Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board, 10878-10879 [E9-5415]

Download as PDF 10878 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 48 / Friday, March 13, 2009 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 8317, fax 202–690–0031, or by e-mail USDAFMPP@usda.gov. State that your request for information refers to Docket No. TM–08–14. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation is issued pursuant to Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3001–3006) as amended by Section 10605 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107– 171) (the Acts) authorizing the establishment of the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 3005) (FMPP). The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246) also made a number of changes to the FMPP and provided the available funding. The amended act states that the purposes of the FMPP are ‘‘(A) to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or assisting in the improvement and expansion of, domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities and other direct producer-toconsumer market opportunities; and (B) to develop, or aid in the development of, new farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-toconsumer marketing opportunities.’’ Detailed program guidelines may be obtained at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ FMPP or from the contact listed above. In accordance with the Secretary’s Statement of Policy (36 FR 13804), it is found and determined upon good cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest to engage in further public participation under 5 U.S.C 553 because the applications for the FMPP need to be made available as soon as possible as the program season approaches. Background AMS will grant awards for projects that continue developing, promoting, and expanding direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. Eligible FMPP proposals should support marketing entities where agricultural farmers or vendors sell their own products directly to consumers, and the sales of these farm products should represent the core business of the entity. All eligible entities shall be domestic entities, i.e., those owned, operated, and located within one or more of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only. Entities located within U.S. territories are not eligible. Additionally, under this program eligible entities must apply for FMPP VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:55 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 217001 funds on behalf of direct marketing operators that include two or more agricultural farmers/vendors that produce and sell their own products through a common distribution channel. For example, a sole proprietor of a roadside farm market would not be eligible for this program. Individual agricultural producers, including farmers and farmers’ market vendors, roadside stand operators, communitysupported agriculture participants, and other individual direct marketers are not eligible for FMPP funds. All electronic benefits transfers (EBT) will be considered for FMPP funding. Not less than 10 percent of the total available funds will be used to support the use of electronic benefits transfers (EBT) for Federal nutrition programs at farmers’ markets. Additionally, these new EBT projects must demonstrate a plan to continue to provide EBT card access at one (1) or more farmers’ markets following the receipt of the FMPP grant. To be included in this allotment of funds the application narrative must designate the applicant’s competition for FMPP as a new EBT project. See the FMPP Guidelines at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP for more information. FMPP funds exclude existing routine operational expenses such as management salaries or other salaries associated with normal operation of existing farmers markets/marketing entities, utility bills, and insurance premiums. In addition, funds shall be provided to eligible entities that demonstrate a plan to continue to provide EBT card access at one (1) or more farmers’ markets following the receipt of the grant. FMPP grant funds must be applied to the specific programs and objectives identified in the application. Proprietary projects and projects that benefit one agricultural producer or individual will not be considered. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the FMPP information collection is currently approved by OMB and were assigned OMB control number 0581–0235. AMS is committed to complying with the e-Government Act, which requires Government agencies, in general, to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Each applicant must follow the application preparation and submission instructions provided within the FMPP Guidelines at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ FMPP. Electronic forms, proposals, letters of support, or any other application materials e-mailed directly to AMS–FMPP or USDA–AMS staff will not be accepted. Following are the options available for submitting proposals and applications to AMS: Paper Submissions—For paper submissions, an original and one copy of the proposal, required forms, narrative, letters of support, and all required materials must be submitted in one package, preferably via express mail. Electronic Submissions via Grants.gov—Applicants may apply electronically for grants through Grants.gov at https://www.Grants.gov (insert 10.168 in grant search) and are strongly encouraged to initiate the electronic submission process at least two weeks prior to application deadline. Grants.gov applicants who submit their FMPP proposals via the Federal grants Web site are not required to submit any paper documents to FMPP. FMPP is listed in the ‘‘Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance’’ under number 10.168 and subject agencies must adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in all Federally assisted programs. Dated: March 10, 2009. Robert C. Keeney, Acting Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. E9–5491 Filed 3–12–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–TM–09–0004; TM–09–01] Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board Paperwork Reduction Act PO 00000 How to Submit Proposals and Applications AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 48 / Friday, March 13, 2009 / Notices advises the Secretary on all other aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill five (5) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The positions to be filled are: organic producer (2 positions), retailer (1 position), organic handler (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to each position to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 24, 2010, and run until January 24, 2015. USDA encourages eligible minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the NOSB. DATES: Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 17, 2009. ADDRESSES: Nomination cover letters and resumes should be sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, USDA–AMS–TMP–NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4004–So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Katherine E. Benham, (202) 205–7806; E-mail: katherine.benham@usda.gov; Fax: (202) 205–7808. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. Section 6501 et seq.), requires the Secretary to establish an organic certification program for producers and handlers of agricultural products that have been produced using organic methods. In developing this program, the Secretary is required to establish an NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is to assist in the development of a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and to advise the Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program. The NOSB made recommendations to the Secretary regarding establishment of the initial organic program. It is anticipated that the NOSB will continue to make recommendations on various matters, including recommendations on substances it believes should be allowed or prohibited for use in organic production and handling. The NOSB is composed of 15 members; 4 organic producers, 2 organic handlers, a retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 public/consumer representatives, a scientist, and a certifying agent. Nominations are being sought to fill the following five (5) upcoming NOSB vacancies: organic producer (2 positions), retailer (1 position), organic handler (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). Individuals desiring to be appointed to VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:55 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 217001 the NOSB at this time must be either an owner or operator of an organic production operation, an owner or operator of an organic handling operation, an owner or operator of a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products, or an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation. Selection criteria will include such factors as: demonstrated experience and interest in organic production, handling and retailing; diverse commodity and geographic representation; support of consumer and public interest organizations; demonstrated experience with environmental matters; and such other factors as may be appropriate for specific positions. To nominate yourself or someone else please submit, at a minimum, a cover letter stating your interest and a copy of the nominee’s resume. You may also submit a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation, if desired. Nominees will be supplied with an AD–755 background information form that must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of its receipt. Resumes and completed background information forms are required for a nominee to receive consideration for appointment by the Secretary. Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to the NOSB in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the members of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse groups that are served by the Department, membership on the NOSB will include, to the extent practicable, individuals who demonstrate the 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. Dated: March 9, 2009. Robert C. Keeney, Acting Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. E9–5415 Filed 3–12–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P PO 00000 10879 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2009–0004] Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling AGENCY: Office of the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA. ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Office of the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are sponsoring a public meeting on April 7, 2009. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 37th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Calgary, Canada, on May 4 to May 8, 2009. In addition, a Working Group on the Implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health will meet on May 2, 2009. The Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 37th Session of the CCFL and to address items on the agenda. DATES: The public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2009, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held in Room 107A, Jamie Whitten Federal Building, 1200 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. Codex documents related to the 37th Session of the CCFL will be accessible via the World Wide Web at the following address: https:// www.codexalimentarius.net/ current.asp. The U.S. Delegate to the CCFL, Dr. Barbara Schneeman, invites U.S. interested parties to submit their comments electronically to the following e-mail address: ccfl@fda.hhs.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE 37TH SESSION OF THE CCFL CONTACT: Dr. Michael Wehr, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740. Phone: (301) 436–1724, Fax: Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 48 (Friday, March 13, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10878-10879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-5415]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-TM-09-0004; TM-09-01]


Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, 
requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board 
(NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is responsible for 
developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List 
of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also

[[Page 10879]]

advises the Secretary on all other aspects of the National Organic 
Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting 
nominations to fill five (5) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The 
positions to be filled are: organic producer (2 positions), retailer (1 
position), organic handler (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 
position). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to each 
position to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 
24, 2010, and run until January 24, 2015. USDA encourages eligible 
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply for 
membership on the NOSB.

DATES: Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be 
post-marked on or before July 17, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Nomination cover letters and resumes should be sent to Ms. 
Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4004-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 
20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Katherine E. Benham, (202) 205-
7806; E-mail: katherine.benham@usda.gov; Fax: (202) 205-7808.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
Section 6501 et seq.), requires the Secretary to establish an organic 
certification program for producers and handlers of agricultural 
products that have been produced using organic methods. In developing 
this program, the Secretary is required to establish an NOSB. The 
purpose of the NOSB is to assist in the development of a proposed 
National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and to advise the 
Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program.
    The NOSB made recommendations to the Secretary regarding 
establishment of the initial organic program. It is anticipated that 
the NOSB will continue to make recommendations on various matters, 
including recommendations on substances it believes should be allowed 
or prohibited for use in organic production and handling.
    The NOSB is composed of 15 members; 4 organic producers, 2 organic 
handlers, a retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 public/consumer 
representatives, a scientist, and a certifying agent. Nominations are 
being sought to fill the following five (5) upcoming NOSB vacancies: 
organic producer (2 positions), retailer (1 position), organic handler 
(1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). Individuals 
desiring to be appointed to the NOSB at this time must be either an 
owner or operator of an organic production operation, an owner or 
operator of an organic handling operation, an owner or operator of a 
retail establishment with significant trade in organic products, or an 
individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and 
resource conservation. Selection criteria will include such factors as: 
demonstrated experience and interest in organic production, handling 
and retailing; diverse commodity and geographic representation; support 
of consumer and public interest organizations; demonstrated experience 
with environmental matters; and such other factors as may be 
appropriate for specific positions.
    To nominate yourself or someone else please submit, at a minimum, a 
cover letter stating your interest and a copy of the nominee's resume. 
You may also submit a list of endorsements or letters of 
recommendation, if desired.
    Nominees will be supplied with an AD-755 background information 
form that must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days 
of its receipt. Resumes and completed background information forms are 
required for a nominee to receive consideration for appointment by the 
Secretary.
    Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to 
the NOSB in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the members 
of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse groups that are 
served by the Department, membership on the NOSB will include, to the 
extent practicable, individuals who demonstrate the 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.

    Dated: March 9, 2009.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Associate Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E9-5415 Filed 3-12-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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