WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ambassador Darci Vetter, Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, has been added to the keynote docket for United Fresh’s Washington Conference Opening Breakfast General Session.

Taking place on Tuesday, September 13, in Washington D.C., this year’s Washington Conference will bring attendees face-to-face with key members of Congress, their staff, top regulatory officials, and now, the most up-to-date information on major trade negotiations from Vetter herself.

Vetter brings an impressive resume to the event’s agenda, responsible for bilateral and multilateral negotiations and policy coordination regarding agricultural trade.

“We’re honoured to have Ambassador Vetter present the case for the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel, according to a press release. “Despite negative rhetoric from both the Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns, free and fair trade is critically important to our industry, as well as the U.S. economy overall.”

Before her current role, Vetter served as the Deputy Under Secretary for the USDA, as well as an International Trade Advisor on the Democratic Staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. There she advised Chairman Max Baucus and other Committee members on trade issues relating to agriculture, the environment and labor, including provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill and pending legislation on climate change, according to the release.

Other highlights in her experience include:

• Six years working to facilitate NAFTA implementation and resolving agricultural trade issues with Canada and Mexico at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
• Master of Public Affairs degree from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University
• Certificate in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University
• Bachelor’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines, IA

The upcoming conference will also feature the Rising Leaders Program for up-and-coming industry employees. You can register for the event, which takes place September 12-14, here.

United Fresh