U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the appointment of Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee.

In this role, Puglia will provide advice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy matters including the operation of existing trade agreements and the negotiation of new agreements.

In response to the appointment, Puglia issued the following statement:

“I am honored to be appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. International markets are vital to the growth of the fresh produce industry, accounting for more than $23 billion in fruit, vegetable and tree nut sales in 2019. However, tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to restrict access to key export destinations. I look forward to working with USDA, USTR and my committee colleagues to help formulate durable trade policies that benefit our domestic growers.”

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers' members and their workers provide over half the nation's fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America's fresh organic produce.

Related:Western Growers webinars walk through COVID-19 response requirements

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Others named to panel

Puglia is one of four representatives of California farm groups named to various panels on trade.

Cassy Creamer of California Citrus Mutual, Jody Devaurs of the California Table Grape Commission and Caroline Stringer of the California Fresh Fruit Association were named to an Agricultural Technical  Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.

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