Nominations; Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture, 60310-60311 [E7-20912]

Download as PDF 60310 Notices Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 205 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request yshivers on PROD1PC62 with NOTICES October 19, 2007. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8681. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:33 Oct 23, 2007 Jkt 214001 the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service Nominations; Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Title: Vegetable and Specialty Crops. OMB Control Number: 0581–0178. Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 was designed to permit regulation of certain agricultural commodities for the purpose of providing orderly marketing conditions in interstate commerce and improving returns to growers. The Orders and Agreements become effective only after public hearings are held. The vegetable, and specialty crops marketing order programs provide an opportunity for producers in specified production areas to work together to solve marketing problems that cannot be solved individually. Need and Use of the Information: Various forms are used to collect information necessary to effectively carry out the requirements of the Act and the Order/Agreement. Information collected is used to formulate market policy, track current inventory and statistical data for market development programs, ensure compliance, and verify eligibility, monitor and record grower’s information. If this information were not collected, it would eliminate data needed to keep the industry and the Secretary abreast of changes at the State and local level. Description of Respondents: Business or other for profit; Farms; Individuals or households. Number of Respondents: 20,626. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion, Quarterly, Biennially, Weekly, Semiannually, Monthly, Annually and Recordkeeping. Total Burden Hours: 16,907. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7–20954 Filed 10–23–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Agricultural Research Service Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics, USDA. ACTION: Solicitation of nominations, Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App., the Agricultural Research Service is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). The charge for the AC21 is two-fold: To examine the longterm impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA; and to provide guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture. DATES: Written nominations must be received by fax or postmarked on or before November 23, 2007. ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be sent to Michael Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, Office of the Deputy Secretary, USDA, 202B Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schechtman, Telephone (202) 720–3817. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AC21 members serve terms of up to 2 years, with terms for around half of the Committee members expiring in any given year. Nominations are being sought for open Committee seats. The terms of 13 members of the AC21 will expire in early 2008. The AC21 Charter allows for flexibility to appoint up to a total of 25 members. Members can be reappointed to serve up to 6 consecutive years. Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in all membership appointments to the Committee. To ensure that recommendations of the Committee take into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include, E:\FR\FM\24OCN1.SGM 24OCN1 yshivers on PROD1PC62 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 24, 2007 / Notices to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Nominees of the AC21 should have recognized expertise in one or more of the following areas: Recombinant-DNA (rDNA) research and applications using plants; rDNA research and applications using animals; rDNA research and applications using microbes; food science; silviculture and related forest science; fisheries science; ecology; veterinary medicine; the broad range of farming or agricultural practices; weed science; plant pathology; biodiversity; applicable laws and regulations relevant to agricultural biotechnology policy; risk assessment; consumer advocacy and public attitudes; public health/ epidemiology; ethics, including bioethics; human medicine; biotechnology industry activities and structure; intellectual property rights systems; and international trade. Members will be selected by the Secretary of Agriculture in order to achieve a balanced representation of viewpoints to address effectively USDA biotechnology policy issues under consideration. Background information regarding the work of the AC21, including reports already developed by the Committee, is available on the USDA Web site at https://www.usda.gov/ wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB ?navid=BIOTECH&parentnav =AGRICULTURE&navtype=RT. Over the next two years, it is expected that the AC21 will undertake work specifically related to transgenic animal technologies, and, if time permits, begin work on additional topics under the Committee’s charge. Nominations for AC21 membership must be in writing and provide the appropriate background documents required by USDA policy, including background disclosure form AD–755. All nomination materials should be sent to Michael Schechtman at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Forms may also be submitted by fax to (202) 690–4265. To obtain form AD–755 ONLY, please contact Dianne Harmon, Office of Pest Management Policy, telephone (202) 720–4074, fax (202) 720–3191; e-mail Dianne.harmon@ars.usda.gov. The AC21 meets in Washington, DC, up to four (4) times per year. The function of the AC21 is solely advisory. Members of the AC21 and its subcommittees serve without pay, but with reimbursement of travel expenses and per diem for attendance at AC21 and subcommittee functions for those AC21 members who require assistance in order to attend the meetings. While VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:33 Oct 23, 2007 Jkt 214001 away from home or their regular place of business, those members will be eligible for travel expenses paid by the Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics, USDA, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at the same rate as a person employed intermittently in the government service is allowed under Section 5703 of Title 5, United States Code. Submitting Nominations: Nominations should be typed and include the following: 1. A brief summary of no more than two (2) pages explaining the nominee’s suitability to serve on the AC21. 2. A resume or curriculum vitae. 3. A completed copy of form AD–755. All nominations must be post-marked no later than [the date set forth above]. Dated: October 16, 2007. Jeremy Stump, Senior Advisor for International and Homeland Security Affairs and Biotechnology. [FR Doc. E7–20912 Filed 10–23–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Research Service Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Meeting Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, the United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). DATES: The meeting dates are November 28, 2007, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and November 29, 2007, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: Waugh Auditorium, USDA Economic Research Service, Third Floor, South Tower, 1800 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schechtman, Telephone (202) 720–3817. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The seventeenth meeting of the AC21 has been scheduled for November 28–29, 2007. The AC21 consists of 23 members representing the biotechnology industry, farmers, food manufacturers, commodity processors and shippers, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 60311 livestock handlers, environmental and consumer groups, and academic researchers. In addition, representatives from the Departments of Commerce, Health and Human Services, and State, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture serve as ‘‘ex officio’’ members. At this meeting, there will be several objectives: (1) To complete all substantive work on a paper addressing the question, ‘‘What issues should USDA consider regarding coexistence among diverse agricultural systems in a dynamic, evolving, and complex marketplace?’’ and develop a plan for finalizing the paper and presenting it to the Office of the Secretary, USDA; (2) to discuss the new Biotechnology Quality Management System proposed by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and offer views on a series of questions relating to its implementation; and (3) to plan initial AC21 work related to transgenic animals. Background information regarding the work of the AC21 will be available on the USDA Web site at https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/ _s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?navid=BIOTECH& parentnav=AGRICULTURE &navtype=RT. Requests to make oral presentations at the meeting may be sent to Michael Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, Office of the Deputy Secretary, USDA, 202 B Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 12th Street and Jefferson Drive, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Telephone (202) 720–3817; Fax (202) 690–4265; E-mail Michael.schechtman@ars.usda.gov. On November 28, 2007, if time permits, reasonable provision will be made for oral presentations of no more than five minutes each in duration. Written requests to make oral presentations at the meeting must be received by the contact person identified herein at least three business days before the meeting. The meeting will be open to the public, but space is limited. If you would like to attend the meetings, you must register by contacting Ms. Dianne Harmon at (202) 720–4074, by fax at (202) 720– 3191 or by e-mail at Dianne.harmon@ars.usda.gov at least five business days prior to the meeting. Please provide your name, title, business affiliation, address, and telephone and fax numbers when you register. If you require a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation due to disability, please E:\FR\FM\24OCN1.SGM 24OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60310-60311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20912]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


