Industry veterans like Dave Puglia are torchbearers for the future of fresh produce. Puglia, the Western Growers President and CEO, has shown a particular tenacity in recent years which has positioned him as one of the industry’s most influential leaders.
On Monday, U.S. secretary of agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. trade tepresentative Robert Lighthizer announced the appointment of Puglia to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee,” said Puglia in response to his appointment, according to a press release. “International markets are vital to the growth of the fresh produce industry, accounting for more than $23 billion in fruit, vegetable, and tree nut sales in 2019. However, tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to restrict access to key export destinations. I look forward to working with USDA, USTR, and my committee colleagues to help formulate durable trade policies that benefit our domestic growers.”
In this role, Puglia will provide advice to the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy matters including the operation of existing trade agreements and the negotiation of new agreements.