“It’s an honor to be selected to participate in the Processed Food ATAC,” Bauer said. “From what I’ve been told, I’m the first person from the import perspective to be appointed to an ATAC. I thank the secretary and trade representative for the opportunity to serve and look forward to helping the Processed Foods ATAC achieve its mission.” Bauer’s appointment is through May 2007.

The advisory committee system, created by Congress in 1974, provides information and advice to administration officials on U.S. negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements and on other matters regarding U.S. trade policy. The ATAC for Processed Foods was created in 2003 and is the newest of the six ATACs.

“It’s vital for policymakers and the public to be aware the U.S. food importing industry is composed of American companies, much like the companies in other so-called “domestic” industries,” Bauer said. The industry’s workers are employed here in the U.S. and make vital contributions to the tax base of our national, state and local economies.

The Association of Food Industries, formed in 1906, is a trade association representing the interests of the food import industry and select domestic products. It is comprise of a Processed Food Section, Nut & Agricultural Products Section, the North American Olive Oil Association, the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association and domestic and foreign associate member sections.