Casey Chumrau, Washington Grain Commission executive director, and Dalton Henry, U.S. Wheat Associates vice president of policy, have been appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds, and Planting Seeds.

Chumrau was appointed Aug. 1.

The committee is one of seven agricultural trade advisory committees that play a crucial role in shaping agricultural trade policies.

“This appointment is not just a personal honor but a significant opportunity for our state’s trade-dependent agriculture industry.” Chumrau said in a statement on the grain commission website. “By participating in these discussions, I can help address the challenges our growers face and work towards creating a more favorable trade environment that supports their long-term profitability and competitiveness.”

The committees are part of the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Trade Representative.

Chumrau was selected through a process that evaluates candidates based on their experience, knowledge, and contributions to the agricultural industry.

The group of 55 appointed advisors will serve until 2028.

The appointment highlights Chumrau’s leadership in the agricultural sector and commitment to influencing trade policies that benefit the industry, according to the grain commission. It also provides an opportunity for Chumrau to collaborate with other industry leaders and policymakers to address key challenges and opportunities in agricultural trade.

Henry, who was originally appointed in 2021, was re-appointed and began his second three-year term July 31.

“Wheat is the world’s most traded commodity and, with about half of our annual production available for export, it is important that wheat has a voice in U.S. trade policy through ATAC and other opportunities,” Henry told the Capital Press.