[Federal Register: April 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 67)]
[Notices]               
[Page 17475-17476]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09ap07-33]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[AMS-TM-07-0035; TM-07-07]

 
Nominations for Member 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 Allowed 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 
one Environmentalist position on the NOSB. The Secretary of Agriculture 
will appoint a person to serve a 5-year term of office that will 
commence on January 24, 2008, and run until January 24, 2013. 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 August 17, 2007.

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 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. 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 current NOSB has 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 an Environmentalist vacancy. Individuals appointed 
to this NOSB position must demonstrate expertise in areas of 
environmental protection and resource conservation as they relate to 
organic agricultural production.
    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

[[Page 17476]]

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: April 3, 2007
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-6532 Filed 4-6-07; 8:45 am]

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