Press Releases

June 13, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The head of a local nonprofit organization will have a role in shaping U.S. international trade policy as part of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC). Jerry Hingle, Executive Director of the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), has been appointed a member of the ATAC, an advisory group to United States Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer and United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab.

"Time and time again, we've seen exports to a market begin climbing the moment it lowers its import tariffs or other barriers," said Hingle. "I look forward to helping point trade policy negotiators towards foreign market segments that are of the greatest interest to our industry."

During his four-year term on the committee, Hingle's technical advice will be sought in relation to negotiations under the World Trade Organization's Doha Development Agenda, as well as several regional and bilateral free trade agreements. Hingle previously served for four years on a similar committee under the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"These trade advisory committees give American business interests direct and real time input on foreign trade policy decisions," Hingle said, noting that many countries do not rely on industry input for trade talks. "With the U.S. currently negotiating a long list of free trade agreements, it's critical that we're at the table to advance the interests of southern food and agricultural exporters," he continued.

In addition to the ATAC appointment, Hingle recently joined the Louisiana District Export Council (LADEC), which inducted new members on February 21. The LADEC, which is comprised of experienced international businesspeople and export service providers, offers assistance to Louisiana companies interested in going global and seeks to stimulate economic growth in southeast Louisiana.

SUSTA is a non-profit trade development association comprised of the Departments of Agriculture of the 15 southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since 1973, the organization's programs and services have assisted exporters of high-value food and agricultural products. SUSTA is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), its member states and private companies.

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