National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Notice of Intent To Renew Charter and Call for Nominations, 19112-19113 [2016-07616]

Download as PDF 19112 Notices Federal Register Vol. 81, No. 64 Monday, April 4, 2016 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 Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–NOP–15–0086; NOP–15–17] National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Notice of Intent To Renew Charter and Call for Nominations Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice: Intent to renew Charter and call for nominations. AGENCY: 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, USDA is announcing the following: its intent to renew the Charter of the NOSB, which expires on May 8, 2016; its call for nominations to fill five (5) upcoming vacancies for appointments in 2017, and its call for nominations for a pool of candidates to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the position categories should that occur. DATES: The current NOSB Charter expires on May 8, 2016. Written nominations must be postmarked on or before June 3, 2016. ADDRESSES: Nomination applications can be sent via email to Michelle Arsenault at Michelle.Arsenault@ ams.usda.gov, 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: Michelle.Arsenault@ ams.usda.gov; SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. Section 6501 et seq.), requires the Secretary to establish an organic certification mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:03 Apr 01, 2016 Jkt 238001 program for producers and handlers of agricultural products that have been produced using organic methods. The OFPA includes the requirement that the Secretary establish a NOSB in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.). 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 the implementation of the OFPA. Pursuant to the FACA, notice is hereby given that the Secretary of Agriculture intends to renew the NOSB Charter for two years. The NOSB is of a continuing nature due to the changes in organic production and marketing brought about through advancements in science and technology. The NOSB is composed of 15 members including; four individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation, two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation; one individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products; three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation; three individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups; one scientist 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 fulfill two goals: Firstly, it is seeking nominations to fill five (5) upcoming vacancies for the following positions: One (1) organic producer; one (1) individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation; one (1) representative of a public or consumer interest group; one (1) organic handler or processor; and one (1) scientist (toxicology, ecology or biochemistry). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint one person to each of these five positions to serve a 5year term of office beginning January 24, 2017, and ending January 23, 2022. Secondly, the USDA is seeking nominations to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the position categories. These nominations will be held as a pool of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur. A person appointed to fill a vacancy will serve for PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the remainder of the 5-year term of the vacant position. As per the OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to the NOSB must meet the definition of the position that they seek as identified under section 6518 of this title, 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. To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the following: a resume (required), Form AD–755 (required), which can be accessed at: https://www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_ AD_755_Master_2012.pdf, a cover letter, and a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation (optional). Resumes must be no longer than 5 pages, and should include a summary of the following information: Current and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; any other notable positions held. If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), for records relating to NOSB nominations, your application materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the release of the information, personally identifiable information protected by the FOIA Privacy Act will be redacted. Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices 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. Dated: March 30, 2016. Elanor Starmer, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2016–07616 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program Announcement Type: New. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.600. SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2017 Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible applicants for fiscal year 2017 and to set out criteria for the award of funds under the program in October 2016. The Cooperator program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). DATES: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016. Applications received after this date will not be considered. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service by courier: Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by e–mail: uesadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available on the FAS Web site at the following URL address: https:// www.fas.usda.gov/programs/foreignmarket-development-program-fmd. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:03 Apr 01, 2016 Jkt 238001 I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority: The Cooperator program is authorized by Title VII of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. Cooperator program regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1484. Purpose: The Cooperator program is designed to create, expand, and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through cost–share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein and in the Cooperator program regulations. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decision–making initiatives of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, FAS considers whether the applicant provides a clear, long–term agricultural trade strategy and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country goals. FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project targets markets with the greatest growth potential. These factors are part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA. II. Award Information Under the Cooperator program, FAS enters into agreements with eligible nonprofit U.S. trade organizations to share the cost of certain overseas marketing and promotion activities. Funding priority is given to organizations that have the broadest possible producer representation of the commodity being promoted and that are nationwide in membership and scope. Cooperators may receive assistance only for generic activities that do not involve promotions targeted directly to consumers. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: To participate in the Cooperator program, an applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization. 2. Cost Sharing: To participate in the Cooperator program, an applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19113 Cooperator program is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. The contribution must be at least 50 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for activities conducted under the project agreement. The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the cost–share contributions specified therein, is considered by FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost–share may be actual cash invested or in–kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The Cooperator program regulations, including sections 1484.50 and 1484.51, provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost–share contributions. 3. Other: Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package: Organizations are encouraged to submit their Foreign Market Development (FMD) applications to the FAS through the web–based Unified Export Strategy (UES) application. The UES allows applicants to submit a single consolidated and strategically coordinated proposal that incorporates requests for funding for virtually all of the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade faced, identify activities that would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals. Applicants planning to use the web– based application must contact FAS’ Program Operations Division to obtain site access information. The web–based application may be found at the following URL address: https:// www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/. FAS highly recommends applying via the web–based application as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. However, applicants also have the option of submitting an electronic version of their application to FAS at uesadmin@fas.usda.gov. E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19112-19113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07616]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

