Establishment of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Advisory Committee, 1083-1084 [2020-29077]
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1083
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 4
Thursday, January 7, 2021
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
Establishment of the Urban Agriculture
and Innovative Production Advisory
Committee and Solicitation of
Nominations for Membership on the
Advisory Committee
Natural Resources
Conservation Service, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Secretary of USDA
announces the establishment of the
Urban Agriculture and Innovative
Production Advisory Committee (Urban
Ag Advisory Committee). The
Committee will advise the Secretary on
the development of policies and
outreach relating to urban, indoor, and
other emerging agricultural production
practices; and other aspects of the
implementation section of Subtitle A,
Section 222 of the Reorganization Act of
1994. This notice also solicits
nominations for membership on the
Urban Ag Advisory Committee.
DATES: January 7, 2021.
ADDRESSES: We will consider
nominations that are postmarked by
March 8, 2021 to Ronald Harris,
Designated Federal Officer, Director of
Outreach and Partnerships, Natural
Resources Conservation Service,
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Room 6006–
S, Washington, DC 20250; or send by
email to: Ronald.Harris@usda.gov.
Ronald Harris, as the Designated Federal
Officer will acknowledge receipt of
nominations.
SUMMARY:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald Harris; telephone: (202) 720–
6646; email: Ronald.Harris@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Urban Ag Advisory Committee Purpose
Section 12302 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115–
334, the 2018 Farm Bill) directs the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:12 Jan 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
Secretary of the USDA to establish an
‘‘Urban Agriculture and Innovative
Production Advisory Committee’’ to
advise the Secretary on the development
of policies and outreach relating to
urban, indoor, and other emerging
agricultural production practices; and
any other aspects of the implementation
of section 222 of the Reorganization Act
of 1994 (Pub. L. 103–354). The Urban
Ag Advisory Committee will advise the
Secretary of Agriculture on the
development of policies and outreach
relating to urban, indoor, and other
emerging agricultural production
practices; and will further develop
recommendations.
In addition, the Urban Ag Advisory
Committee will advise the Director of
the Office of Urban Agriculture and
Innovative Production on policies,
initiatives, and outreach administered
by that office. The Urban Ag Advisory
Committee will evaluate and review
ongoing research and extension
activities relating to urban, indoor, and
other innovative agricultural practices;
identify new and existing barriers to
successful urban, indoor, and other
emerging agricultural production
practices; and provide additional
assistance and provide advice to the
Director as appropriate.
Urban Ag Advisory Committee
Membership
The Urban Ag Advisory Committee is
expected to meet not less than 3 times
each year, with meetings held at various
locations across the United States. There
will be 12 members appointed to the
Urban Ag Advisory Committee. Of the
members first appointed to this Urban
Ag Advisory Committee, as determined
by the Secretary:
• 4 of the members will be appointed
for a term of 3 years;
• 4 of the members will be appointed
for a term of 2 years; and
• 4 of the members will be appointed
for a term of 1 year.
Future members will be appointed for
a term of 3 years. An initial appointee
of the Urban Ag Advisory Committee
may serve an additional consecutive
term if the member is reappointed by
the Secretary.
The Urban Ag Advisory Committee
will be composed of individuals
representing a broad spectrum of the
following representation:
Æ 4 agricultural producers, of
whom—
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Frm 00001
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Æ 2 are agricultural producers in an
urban area or urban cluster; and
Æ agricultural producers who use
innovative technology;
• 2 representatives from an
institution of higher education or
extension program;
• 1 representative of a nonprofit
organization, which may include a
public health, environmental, or
community organization;
• 1 representative of business and
economic development, which may
include a business development entity,
a chamber of commerce, a city
government, or a planning organization;
• 1 individual with supply chain
experience, which may include a food
aggregator, wholesale food distributor,
food hub, or an individual who has
direct-to-consumer market experience;
• 1 individual from a financing
entity; and
• 2 individuals with related
experience or expertise in urban,
indoor, and other emerging agriculture
production practices, as determined by
the Secretary.
