FMI SVP Appointed Again to Ag Technical Advisory Committee

Robert Garfield, SVP for the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) at the Arlington, Va.-based Food Marketing Institute, has been appointed to serve a second term on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Processed Foods.

Garfield manages the operations of SQFI, an internationally recognized third-party certification system. Food processors and buyers in more than 32 countries employ SQFI’s food safety certification process. Garfield has extensive experience representing the food industry to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and has worked with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), hosting foreign delegations to U.S. trade shows.

In his renewed appointment, Garfield will take part in ATAC’s formation of U.S. agricultural policy. His position will give FMI members a voice in the development of the Doha Development Agenda, which covers an estimated 20 areas of trade under World Trade Organization, as well as other upcoming regional and bilateral free-trade agreements.

“Serving on ATAC for another three years will provide additional insights into trade issues and information regarding the expanding export market, adding to the resources that FMI can provide producers and suppliers in this strategic retail area,” noted Garfield.