As hunger and climate change are rapidly escalating threats to public health and national security, both NASA and USDA have a role to play in inspiring the next generation of students to pursue careers in STEM and agricultural fields.

Ames Research Center, one of ten NASA field enters, is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. For more than 75 years, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science aligned with the center's core capabilities. The International Space Station (ISS), operated by NASA, includes a National Laboratory where ground-breaking scientific research is conducted every day. Currently, NASA has a mini veggie farm at the International Space Station to grow fresh produce like lettuce.

Since 2009, USDA has invested $4.32 billion in research and development grants. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research now returns over $20 to our economy. In recent years, research by USDA scientists has led to discoveries of everything from a potential solution for millions who suffer allergies from peanuts to safe mosquito control that can help halt the transmission of diseases they spread, among others. For the latest on discoveries by USDA researchers, read the 2014 Annual Report on Technology Transfer.

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WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for funding under a program that supports the production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing.

"This critical financing will enhance our efforts to build a robust, rural bioeconomy by helping to expand the availability of biobased products and to increase the number of commercial-scale biorefineries in the country," Vilsack said. "In addition to the available funding, I am proud to announce that USDA has significantly improved the biorefinery program to help create lasting job opportunities in rural America."

USDA is making the funding available through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. It was formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program.

The new program provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million to construct and retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries and to develop renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing facilities. Vilsack and USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Lillian Salerno today hosted a seminar at USDA headquarters to discuss changes to the program and the opportunities available to produce more biobased products.

Two funding cycles are being held. Applications for round one are due October 1. Applications for the second round are due April 1, 2016. For information on how to apply, see page 38432 of the July 6, 2015 Federal Register.

USDA has made significant improvements to the program. Biorefineries are now able to receive funding to produce more renewable chemicals and other biobased products in addition to advanced biofuels.

Also, biobased product manufacturing facilities are eligible to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs into "end-user" products. Further, USDA has streamlined the application process.

Sapphire Energy's "Green Crude Farm" in Columbus, N.M., is an example of how USDA funding and partnerships with the private sector are helping to support the development of biorefineries. In 2011, USDA provided Sapphire Energy a $54.5 million loan guarantee to build a refined algal oil commercial facility.

The plant opened in May 2012 and is producing renewable algal oil that can be further refined to replace petroleum-derived diesel and jet fuel. According to the company, more than 600 jobs were created throughout the first phase of construction at the facility, and 30 full-time employees currently operate the plant. After Sapphire received additional equity from private investors, it repaid the remaining balance on its USDA-backed loan in 2013.

USDA released a new report on June 17 that shows America's biobased industry is generating substantial economic activity and creating American jobs. According to the report, the U.S. biobased industry contributed four million jobs and nearly $370 billion to the American economy in 2013 alone.

Today's funding announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life.

New Centers to assist small farmers, develop a diverse workforce, and increase global food security

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making a $1 million initial investment to support three Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges, building and strengthening USDA's historic partnership with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Vilsack made the announcement during remarks at the Convocation commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act becoming law, creating the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

"When Congress passed the act in 1890 creating additional Land-Grant Universities, they were creating access to economic mobility through educational opportunity for all. These schools have been instrumental in growing our nation into a multicultural economic power," said Vilsack. "The three new Centers of Excellence will build on this legacy of cooperation and success to help sustain our nation for the next 125 years and beyond."

These three new centers will serve as a consortium to increase coordination and collaboration between USDA and the 1890s schools. Each center will focus on a specific identified need:

  • Creating an integrated center to benefit Small Farms, Ranches and Forest Landowners in high poverty areas;
  • Establishing a virtual center to support the science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM) pipeline of students and address the growing need for talented career candidates to meet future workforce needs; and
  • Satisfying the nation's need in the areas of international engagement and global food security to increase international cooperation, trade and development.

Secretary Vilsack said USDA would provide additional related funding through existing programs and agreements, and that the initial funding will help the 1890s schools improve their access to USDA programs and attract additional outside investment.

