The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in cooperation with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), is accepting nominations for new members to serve on its agricultural trade advisory committees. The deadline to be considered for the next round of appointments is Friday, March 1, 2019.

Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) will assist in advising the USDA and USTR on operating existing trade agreements, on negotiating new agreements, and on other trade policy matters. Focusing on six aspects of trade:

• Animals and animal products;
• Fruits and vegetables;
• Grains, feed, oilseeds and planting seeds;
• Sweeteners and sweetener products; and
• Tobacco, cotton, and peanuts.

Committee members must be U.S. citizens, qualify for a security clearance, and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses. The committees generally meet in Washington D.C., at least twice a year. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2019. All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, complete package to: Sonny Perdue, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-1001, Attn: APAC/ATACs. Courtesy electronic copies of the nomination materials should be sent to ATACs@fas.usda.gov