Kathy Means - ATAC

It is good to see Kathy Means back in the news cycle, and this news release from PMA indicates a prestigious appointment for the long time association exec. From PMA:


Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Vice President of Government Relations Kathy Means has been named to serve the 2008-2012 term on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, Means is one of 34 chosen nationally to sit on the committee.

The ATAC for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables provides technical information, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on matters specific to produce. The committee is part of the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Trade Representatives Agriculture Advisory program, which includes the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee and five other commodity-specific ATACs in addition to fruits and vegetables. The program’s committees ensure cooperation between the federal government and private sector on agricultural trade issues.

“I’m honored to have been selected and ready to act as a voice for our industry at this influential level,” Means commented. “On behalf of PMA, I have been involved in food safety and security issues, immigration reform, country of origin labeling, and other critical industry concerns. Those experiences will help me advocate in the interests of the produce industry and PMA’s members.”

The USTR defers to the committee’s counsel on “…U.S. negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before the United States enters into trade agreements; on the operation of existing trade agreements; and on other matters related to the development, implementation, and administration of U.S. agricultural trade policy.”

“Advisory committee members must balance varied perspectives, are recognized leaders in their fields, and possess significant knowledge of the effects trade barriers or lack of barriers have on fruits and vegetables,” said PMA President Bryan Silbermann. “Kathy fits the role perfectly, and PMA is thrilled the USTR recognizes the same leadership qualities in Kathy our association and membership is fortunate to benefit from every day.”

Means joined PMA in 1989 and is responsible for government affairs, public affairs, and self-regulatory programs in addition to leading the association’s food safety and security efforts. Prior to PMA, she spent nine years with The Packer, the trade newspaper for the produce industry, as an editor and reporter. She earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1996, and carries a master’s in nonprofit management and bachelor's degrees in journalism and French.