[Federal Register: March 16, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 51)]
[Notices]
[Page 12298-12299]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16mr04-20]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[No. TM-04-02]
Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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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 Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also 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), organic handler, retailer, and
environmentalist. 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, 2005, and run until January 24, 2010. USDA encourages
eligible minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply for
membership on the NOSB.
DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be post-marked on or
before June 14, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham,
Advisory Board Specialist, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Room 4008-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
[[Page 12299]]
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 Approved and Prohibited Substances and to advise the
Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program.
The current NOSB made recommendations to the Secretary regarding
the 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), organic handler, retailer, and
environmentalist. 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
individual who owns or operates 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.
Nominees will be supplied with a biographical information form that
must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of its
receipt. Completed biographical 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 10, 2004.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-5894 Filed 3-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P