ARLINGTON, VA — September 12, 2011 — Food Marketing Institute announces the appointment of Robert Garfield, senior vice president for the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), to Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Processed Foods, his second term at the post on behalf of the food retail industry.

Garfield is currently responsible for managing the operations of SQFI, an internationally recognized third-party certification system. SQFI’s food safety certification process is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is utilized by food processors and buyers in more than 32 countries. Garfield has extensive experience representing the food industry to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and has worked with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), 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 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.”