Nominees to the Urban Ag Advisory
Committee will be evaluated on a
number of criteria, including expertise
or experience with urban, indoor, and
other emerging agricultural practices.
Serving as an Urban Ag Advisory
Committee member will not constitute
employment by, or the holding of, an
office of the United States for the
purpose of any Federal law. Persons
selected for membership on the Urban
Ag Advisory Committee will not receive
compensation from USDA for their
service as Urban Ag Advisory
Committee members, except that while
away from home or regular place of
business the member will be eligible for
travel expenses paid by USDA,
including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at the same rate as a person
employed intermittently in the
government service, under 5 U.S.C.
5703.
Equal opportunity practices, in line
with the USDA policies, will be
followed in all appointments to the
Urban Ag Advisory Committee.
To ensure that the recommendations
of the Urban Ag Advisory Committee
have taken into account the needs of the
diverse groups served by the
Department, membership should
include, to the extent practicable,
individuals with demonstrated ability to
E:\FR\FM\07JAN1.SGM
07JAN1
1084
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 4 / Thursday, January 7, 2021 / Notices
represent minorities, women, and
persons with disabilities.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Member Nominations
Any interested person or organization
may nominate qualified individuals for
membership. Interested candidates may
nominate themselves. Individuals who
wish to be considered for membership
on the Urban Ag Advisory Committee
must submit a nomination with
information, including a background
disclosure form (Form AD–755).
Nominations should be typed and
include the following:
1. A brief summary, no more than two
pages, explaining the nominee’s
qualifications to serve on the Urban Ag
Advisory Committee and addressing the
criteria described above.
2. A resume providing the nominee’s
background, experience, and
educational qualifications.
3. A completed background disclosure
form (Form AD–755) signed by the
nominee https://www.ocio.usda.gov/
sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755Approved_Master-exp-3.31.22_508.pdf.
4. Any recent publications by the
nominee relative to urban agriculture or
innovations in urban agricultural
production (if appropriate).
5. Letters of endorsement (optional).
Send typed nominations to Ronald
Harris, Designated Federal Officer,
Director of Outreach and Partnerships,
Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Room 6006–
S, Washington, DC 20250; telephone:
(202) 720–6646; email: Ronald.Harris@
usda.gov. Ronald Harris, the Designated
Federal Officer, will acknowledge
receipt of nominations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
To ensure that recommendations of
the Urban Ag Advisory Committee take
into account the needs of underserved
and diverse communities served by the
USDA, membership will include, to the
extent practicable, individuals
representing minorities, women, and
persons with disabilities. USDA
prohibits discrimination in all of its
programs and activities on the basis of
race, sex, color, national origin, gender,
religion, age, sexual orientation, or
disability. Additionally, discrimination
on the basis of political beliefs and
marital status or family status is also
prohibited by statutes enforced by
USDA (not all prohibited bases apply to
all programs). Persons with disabilities
who require alternate means for
communication of program information
(Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.)
should contact USDA’s Technology and
Accessible Resources Give Employment
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:12 Jan 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
Today Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice
and TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
Dated: December 28, 2020.
Cikena Reid,
Committee Management Officer, USDA.
[FR Doc. 2020–29077 Filed 1–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–16–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Economic Research Service
Notice of Intent to Request New
Information Collection
Economic Research Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) implementing regulations, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Economic Research Service (ERS)
invites the general public and other
Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on a proposed
new information collection for a study
of ‘‘Conservation Auction Behavior:
Effects of Default Offers and Score
Updating.’’
SUMMARY:
Written comments on this notice
must be received on or before March 8,
2021 to be assured of consideration.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments
concerning this notice to Steven
Wallander, Rural and Resource
Economics Division, Economic Research
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Ave. SW, Mail Stop
1800, Washington DC 20250–0002.
