Jerry Hingle Named Chairman of the World Trade Center's Agricultural Committee

Online, December 16, 2011 (Newswire.com) - NEW ORLEANS - The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) announced today that its executive director, Jerry Hingle, has been named chairman of the newly formed Agriculture Committee of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, with the goal of enhancing the Louisiana agriculture and food sector's export competitiveness and voice on international trade issues.

The committee, composed of representatives from the major sectors of Louisiana's agriculture and food industry, government and non-profit organizations, provides a forum for stakeholders to identify and then remove barriers to expanding international markets for Louisiana.

"American agriculture and food exports are booming, reaching the highest level ever this year," Hingle said. "As global demand continues to rise over the coming decade, there is tremendous opportunity for Louisiana, but we need to work together to address unfair trade barriers that frequently raise costs or shut out our products in export markets.

"I'm honored to chair this committee and will work to ensure that our efforts are substantive and that they enhance efforts already under way by stakeholders on a state, national and international level to increase our global competitiveness."
Dominik Knoll, CEO of the World Trade Center of New Orleans pointed out that the committee will play a vital role in the future of Louisiana's agri-business. "Bringing together the key players in the state will provide a unified voice on international trade issues for our dynamic agriculture and food sectors, which combined to total more than $19 billion in exports in 2010."

The committee, which will meet at least quarterly, welcomes participation from stakeholders interested in expanding Louisiana's agriculture and food exports. Additional information about the new committee is available from Jennifer Lovett at 504-619-9826.

The Southern United States Trade Association is a non-profit trade development association composed of the Departments of Agriculture of the 15 southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since 1973, its programs and services have assisted exporters of high-value food and agricultural products. SUSTA is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), its member states and private companies.