Dow Brantley (left) hosts Iraqi Grain Board officials at his farm in England, Arkansas
Jun 28, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer reappointed Arkansas rice farmer Dow Brantley to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC), and USA Rice COO Bob Cummings to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds.
The APAC is a select group of trade experts that provides advice and information to the government on the administration of trade policy, including enforcement of existing trade agreements and negotiating objectives for new trade agreements.
“It’s great news for USA Rice to have our committee veterans invited back to represent the U.S. industry,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.
Brantley, a rice producer from England, Arkansas, said, “I feel like my reappointment to APAC will ensure that the U.S. rice industry is at the forefront on trade policy. Trade is always a top priority and I am happy to provide advice or guidance that will benefit U.S. rice.”
The six different ATACs offer technical advice and information about specific commodities and products.
“The Grains ATAC is a front-line, formal opportunity for USA Rice to provide detailed guidance to U.S. trade officials and negotiators on our market access issues in face-to-face meetings and in follow-up conversations,” said Cummings.
This group of committee members will serve until June 15, 2023.