Submit electronic comments to
steve.wallander@usda.gov .
All written comments will be
available for public inspection during
regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. (Eastern time), Monday through
Friday). To arrange access to the
comments, contact Steven Wallander at
the email address listed above.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for Office of Management and Budget
approval. All comments and replies will
be a matter of public record. Comments
are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
DATES:
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Frm 00002
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
methodology and assumptions used; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond, including
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information contact Steven
Wallander at the mailing address listed
above or by phone: (202) 694–5546.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title:
Conservation Auction Behavior: Effects
of Default Offers and Score Updating.
OMB Number: To be assigned by
OMB.
Expiration Date: Three years from
approval date.
Type of Request: New information
collection.
Abstract: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub.
L. 104–12) and OMB regulations at 5
CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29,
1995), this notice announces USDA
Economic Research Services’ intention
to request approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for a
new data collection effort.
This data collection will use an online
simulated auction experiment with
former participants in the USDA
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
general signup and university students
to (1) study the anchoring effect of using
a high-scoring default offer in the CRP
enrollment software rather than an
active-choice default, and (2) study how
the timing of information about final
ranking score in the software influences
responsive to baseline ranking scores.
Outputs for the experiment will be used
to inform potential updates to the CRP
software and enrollment software as
well as future lab experiments on
general conservation auctions.
USDA’s Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP) enrolls environmentally
sensitive cropland in long-term
contracts. Enrolled landowners receive
annual rental payments for establishing
the approved conservation vegetative
cover and not farming the land. Most
land is enrolled through the CRP
General Signup, a multi-unit, sealedbid, reverse auction. Offers are ranked
on both quality and price. Participants
can increase the probability that their
offer is accepted by agreeing to a higher
quality conservation cover practice or
lowering their asking price (annual
payment). By encouraging better
practices and lower payments, the
auction design improves the cost
effectiveness of the CRP.
E:\FR\FM\07JAN1.SGM
07JAN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 4 (Thursday, January 7, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1083-1084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-29077]
========================================================================
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. 86, No. 4 / Thursday, January 7, 2021 /
Notices
[[Page 1083]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Establishment of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Advisory Committee and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on
the Advisory Committee
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Secretary of USDA announces the establishment of the Urban
Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (Urban Ag
Advisory Committee). The Committee will advise the Secretary on the
development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and
other emerging agricultural production practices; and other aspects of
the implementation section of Subtitle A, Section 222 of the
Reorganization Act of 1994. This notice also solicits nominations for
membership on the Urban Ag Advisory Committee.
DATES: January 7, 2021.
ADDRESSES: We will consider nominations that are postmarked by March 8,
2021 to Ronald Harris, Designated Federal Officer, Director of Outreach
and Partnerships, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6006-S, Washington, DC
20250; or send by email to: [email protected]. Ronald Harris, as
the Designated Federal Officer will acknowledge receipt of nominations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Harris; telephone: (202) 720-
6646; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Urban Ag Advisory Committee Purpose
Section 12302 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L.
115-334, the 2018 Farm Bill) directs the Secretary of the USDA to
establish an ``Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory
Committee'' to advise the Secretary on the development of policies and
outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural
production practices; and any other aspects of the implementation of
section 222 of the Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354). The
Urban Ag Advisory Committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on
the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and
other emerging agricultural production practices; and will further
develop recommendations.
In addition, the Urban Ag Advisory Committee will advise the
Director of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
on policies, initiatives, and outreach administered by that office. The
Urban Ag Advisory Committee will evaluate and review ongoing research
and extension activities relating to urban, indoor, and other
innovative agricultural practices; identify new and existing barriers
to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production
practices; and provide additional assistance and provide advice to the
Director as appropriate.
