ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — Gina Tumbarello, senior director of global strategies, policy and trade for the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), has been appointed by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to serve on the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness.

Tumbarello will advise the committee on the development and administration of programs and policies to strengthen the competitiveness and resiliency of US supply chains used throughout the animal food chain.

“Over the past several years, our members across the animal food industry have experienced challenges fulfilling customers’ orders in a timely and cost-effective way due to labor disputes, weak transportation infrastructure and political conflicts,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of the AFIA. “While many issues have been resolved, we know challenges lurk around the corner. We are grateful that Gina Tumbarello will be able to serve as the industry’s voice as it looks to proactively improve America’s competitiveness in the future.”

Established in November 2011, the committee advises the commerce secretary on crafting a comprehensive and integrated national freight infrastructure and policy framework geared toward supporting US export growth and national economic competitiveness. This framework is intended to propel US export expansion, fortify national economic competitiveness and elevate the efficiency of domestic and global supply chains, including those used by the feed and pet food sector.

In 2023, the US animal food industry exported more than $13.1 billion worth of feed and pet food products. Overall, the industry is estimated to generate more than $267.1 billion in sales, including $98.4 million in value-added revenue to other industries across America.