UTIA Trade Expert Reappointed to Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee

KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) has announced the reappointment of Andrew Muhammad, an agricultural trade expert and Blasingame Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Policy, to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. Muhammad will continue to provide guidance to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on international agricultural trade issues.

The committee is composed of senior representatives from the U.S. agricultural sector, advising on trade policy matters, overseeing the enforcement of existing trade agreements, and negotiating objectives for future agreements. Muhammad previously served on the committee from June 2019 to June 2023.

Muhammad has conducted extensive economic analyses on tariffs and international trade agreements and has been a trusted source for national media outlets such as Forbes and Bloomberg. He is the only faculty member from a land-grant university serving on the committee.

“Serving on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is an excellent opportunity that benefits UTIA and the agricultural, food, and forestry industries in Tennessee,” Muhammad said. “The committee plays a crucial role in shaping trade policy, and I look forward to working with industry leaders and policymakers to advance U.S. food and agriculture globally.”

The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee was established by Congress in 1974 to ensure U.S. trade policy reflects both public and private sector interests in agriculture. It is managed jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Muhammad’s reappointment extends through December 2028.

Since joining UTIA’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics in 2018, Muhammad has assisted state and national agricultural decision-makers in evaluating trade policies and programs related to agricultural commodities, food, and international trade. His research focuses on trade policy, its effects on developing nations, and global food demand.

UTIA, a leading institution in agricultural education, research, and outreach, includes the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission, UTIA provides real-life solutions to Tennesseans and beyond.