Urban Ag Advisory Committee Membership
The Urban Ag Advisory Committee is expected to meet not less than 3
times each year, with meetings held at various locations across the
United States. There will be 12 members appointed to the Urban Ag
Advisory Committee. Of the members first appointed to this Urban Ag
Advisory Committee, as determined by the Secretary:
4 of the members will be appointed for a term of 3 years;
4 of the members will be appointed for a term of 2 years;
and
4 of the members will be appointed for a term of 1 year.
Future members will be appointed for a term of 3 years. An initial
appointee of the Urban Ag Advisory Committee may serve an additional
consecutive term if the member is reappointed by the Secretary.
The Urban Ag Advisory Committee will be composed of individuals
representing a broad spectrum of the following representation:
[cir] 4 agricultural producers, of whom--
[cir] 2 are agricultural producers in an urban area or urban
cluster; and
[cir] agricultural producers who use innovative technology;
2 representatives from an institution of higher education
or extension program;
1 representative of a nonprofit organization, which may
include a public health, environmental, or community organization;
1 representative of business and economic development,
which may include a business development entity, a chamber of commerce,
a city government, or a planning organization;
1 individual with supply chain experience, which may
include a food aggregator, wholesale food distributor, food hub, or an
individual who has direct-to-consumer market experience;
1 individual from a financing entity; and
2 individuals with related experience or expertise in
urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices, as
determined by the Secretary.
Nominees to the Urban Ag Advisory Committee will be evaluated on a
number of criteria, including expertise or experience with urban,
indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices.
Serving as an Urban Ag Advisory Committee member will not
constitute employment by, or the holding of, an office of the United
States for the purpose of any Federal law. Persons selected for
membership on the Urban Ag Advisory Committee will not receive
compensation from USDA for their service as Urban Ag Advisory Committee
members, except that while away from home or regular place of business
the member will be eligible for travel expenses paid by USDA, including
per diem in lieu of subsistence, at the same rate as a person employed
intermittently in the government service, under 5 U.S.C. 5703.
Equal opportunity practices, in line with the USDA policies, will
be followed in all appointments to the Urban Ag Advisory Committee.
To ensure that the recommendations of the Urban Ag Advisory
Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups
served by the Department, membership should include, to the extent
practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to
[[Page 1084]]
represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
Member Nominations
Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified
individuals for membership. Interested candidates may nominate
themselves. Individuals who wish to be considered for membership on the
Urban Ag Advisory Committee must submit a nomination with information,
including a background disclosure form (Form AD-755).
Nominations should be typed and include the following:
1. A brief summary, no more than two pages, explaining the
nominee's qualifications to serve on the Urban Ag Advisory Committee
and addressing the criteria described above.
2. A resume providing the nominee's background, experience, and
educational qualifications.
3. A completed background disclosure form (Form AD-755) signed by
the nominee https://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755-Approved_Master-exp-3.31.22_508.pdf.
4. Any recent publications by the nominee relative to urban
agriculture or innovations in urban agricultural production (if
appropriate).
5. Letters of endorsement (optional).
Send typed nominations to Ronald Harris, Designated Federal
Officer, Director of Outreach and Partnerships, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Room 6006-S, Washington, DC 20250; telephone: (202) 720-
6646; email: [email protected]. Ronald Harris, the Designated
Federal Officer, will acknowledge receipt of nominations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
To ensure that recommendations of the Urban Ag Advisory Committee
take into account the needs of underserved and diverse communities
served by the USDA, membership will include, to the extent practicable,
individuals representing minorities, women, and persons with
disabilities. USDA prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and
activities on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, gender,
religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Additionally,
discrimination on the basis of political beliefs and marital status or
family status is also prohibited by statutes enforced by USDA (not all
prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who
require alternate means for communication of program information
(Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact USDA's
Technology and Accessible Resources Give Employment Today Center at
(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider
and employer.
Dated: December 28, 2020.
Cikena Reid,
Committee Management Officer, USDA.
[FR Doc. 2020-29077 Filed 1-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
