Soy leaders were appointed to trade advisory committees by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier this week.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman appointed American Soybean Association (ASA) CEO Steve Censky and ASA Director Joe Steinkamp, Evansville, Ind., to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and ASA Director Matt Stutzman, Adrian, Mich., to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds.

The ASA leaders were among 129 private-sector members to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs). The APAC provides advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on the administration of trade policy, including enforcement of existing trade agreements and negotiating objectives for new trade agreements. The ATACs offer technical advice and information about specific commodities and products.

"USDA and USTR rely on the individuals who serve on these committees to provide their expert advice on U.S. trade policy and priorities," Vilsack in a news release. "They are an invaluable asset as we work to enact trade agreements and trade policies that deliver the greatest economic benefit for U.S. agriculture and for our nation as a whole. The last six years have been the strongest in history for U.S. agricultural exports, with international sales of American farm and food exports totaling $771.7 billion. Those exports now support more than a million quality American jobs. As we negotiate new trade agreements in Asia and Europe we will rely on APAC and ATAC members' expertise and knowledge to bring home the best possible deals."

This group of committee members will serve until June 15, 2019. They will be supplemented by additional appointments over the next four years. To view a complete list of committee members click here.