Note: This program announcement has been replaced by Press Release 0031-07 (March 20, 2007) to correct the application deadline.

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2007—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is accepting nominations to re-establish the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC) and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees for Trade (ATACs).

These committees serve in an advisory capacity to USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative. The private sector advisory system was established by Congress in 1974 to ensure that U.S. trade policy and negotiation objectives reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The system’s three tiers consist of the President’s Advisory Committee on Trade and Policy Negotiations, five general policy advisory committees (including APAC), and 22 technical advisory committees (including six ATACs).

The APAC provides advice on overall agricultural trade policy objectives and positions prior to entering trade agreements, the operation of trade agreements and other trade matters.

The six ATACs focus on specific commodities, covering trade in:

• animals and animal products
• fruits and vegetables
• grains, feed and oilseeds
• sweeteners and sweetener products
• tobacco, cotton, peanuts and planting seeds
• processed foods

The committees, usually composed of 35 members, represent a cross-section of the food and agriculture industry and must have knowledge of agriculture and trade matters. Committee members must be U.S. citizens, qualify for a security clearance and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses. The committees meet about four times a year.

Nominations for any of the committees must include a current resume and AD-755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information), available on the Internet at http://www.fas.usda.gov/admin/ad755.pdf. In addition, FAS encourages the submission of the optional form AD-1086 (Applicant for Advisory Committees Supplemental Sheet), available on the Internet at www.fas.usda.gov/admin/ad1086.pdf . Forms may also be requested by telephone at 202-720-6219, or e-mail to Michelle.Moore@fas.usda.gov.

Nominations must be received by March 30, 2007, in the Office of Negotiations and Agreements, Mail Stop 1048, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-1048.

For further information, contact Michelle Moore in the Office of Negotiations and Agreements by e-mail: Michelle.Moore@fas.usda.gov; or telephone (202) 720-6219; or fax (202) 720-0340.

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PR 0030-07