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

According to a news release from Western Growers, 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.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee,” Puglia said in a statement. “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.”

—by Jonelle Mejica