WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Gina Tumbarello, director of international policy and trade for the American Feed Industry Association, has been reappointed to serve on the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds. Tumbarello has represented AFIA members on the committee since 2014 and provides valuable technical advice and information about U.S. animal food products and the industry to the secretary of agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

 “Last year, the U.S. animal food industry exported over $13 billion worth of feed and pet food products across North America, Asia and Europe,” said Leah Wilkinson, vice-president of public policy and education at the AFIA. “While most of the industry’s future growth is expected to come from exports, our members are keenly aware and sensitive to the fact that our country must command mutual respect between trading partners and work toward trade agreements that are fair and science-based. AFIA congratulates Gina Tumbarello for once again being a voice for the country’s 6,200 animal food manufacturers.”

 Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure that U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect U.S. public- and private-sector commercial and economic interests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the USTR manage the committees.

 Tumbarello will serve along with the other committee members until June 15, 2023.