Gina Tumbarello, AFIA's senior director of global strategies, policy, and trade, has been appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. Tumbarello will play a key role in advising the committee on programs and policies to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of U.S. supply chains within the animal food industry.
AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman emphasized the industry's need to proactively address challenges in fulfilling customer orders, citing past issues like labor disputes and transportation challenges. Cullman expressed gratitude for Tumbarello's appointment, recognizing her as the industry's voice for future competitiveness improvements.
Established in November 2011, the committee guides the commerce secretary in developing a comprehensive national freight infrastructure and policy framework to support U.S. export growth and economic competitiveness. In 2023, the U.S. animal food industry exported over $13.1 billion in products, contributing significantly to the sector's estimated $267.1 billion in overall sales, including $98.4 million in value-added revenue to various industries across America.