Over the past six years, USDA has partnered with 1890s schools in a number of ways to make a positive impact in the lives of underserved farmers, youth and communities. Some recent actions include :

  • Providing more than $132 million in funding to 1890s schools through 350 different awards across the entire department last year;
  • Continuing the 1890s Scholars program, currently assisting 55 Scholars in agencies throughout USDA with scholarships worth approximately $35,000 each, and permanently employing more than 600 Land-Grant University graduates through the program.

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that beginning Sept. 1, farmers and ranchers can apply for financial assistance to help conserve working grasslands, rangeland and pastureland while maintaining the areas as livestock grazing lands.

The initiative is part of the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federally funded program that for 30 years has assisted agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat. In return, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. CRP has helped farmers and ranchers prevent more than 8 billion tons of soil from eroding, reduce nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively, and even sequester 43 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, equal to taking 8 million cars off the road.

"A record 400 million acres and 600,000 producers and landowners are currently enrolled in USDA's conservation programs. The Conservation Reserve Program has been one of the most successful conservation programs in the history of the country, and we are pleased to begin these grasslands incentives as we celebrate the program's 30th year," said Vilsack. "This is another great example of how agricultural production can work hand in hand with efforts to improve the environment and increase wildlife habitat."

The CRP-Grasslands initiative will provide participants who establish long-term, resource-conserving covers with annual rental payments up to 75 percent of the grazing value of the land. Cost-share assistance also is available for up to 50 percent of the covers and other practices, such as cross fencing to support rotational grazing or improving pasture cover to benefit pollinators or other wildlife. Participants may still conduct common grazing practices, produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production, conduct fire rehabilitation, and construct firebreaks and fences.

With the publication of the CRP regulation today, the Farm Service Agency will accept applications on an ongoing basis beginning Sept. 1, 2015, with those applications scored against published ranking criteria, and approved based on the competiveness of the offer. The ranking period will occur at least once per year and be announced at least 30 days prior to its start. The end of the first ranking period will be Nov. 20, 2015.

Later this week, USDA will also announce state-by-state allotments for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE). Through SAFE, also a CRP initiative, up to 400,000 acres of additional agricultural land across 37 states will be eligible for wildlife habitat restoration funding. The additional acres are part of an earlier CRP wildlife habitat announcement made by Secretary Vilsack. Currently, more than 1 million acres, representing 98 projects, are enrolled in SAFE.

To learn more about participating in CRP-Grasslands or SAFE, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/crp or consult with the local Farm Service Agency county office. To locate a nearby Farm Service Agency office, visit http://offices.usda.gov. To learn more about the 30th anniversary of CRP, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/CRPis30 or follow on Twitter using #CRPis30.

The CRP-Grasslands program was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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WASHINGTON, July 10, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of Dr. Robert Johansson as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Economist, effective July 12. Dr. Johansson has served as USDA's acting chief economist since Jan. 3, 2014, and as Deputy Chief Economist since 2012. He joined USDA in 2001.

"I am pleased that Dr. Johansson's leadership will continue to guide informed decision making at USDA to benefit American agriculture," said Vilsack. "Dr. Johansson is highly respected for his analysis and experienced insight, and extremely well prepared for the demands of this position."

As Chief Economist, Dr. Johansson is responsible for USDA's agricultural forecasts and projections and for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on economic implications of programs, regulations, and legislative proposals. His responsibilities include the Office of the Chief Economist, the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Global Change Program Office, and the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. He also serves as Chairman of the Federal Crop Insurance Board of Directors.

During his federal career, Dr. Johansson also worked as an economist at USDA's Economic Research Service, as well as in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget, and at the Congressional Budget Office. In 2011, he was appointed senior economist for energy, environment, and agriculture on the President's Council of Economic Advisers where he also participated on the White House Rural Council and the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

Dr. Johansson holds a Ph.D. and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Northwestern University. He served with the U.S. Peace Corps from 1990 to 1995 as an extension agent in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His research has spanned a wide range of issues, including biofuels policy, water quality and quantity policies, regulatory economics, food security, and regional modeling of agricultural systems.

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Eligible conservation coalitions nationwide have about a week to submit pre-proposals to improve soil heath, preserve clean water, combat drought and protect wildlife habitat. The deadline is July 8th.

