National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Call for Nominations, 26042 [2017-11639]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Page 26042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11639]


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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 107 / Tuesday, June 6, 2017 / 
Notices

[[Page 26042]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-17-0009; NOP-17-01]


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 one (1) upcoming vacancy for an individual 
with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource 
conservation. The five-year term will begin January 24, 2018, and end 
January 23, 2023. 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. A person 
appointed to fill an unexpected vacancy will serve for the remainder of 
the 5-year term of the vacant position. Previous applicants who wish to 
be considered must reapply.

DATES: Written nominations must be postmarked on or before August 7, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: 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, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et 
seq.), requires the Secretary to establish the NOSB in accordance with 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.). 
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.
    As 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.
    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 (optional), 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. 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, your 
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.

    Dated: May 31, 2017.
Bruce Summers,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11639 Filed 6-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P