Clewiston, FL – U.S. Sugar is proud to announce that Judy Clayton Sanchez, Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, was re-appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC) in Sweeteners and Sweetener Products by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Sanchez is serving her third term, which runs through June 15, 2023.

“As an agribusiness rooted in American farming values, U.S. Sugar is proud to have Sanchez representing our company, region, and state on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade,” said U.S. Sugar President and CEO Robert H. Buker, Jr. “Her vast knowledge of American farm policy, farm trade and its impact on American business, American families and rural communities is a significant asset to this committee as it continues to chart a course for the future of domestic farm policy and international trade.”

As part of her corporate communications responsibilities, Sanchez has been a leading voice for the zero-cost sugar policy as well as strong and fair bilateral trade agreements governing sugar with our foreign competitors. Sanchez has helped to educate countless elected officials and their staff through tours and briefings in Clewiston. Through this appointment, Sanchez will continue to advocate for the more than 12,500 people employed by sugarcane harvesting and processing in Florida.

“Trade may be negotiated at the highest levels of government, but the results impact everyday Americans who live in small towns like Clewiston,” Sanchez said.  “I am pleased to continue to represent my company, my community and my industry when current and future trade agreements are being considered.”   

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure that U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect U.S. public- and private-sector commercial and economic interests. USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative jointly manage the committees.

The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee 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 Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees offer technical advice and information about specific commodities and products.