For more information see: http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/07/02/conservation-program-pre-proposals-due-july-8/

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2015 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Michael Froman today announced the appointment of 129 private-sector members to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs).

"USDA and USTR rely on the individuals who serve on these committees to provide their expert advice on U.S. trade policy and priorities," said Vilsack. "They are an invaluable asset as we work to enact trade agreements and trade policies that deliver the greatest economic benefit for U.S. agriculture and for our nation as a whole," Vilsack said. "The last six years have been the strongest in history for U.S. agricultural exports, with international sales of American farm and food exports totaling $771.7 billion. Those exports now support more than a million quality American jobs. As we negotiate new trade agreements in Asia and Europe we will rely on APAC and ATAC members' expertise and knowledge to bring home the best possible deals."

"The strength of our trade agenda is dependent on the advice and counsel we receive from our trade advisors," said Froman. "And, now is more important than ever as we pursue the most ambitious trade agenda ever for America's farmers, ranchers and businesses of all sizes. The individuals we are appointing today represent one of the most important sectors to America's export economy and will provide critical advice as we negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and work to expand export opportunities for American agriculture."

Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure a private-sector voice in establishing U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives to reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative jointly manage the committees.

The APAC provides advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on the administration of trade policy, including enforcement of existing trade agreements and negotiating objectives for new trade agreements. The ATACs offer technical advice and information about specific commodities and products.

This group of committee members will serve until June 15, 2019. They will be supplemented by additional appointments over the next four years. Applications are encouraged at any time and will be reviewed periodically for additional appointments. A complete list of committee members and information about applying is available at www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-advisory-committees. Questions may be sent via e-mail to ATACs@fas.usda.gov.

Appointees, by committee, are as follows:

Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee

Gary Adams - National Cotton Council of America

Cynthia Allen - Allen Farms

Dale Artho - Dale and Kathy Artho Farms

Carlos Ayala - Perdue Foods, LLC

Steve Baccus - Baccus Farms, Inc.

Laura Batcha - Organic Trade Association

Devry Boughner - Cargill, Inc.

L. Dow Brantley, III - Brantley Farming Co.

Jon Caspers - National Pork Producers Council

Stephen L. Censky - American Soybean Association

Annie W. Durbin - U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council

Marsha A. Echols - World Food Law Institute

Jerry Flint - DuPont Pioneer

Nancy E. Foster - National Renderers Association

Hezekiah Gibson - United Farmers USA/Gibson Farm

Earnest Chandler Goule - National Farmers Union

Thomas A. Hammer - National Oilseed Processors Association

Shannon S.S. Herzfeld - Archer Daniels Midland Company

Robert P. Koch - Wine Institute

Elmira Mangum - Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Brenda N. Morris - Morris Farms, LLC

Daniel D. Moss - Moss Ag and Arrowhead Potato Company

Thomas A. Nassif - Western Growers

Christian E. Schlect - Northwest Horticultural Council

Philip M. Seng - U.S. Meat Export Federation

Joseph Steinkamp - Steinkamp Farms, Inc.

Thomas E. Stenzel - United Fresh Produce Association

Reneé Toussaint-Strickland - Strickland Ranch and Exports, Inc.

Michael Stuart - Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association

Thomas M. Suber - U.S. Dairy Export Council

James H. Sumner - USA Poultry and Egg Export Council

Rayne Thompson - Sunkist Growers

Alan T. Tracy - U.S. Wheat Associates, Inc.

Larry B. Wooten - North Carolina Farm Bureau

Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products

Kurt L. Brandt - United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Tracy L. Brunner - Cow Camp, Inc.

Jaime A. Castaneda - National Milk Producers Federation

Anthony E. Clayton - Clayton Agri-Marketing, Inc.

Steven L. Foglesong - Black Gold Ranch and Feedlot

Thad Lively - U.S. Meat Export Federation

James Robert McCan - McFaddin Enterprises

Todd Menotti - Tyson Foods, Inc.

Lisa Wallenda Picard - National Turkey Federation

Don Shawcroft - John B. Shawcroft Ranches, LLLP

Hal Shenson - Nature's SunGrown Foods, Inc.

Dennis Stiffler - Mountain States Rosen

Peter Tabor - Pet Food Institute

John J. Wilson - Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.

Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables

Julie Adams - Almond Board of California

Reginald Brown - Florida Tomato Exchange

James R. Cranney, Jr. - California Citrus Quality Council

John Foster - Earthbound Farm

Robert Guenther - United Fresh Produce Association

Matt Harris - Washington State Potato Commission

Richard Hudgins - California Canning Peach Association

Randy Hudson - National Pecan Growers Council

Marcy L. Martin - California Fresh Fruit Association

Ken Melban - California Avocado Commission

Mike Montna - California Tomato Growers Association

Dale Murden - Texas Citrus Mutual

Joel Nelsen - California Citrus Mutual

Shannen Nettleton - Seneca Foods

Jim A. Zion - Meridian Growers, LLC

Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds

Stan Baker - Baker Seed Technologies, Inc.

Rebecca Bratter -U.S. Dry Bean Council

Lynn Clarkson - Clarkson Grain Company, Inc.

Sharon L. Covert - Illinois Soybean Association

Robert E. Cummings, Jr. - USA Rice Federation

Dennis DeLaughter - U.S. Rice Producers Association

Neal H. Fisher - North Dakota Wheat Commission

Ron Gray - Gray Farms, Inc.

Craig Hill - Iowa Farm Bureau

William Hoffman - Hoffman Farms

Donald E. Latham - United Soybean Board

Karen Lowe - CoBank, ACB

Michael D. Nichols - Nichols Family Farms, LLC

J. Steve Peirce, Jr. - RIBUS, Inc.

Bernice Slutsky - American Seed Trade Association

Larry David Stenberg - DOW AgroSciences

Matt Stutzman - Stutzman Farms, Inc.

Ron Suppes - Suppes Farms

Rodney W. Van Orman - Anderson Hay and Grain Co., Inc.

Gary Wertish - Minnesota Farmer's Union

Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Processed Foods

Robert B. Anderson - Organic Trade Association

Robert Bauer - Association of Food Industries

Muhammad M. Chaudry - Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America

George R. Davis - Porter Creek Vineyards

Thomas S. Gellert - Cheese Importers Association of America

Barbara Gilbert - United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Ann Grappin - American Potato Trade Alliance

Tim Hamilton - Food Export Association of the Midwest USA/Food Export USA Northeast

Lisa Hill - Ocean Spray International Services, Inc.

Karen S. Horan - National Confectioners Association

Tom LaFaille - Wine Institute

Christine LoCascio - Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc.

David McCaleb - Brewers Association

John McDermid - PepsiCo

Bill J. McFarland - Musco Family Olive Company

Autumn V. Price - Land O'Lakes

Melissa San Miguel - Grocery Manufacturers Association

Paul Schiefer - Amy's Kitchen

Kelly Shea - The WhiteWave Foods Company

Ron Tanner - Specialty Food Association

Sue Taylor - Leprino Foods

Peter Thornton - North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Bernadette M. Wiltz - Southern United States Trade Association

Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Sweeteners and Sweetener Products

Perry J. Cerminara - The Hershey Company

Arnold Coombs - Bascom Family Farms

Thomas Earley - Agralytica, Inc.

Patrick Henneberry - Imperial Sugar Company

Roland E. Hoch - Global Organics Ltd.

James W. Johnson, Jr. - U.S. Beet Sugar Association

Keith Krause - McKee Foods Corporation

Luther Markwart - American Sugar Beet Growers Association

Kevin Price - American Crystal Sugar Company

Jim Simon - American Sugar Cane League of the USA, Inc.

Ryan Weston - Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company

John Yonover - Indiana Sugars, Inc.

Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton and Peanuts

T. Patrick Archer - American Peanut Council

Michelle Huffman - National Cotton Council of America

Don Koehler - Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Peanuts

Monique Muggli - Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Richard Pasco - American Peanut Product Manufacturers, Inc.

Evans J. Plowden, Jr. - American Peanut Shellers Association

Roger F. Quarles - Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association

J. Michael Quinn - Carolinas Cotton Growers Cooperative, Inc.

Harvey Schroeder - Oklahoma Cotton Council

Sledge Taylor - Buckeye Farms

Randy Veach - Arkansas Farm Bureau

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