Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Meeting, 70612-70613 [E8-27725]

Download as PDF 70612 Notices Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 226 Friday, November 21, 2008 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 dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with NOTICES November 17, 2008. 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) 720–8958. 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 14:24 Nov 20, 2008 Jkt 217001 the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Title: USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Application. OMB Control Number: 0503–0015. Summary of Collection: The USDA/ 1890 National Scholars Program is a joint human capital initiative between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Historical Black Land-Grant Universities. Through the program, USDA offers scholarships to high school students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree, in the fields of agriculture, food, or natural resources sciences and related majors, at one of the eighteen Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. In order for graduating high school students to be considered for the scholarship, a completed application is required. Need and Use of the Information: The information to be collected from the application includes the applicant name, address, educational background (grade point average, test scores), name of universities interested in attending, desired major, extracurricular activities, interest and habits. The information will be used to assist the selecting agencies in their process of identifying potential recipients of the scholarship. Description of Respondents: Individuals or households. Number of Respondents: 1,200. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually. Total Burden Hours: 3,600. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E8–27679 Filed 11–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Meeting Agricultural Research Service. Notice of Meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, the United States PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). DATES: The meeting dates are December 17, 2008, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and December 18, 2008, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: Lincoln Room in USDA National Finance Center Client Services Office Facilities, South Building Room 1623, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schechtman, Telephone (202) 720–3817. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The twenty-first meeting of the AC21 has been scheduled for December 17–18, 2008. The AC21 consists of members representing the biotechnology industry, farmers, commodity processors and shippers, 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 Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture serve as ‘‘ex officio’’ members. At this meeting, the committee will be briefed on U.S. government regulatory developments relevant to agricultural biotechnology and will complete substantive work on a paper addressing the following charge: ‘‘Genetically engineered (GE) food animals are being developed in the U.S. and abroad for food and non-food uses. What regulatory issues should the U.S. government consider with regard to the potential development and commercialization of these animals and the products produced from them? Since USDA’s legal authorities extend beyond regulation to research, education and marketing, what issues pertaining to GE animals will USDA need to consider when exercising these authorities? How might the views of different stakeholders be obtained and considered?’’ 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 E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 226 / Friday, November 21, 2008 / Notices 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 December 17, 2008, 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 Fowler at (202) 720–4074, by fax at (202) 720– 3191 or by E-mail at Dianne.fowler@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 indicate those needs at the time of registration. Dated: November 13, 2008. Jeremy Stump, Deputy Chief of Staff. [FR Doc. E8–27725 Filed 11–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 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. dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with NOTICES 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 December 22, 2008. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Nov 20, 2008 Jkt 217001 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: Nominations are being sought for open Committee seats. There are currently 20 members on the AC21 and the committee’s Charter allows for flexibility to appoint up to a total of 25 members. AC21 members serve terms of up to 2 years, with terms for around half of the Committee members generally expiring in most years. Members can be reappointed to serve up to 6 consecutive years. Because the AC21 will have been in existence for 6 years in early 2008 and because of staggered appointments for committee members, the terms of 13 current members of the AC21, including the AC21 Chair, will expire at that time. 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, 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 incoming 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 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70613 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 Fowler, Office of Pest Management Policy, telephone (202) 720–4074, fax (202) 720–3191; e-mail Dianne.fowler@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: November 13, 2008. Jeremy Stump, Deputy Chief of Staff. [FR Doc. E8–27724 Filed 11–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P E:\FR\FM\21NON1.SGM 21NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 226 (Friday, November 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70612-70613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27725]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and 
Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st 
Century Agriculture Meeting

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service.

ACTION: Notice of Meeting.

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

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 December 17, 2008, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 
December 18, 2008, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ADDRESSES: Lincoln Room in USDA National Finance Center Client Services 
Office Facilities, South Building Room 1623, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20250.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The twenty-first meeting of the AC21 has 
been scheduled for December 17-18, 2008. The AC21 consists of members 
representing the biotechnology industry, farmers, commodity processors 
and shippers, 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 Office of the United States Trade 
Representative, and the National Association of State Departments of 
Agriculture serve as ``ex officio'' members. At this meeting, the 
committee will be briefed on U.S. government regulatory developments 
relevant to agricultural biotechnology and will complete substantive 
work on a paper addressing the following charge: ``Genetically 
engineered (GE) food animals are being developed in the U.S. and abroad 
for food and non-food uses. What regulatory issues should the U.S. 
government consider with regard to the potential development and 
commercialization of these animals and the products produced from them? 
Since USDA's legal authorities extend beyond regulation to research, 
education and marketing, what issues pertaining to GE animals will USDA 
need to consider when exercising these authorities? How might the views 
of different stakeholders be obtained and considered?''
    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

[[Page 70613]]

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 
December 17, 2008, 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 Fowler at (202) 720-4074, by 
fax at (202) 720-3191 or by E-mail at Dianne.fowler@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 indicate those 
needs at the time of registration.

    Dated: November 13, 2008.
Jeremy Stump,
Deputy Chief of Staff.
 [FR Doc. E8-27725 Filed 11-20-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P
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