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.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / 
Notices

[[Page 19112]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-15-0086; NOP-15-17]


National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Notice of Intent To 
Renew Charter and Call for Nominations

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice: Intent to renew Charter and call for nominations.

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

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, 
USDA is announcing the following: its intent to renew the Charter of 
the NOSB, which expires on May 8, 2016; its call for nominations to 
fill five (5) upcoming vacancies for appointments in 2017, and its call 
for nominations for a pool of candidates to fill future unexpected 
vacancies in any of the position categories should that occur.

DATES: The current NOSB Charter expires on May 8, 2016. Written 
nominations must be postmarked on or before June 3, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Nomination applications can be sent via email to Michelle 
Arsenault at Michelle.Arsenault@ams.usda.gov, 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: Michelle.Arsenault@ams.usda.gov;

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. The OFPA 
includes the requirement that the Secretary establish a NOSB in 
accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. 
App. 2 et seq.). 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 the implementation of the 
OFPA.
    Pursuant to the FACA, notice is hereby given that the Secretary of 
Agriculture intends to renew the NOSB Charter for two years. The NOSB 
is of a continuing nature due to the changes in organic production and 
marketing brought about through advancements in science and technology.
    The NOSB is composed of 15 members including; four individuals who 
own or operate an organic farming operation, two individuals who own or 
operate an organic handling operation; one individual who owns or 
operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic 
products; three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental 
protection and resource conservation; three individuals who represent 
public interest or consumer interest groups; one scientist 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 fulfill two goals: Firstly, it is seeking nominations to fill 
five (5) upcoming vacancies for the following positions: One (1) 
organic producer; one (1) individual with expertise in areas of 
environmental protection and resource conservation; one (1) 
representative of a public or consumer interest group; one (1) organic 
handler or processor; and one (1) scientist (toxicology, ecology or 
biochemistry). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint one person to 
each of these five positions to serve a 5-year term of office beginning 
January 24, 2017, and ending January 23, 2022. Secondly, the USDA is 
seeking nominations to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the 
position categories. These nominations will be held as a pool of 
candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as 
replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur. A person 
appointed to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the 5-year 
term of the vacant position.
    As per the OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to the NOSB must 
meet the definition of the position that they seek as identified under 
section 6518 of this title, 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.
    To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the following: 
a resume (required), Form AD-755 (required), which can be accessed at: 
https://www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_AD_755_Master_2012.pdf, a cover 
letter, and a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation 
(optional). Resumes must be no longer than 5 pages, and should include 
a summary of the following information: Current and past organization 
affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; any 
other notable positions held.
    If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), for records relating to NOSB nominations, your 
application materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the 
release of the information, personally identifiable information 
protected by the FOIA Privacy Act will be redacted.
    Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, 
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical 
disability,

[[Page 19113]]

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.

    Dated: March 30, 2016.
Elanor Starmer,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07616 Filed 4-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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