WASHINGTON, DC - As the Trump Administration’s government shutdown continues, many throughout the produce industry are still wondering how they might or might not be affected. While many of the USDA’s functions will remain during the shutdown thanks to reserve funding, other USDA tasks may get pushed by the wayside until after officials lift the restrictions. One such function that will be postponed is the previously scheduled Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC) Meeting.
According to a notice we obtained from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the committee meeting that was scheduled for January 30-31, 2019, has been postponed. The USDA said it will poll committee members to determine the best time to reschedule the meeting when the government reopens. All existing hotel reservations for committee members will also be canceled, according to the notice.
"The recent partial government shutdown has created many challenges within the public and private sectors of the U.S. and the fresh produce industry is far from immune,” says Tommy Wilkins, one member of the FVIAC and Director of Sales for Grow Farm Texas. “With all that is going on, the USDA has postponed the advisory committee meeting in late January till the shutdown down plays out. There are many issues I feel Mr. Perdue and the USDA should discuss and I look forward to rescheduling and going to work on this committee."
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 25 industry members to the FVIAC in October 2018. To see the full list of committee members, revisit our initial coverage of the announcement here.
As more details about how the government shutdown will affect the fresh produce industry emerge, AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
