Alber & Geiger, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is a leading European government relations law firm providing services in lobbying, diplomacy and litigation with regard to European policy.

The International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC) promoted the role of trade in creating a more open, equitable, productive and sustainable global food and agricultural system. IPC made pragmatic trade policy recommendations to help solve the major challenges facing the global food and agricultural system in the 21st century--the need to promote global food security, to sustainably increase productivity, and to contribute to economic growth and development. IPC dissolved in October 2015 after 28 years of bringing together thought leaders in civil society, business, and academia.

Provided strategic advice on U.S. food and agricultural policy issues, particularly international trade and development matters, and workable solutions to market access constraints to the U.S. and other countries. Assisted the international trade practice of Greenberg Traurig. Served as a member of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Task Force on Global Food Security, which produced a report: “Cultivating Global Food Security: A Strategy for U.S. Leadership on Productivity, Agricultural Research, and Trade”.

A. Ellen Terpstra served as the lead for USDA's international activities including trade policy and negotiations, international market promotion and food assistance programs, and development activities. She has extensive knowledge of international trade rules and market access strategies, as well as USDA's internationally focused programs.A. Ellen Terpstra held a leadership position in the U.S. Government 's formulation and implementation of agricultural trade relations with China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Russia, Canada, Mexico, the European Commission, Brazil, and CAFTA and AGOA countries, among others. She worked on a daily basis with other government agencies, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, National Security Council, and Departments of State, Commerce and Treasury. A. Ellen Terpstra represented the Department with the Congress and industry, trade associations, foundations, and non-profit organizations.

A. Ellen Terpstra led and managed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, with responsibilities for the department's international policy development and implementation, and extensive market promotion, food assistance, and export credit programs. The agency had a budget and program responsibility for over $6 billion and approximatley 1,000 experts in Washington, D.C. and in 80 U.S. embassies covering diplomatic relations with over 100 countries.A. Ellen Terpstra initiated the agency's first strategic reorganization in fifty years, which repositioned human and financial resources to meet current and anticipated priorities and to build on its unique strengths. She participated in trade negotiations with major trading partners resulting in market acess for many agricultural products.

A. Ellen Terpstra led the U.S. rice industry's largest trade association, a federation of five entities representing rice growers and millers, which included promotion boards and a foundation. The organization had 40 staff and a budget of more than $11 million.Terpstra developed consensus to achieve and implement reaffirmed strategic objectives on U.S. policy for agricultural programs, food safety, pesticide use, conservation, and trade. She oversaw the federation's programs on domestic and international market promotion for rice and rice products, as well as research.

A. Ellen Terpstra led the U.S. apple industry's national trade association. She refocused the organization to achieve industry priorities in U.S. policy for food safety, pesticide use, conservation, and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. She initiated the industry's national effort to promote U.S. apples in foreign markets and to address constraints to increased consumption.

A. Ellen Terpstra developed and implemented U.S. agricultural trade policy for a number of commodities including beef and pork, fruits and vegetables, alcoholic beverages and sugar. She led and participated in trade negotiations with Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union that resulted in improved market access for U.S. exports.A. Ellen Terpstra received the agency's Kelly Award for outstanding performance and leadership, and was recognized for her work in leading negotations for a segment of the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

A. Ellen Terpstra has extensive experience working for members of Congress on agricultural policy issues and is knowledgeable about congressional procedures.She served as an analyst in agricultural policy at the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, and as a staff member of the Food and Agricultural Group, Office of Technology Assessment, which was led by the Honorable Hubert H. Humphrey. Previously she had worked in congressional offices in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

A. Ellen Terpstra was asked by FAO to analyze global grain stock policies and international food security strategies. She completed two papers for the FAO Committee on World Food Security.