 Nominations; Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st 
Century Agriculture

AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and 
Economics, USDA.

ACTION: Solicitation of nominations, Advisory Committee on 
Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App., the Agricultural Research Service 
is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of 
the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century 
Agriculture (AC21). The charge for the AC21 is two-fold: To examine the 
long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture 
system and USDA; and to provide guidance to USDA on pressing individual 
issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the 
application of biotechnology in agriculture.

DATES: Written nominations must be received by fax or postmarked on or 
before November 23, 2007.

ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be sent to Michael 
Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, Office of the Deputy 
Secretary, USDA, 202B Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 14th and 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schechtman, Telephone (202) 
720-3817.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    AC21 members serve terms of up to 2 years, with terms for around 
half of the Committee members expiring in any given year. Nominations 
are being sought for open Committee seats. The terms of 13 members of 
the AC21 will expire in early 2008. The AC21 Charter allows for 
flexibility to appoint up to a total of 25 members. Members can be 
reappointed to serve up to 6 consecutive years. Equal opportunity 
practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in all 
membership appointments to the Committee. To ensure that 
recommendations of the Committee take into account the needs of the 
diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include,

[[Page 60311]]

to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to 
represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
    Nominees of the AC21 should have recognized expertise in one or 
more of the following areas: Recombinant-DNA (rDNA) research and 
applications using plants; rDNA research and applications using 
animals; rDNA research and applications using microbes; food science; 
silviculture and related forest science; fisheries science; ecology; 
veterinary medicine; the broad range of farming or agricultural 
practices; weed science; plant pathology; biodiversity; applicable laws 
and regulations relevant to agricultural biotechnology policy; risk 
assessment; consumer advocacy and public attitudes; public health/
epidemiology; ethics, including bioethics; human medicine; 
biotechnology industry activities and structure; intellectual property 
rights systems; and international trade. Members will be selected by 
the Secretary of Agriculture in order to achieve a balanced 
representation of viewpoints to address effectively USDA biotechnology 
policy issues under consideration. Background information regarding the 
work of the AC21, including reports already developed by the Committee, 
is available on the USDA Web site at https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/
!ut/p/--s.7--0--A/7--0--
1OB?navid=BIOTECH&parentnav=AGRICULTURE&navtype=RT. Over the next two 
years, it is expected that the AC21 will undertake work specifically 
related to transgenic animal technologies, and, if time permits, begin 
work on additional topics under the Committee's charge.
    Nominations for AC21 membership must be in writing and provide the 
appropriate background documents required by USDA policy, including 
background disclosure form AD-755. All nomination materials should be 
sent to Michael Schechtman at the address listed in the ADDRESSES 
section. Forms may also be submitted by fax to (202) 690-4265. To 
obtain form AD-755 ONLY, please contact Dianne Harmon, Office of Pest 
Management Policy, telephone (202) 720-4074, fax (202) 720-3191; e-mail 
Dianne.harmon@ars.usda.gov.
    The AC21 meets in Washington, DC, up to four (4) times per year. 
The function of the AC21 is solely advisory. Members of the AC21 and 
its subcommittees serve without pay, but with reimbursement of travel 
expenses and per diem for attendance at AC21 and subcommittee functions 
for those AC21 members who require assistance in order to attend the 
meetings. While away from home or their regular place of business, 
those members will be eligible for travel expenses paid by the Office 
of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics, USDA, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at the same rate as a person 
employed intermittently in the government service is allowed under 
Section 5703 of Title 5, United States Code.
    Submitting Nominations: Nominations should be typed and include the 
following:
    1. A brief summary of no more than two (2) pages explaining the 
nominee's suitability to serve on the AC21.
    2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
    3. A completed copy of form AD-755.
    All nominations must be post-marked no later than [the date set 
forth above].

    Dated: October 16, 2007.
Jeremy Stump,
Senior Advisor for International and Homeland Security Affairs and 
Biotechnology.
[FR Doc. E7-20912 Filed 10-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P

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