SQFI's Garfield Named to Advisory Committee

SN STAFF

ARLINGTON, Va. — Food Marketing Institute said Monday that Robert Garfield, senior vice president for the Safe Quality Food Institute, has been appointed to Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Processed Foods, his second term at the post on behalf of the food retail industry.

He is currently responsible for managing the operations of SQFI, a third-party certification system.

Garfield has extensive experience representing the food industry to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and has worked with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association, hosting foreign delegations to U.S. trade shows.

In his renewed appointment, Garfield will participate in ATAC's shaping of U.S. agricultural policy. Garfield's position will give FMI members a voice in the shaping of developments surrounding the Doha Development Agenda, which covers an estimated 20 areas of trade under World Trade Organization, and other regional and bilateral free trade agreements on the horizon.

"I look forward to participating in the trade policy process," Garfield said. "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."