National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Call for Nominations
| Published date | 31 March 2020 |
| Citation | 85 FR 17848 |
| Record Number | 2020-06618 |
| Section | Notices |
| Court | Agricultural Marketing Service,Agriculture Department |
Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 62 (Tuesday, March 31, 2020)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 62 (Tuesday, March 31, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 17848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06618]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 62 / Tuesday, March 31, 2020 /
Notices
[[Page 17848]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-20-0017; NOP-20-02]
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Call for Nominations
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice; call for nominations
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SUMMARY: The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was established to
assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in
organic production and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Through this Notice,
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its
call for nominations to fill five vacancies. Descriptions of the five
positions are listed below under supplementary information. Appointees
will serve a five-year term beginning January 24, 2021 and ending
January 23, 2026. Additionally, the USDA seeks nominations for a pool
of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as
replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.
DATES: Written nominations must be postmarked on or before June 1,
2020.
ADDRESSES: Applications can be sent via email to Michelle Arsenault at
[email protected], or mailed to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Room 2642-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC
20250-0268. Electronic submittals are preferred.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Arsenault, (202) 720-0081;
Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6524),
requires the Secretary to establish the NOSB in accordance with the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended. The NOSB is composed of 15
members: Four individuals who own or operate an organic farming
operation, or employees of such individuals; two individuals who own or
operate an organic handling operation, or employees of such
individuals; one individual who owns or operates a retail establishment
with significant trade in organic products, or employees of such
individuals; three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental
protection and resource conservation; three individuals who represent
public interest or consumer interest groups; one individual with
expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; and
one individual who is a certifying agent.
Through this Notice, the USDA seeks to fill the following five
positions: Two individuals who own or operate an organic farming
operation, or employees of such individuals; two individuals who
represent public interest or consumer interest groups; and one
individual who is a USDA accredited certifying agent.
Per the OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to the NOSB must meet
the definition of the position that they seek as identified under 7
U.S.C. 6518, as well as satisfy the selection criteria for an NOSB
member. Selection criteria include the following: An understanding of
organic principles and practical experience in the organic community;
demonstrated experience and interest in organic production and organic
certification; demonstrated experience with respect to agricultural
products produced and handled on certified organic farms; a commitment
to the integrity of the organic food and fiber industry; demonstrated
experience in the development of public policy such as participation on
public or private advisory boards, boards of directors, or other
comparable organizations; support of consumer and public interest
organizations; participation in standards development or involvement in
educational outreach activities; the ability to evaluate technical
information and to fully participate in Board deliberation and
recommendations; the willingness to commit the time and energy
necessary to assume Board duties; and other such factors as may be
appropriate for specific positions.
All appointees will serve a five-year term beginning January 24,
2021, and ending January 23, 2026.
To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the following:
A resume (required), Form AD-755 (required), which can be accessed at:
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-755, a cover letter (optional),
and a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation (optional).
Resumes should be no longer than five (5) pages and should include the
following information: The position for which you are applying; current
and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education;
career positions held; any other notable positions held. Previous
applicants who wish to be considered must reapply.
If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) for records relating to NOSB nominations,
application materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the
release of the information, personally identifiable information
protected by the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, will be redacted.
Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical
disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure that the
recommendations of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse
groups that are served by the Department, membership on the NOSB shall
include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated
ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
The information collection requirements concerning the nomination
process have been previously cleared by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) under OMB Control No. 0505-0001.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06618 Filed 3-30-20; 8:45 am]
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