Some farm equipment owners and operators may get a greater say regarding trade policies, as the federal government works to re-establish a number of advisory committees.
Six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees, along with a more over-arching Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, will assist policy makers as they contemplate decisions regarding U.S. trade policy.
"They will be an invaluable asset as we work to deliver economic and strategic trade benefits and opportunities to America's farmers and ranchers as we work toward doubling U.S. exports as part of the president's National Export Initiative," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
While the APAC will give general advice, the smaller APACs will center on commodity groupings. For example, one will focus animals, while another will narrow its scope to grains, feed, oilseeds and planting seeds. Members of these committees must be U.S. citizens and pass a background check.
President Barack Obama recently set a five-year goal for doubling U.S. exports. So far, products created with the help of farm equipment have helped lead the way, as goods shipped from this sector have seen substantial output.
Advisory committees for agricultural products relaunched
Agriculture advisory committees are being re-established.