[Federal Register: May 18, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 94)]
[Notices]               
[Page 23167-23168]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18my09-23]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. FV 09-377]

 
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service.

ACTION: Notice of Reestablishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee and a Request 
for Nominations.

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SUMMARY: The USDA intends to reestablish the Fruit and Vegetable 
Industry Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of the Committee 
is to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and 
vegetable industry and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary 
of Agriculture on how USDA can tailor its programs to better meet the 
fruit and vegetable industry's needs. USDA also seeks nominations of 
individuals to be considered for selection as Committee members.

DATES: Written nominations must be received on or before July 1, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Robert C. Keeney, Deputy

[[Page 23168]]

Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2077-S, Stop 0235, Washington, DC 20250-
0235; Facsimile: (202) 720-0016. E-mail: robert.keeney@usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Stanziani, Designated Federal 
Official; Phone: (202) 690-0182; E-mail: Pamela.stanziani@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given that the Secretary 
of Agriculture intends to reestablish the Fruit and Vegetable Industry 
Advisory Committee for two years. The purpose of the Committee is to 
examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable 
industry and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA 
can tailor its programs to better meet the fruit and vegetable 
industry's needs. The Deputy Administrator of the Agricultural 
Marketing Service's Fruit and Vegetable Programs will serve as the 
Committee's Executive Secretary. Representatives from USDA mission 
areas and agencies affecting the fruit and vegetable industry will be 
called upon to participate in the Committee's meetings as determined by 
the Committee Chairperson.
    Industry members will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture 
and serve 2-year terms. Membership will consist of up to twenty-five 
(25) members who represent the fruit and vegetable industry and will 
include individuals representing fruit and vegetable growers/shippers, 
wholesalers, brokers, retailers, processors, fresh cut processors, 
foodservice suppliers, state agencies involved in organic and non-
organic fresh fruits and vegetables at local, regional and national 
levels, state departments of agriculture, and trade associations. The 
members of the reestablished Committee will elect the Chairperson and 
Vice Chairperson of the Committee. In absence of the Chairperson, the 
Vice-Chairperson will act in the Chairperson's stead.
    The Secretary of Agriculture invites those individuals, 
organizations, and groups affiliated with the categories listed above 
to nominate individuals for membership on the reestablished Committee. 
Nominations should describe and document the proposed member's 
qualifications for membership to the Committee, and list their name, 
title, address, telephone, and fax number. The Secretary of Agriculture 
seeks a diverse group of members representing a broad spectrum of 
persons interested in providing suggestions and ideas on how USDA can 
tailor its programs to meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs.
    Individuals who are nominated will receive necessary forms from 
USDA for membership. The biographical information and clearance forms 
must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of 
notification, to expedite the clearance process that is required before 
selection of Committee members by the Secretary of Agriculture.
    Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to 
the Committee in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of 
the diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include, to the 
extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and limited resource 
agriculture producers.

    Dated: May 12, 2009.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Associate Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-11494 Filed 5-15-09; 8:45 am]

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