Committee for the fruit & vegetable industry

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the creation of a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee whose responsibility will be to help the agency gain better insights into issues facing that industry, and to search for ways to help the department become more responsive to industry needs. The committee will examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and offer the secretary of agriculture advice on how the USDA​ can tailor its program to meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. The exchange of views and information between the industry and government is intended to improve understanding of the effect of USDA programs on the industry, and to contribute to the effective and efficient administration of those programs. The Agriculture Secretary will appoint representatives of the country's fruit and vegetable industry to serve two-year terms, including six individuals representing fresh fruit and vegetable growers or shippers, four fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers, two brokers, two retailers, two fruit and vegetable processors, two foodservice suppliers, one official from a state department of agriculture, and one trade association representative. Deadline for committee nominations need to be filed with the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service office no later than September 20.