(NAFB.com) – Casey Bean, a veteran of the USDA, is joining the American Sugar Alliance as the organization’s trade consultant. Bean will work with ASA to analyze the complex global trade issues that impact U.S. sugar farmers and shape America’s no-cost sugar policy. With more than thirty years of experience working with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Bean’s work at FAS spans multiple regions across the globe, including countries like Bolivia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, and many others. He participated in trade negotiations and enforced the rules critical to maintaining a level playing field for U.S. agriculture as a member of the Senior Foreign Service, both while overseas and as a senior director at FAS headquarters. “We are excited to welcome Casey to the team at this critical juncture for America’s sugar producers and farm policy,” says Cassie Bladow (BLAY-dough), Chairwoman of the ASA. “His expertise will help move us forward into the future.”