[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 164 (Thursday, August 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20993]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 25, 1994]


                                                   VOL. 59, NO. 164

                                          Thursday, August 25, 1994

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[TMD-94-00-2]

 

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 of 1990, as amended (Act), 
requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 
to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in 
organic production and to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on any 
other aspects of the implementation of the Act. The NOSB was originally 
established on January 24, 1992, with individual members appointed for 
staggered appointments of 3, 4, and 5 years. Appointments for four 
members will be up in January 1995, and the Secretary seeks nominations 
of individuals to be considered for selection as NOSB members.

DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be postmarked on or 
before September 30, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Dr. Harold S. Ricker, 
Assistant Director, Transportation and Marketing Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Room 4006 
South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Harold S. Ricker, (202) 720-2704.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act, Public Law Number 92-463, notice is hereby given that the Organic 
Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended, 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 a 
NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is to assist in the development of 
standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise 
the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of the 
program.
    The current NOSB has worked to develop recommendations to the 
Secretary to establish the initial program. It is anticipated that the 
NOSB will continue to work on recommendations for refinements in the 
program and the ongoing review of substances considered for organic 
production and processing. A member of the NOSB shall serve for a term 
of 5 years, except that the Secretary appointed the original members of 
the NOSB for staggered terms of 3, 4, and 5 years. The terms of four 
members of the current NOSB, who were appointed for 3-year terms, will 
be completed on January 24, 1995. A member may serve consecutive terms 
if such member served an original term that was less than 5 years. 
However a member of the NOSB, with 3 years of service, seeking 
reappointment may only be reappointed for 3 years in accordance with 7 
U.S.C. 2283 (c) which states ``No person other than an officer or 
employee of the Department of Agriculture may serve more than six 
consecutive years on an advisory committee, unless authorized by the 
Secretary.''
    Nominations are sought for the positions of Farmer, Handler or 
Processor, Retailer, and Environmentalist. Individuals desiring to be 
appointed to the NOSB at this time must be either an owner or operator 
of an organic farming operation, an owner or operator of an organic 
handling or processing operation, an owner or operator of a retail 
establishment with significant trade in organic products, or an expert 
in the area of environmental or resource conservation.
    One member of the NOSB must be a certifying agent as defined in 
Public Law Number 101-624. That member shall be appointed at an 
appropriate date after the accreditation of a number of individuals as 
certifying agents has been completed.
    Selection criteria will include such factors as: demonstrated 
experience and interest in organics; commodity and geographic 
representation; endorsed support of industry organizations; 
demonstrated experience with environmental concerns; and other factors 
as may be appropriate for specific positions.
    After applications have been reviewed, individuals receiving 
nominations will be contacted and supplied with biographical forms. The 
biographical information must be completed and returned to USDA within 
10 working days of its receipt, to expedite the security clearance 
process that is required by the Secretary.

    Dated: August 19, 1994.
Lon Hatamiya,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 94-20993 Filed 8-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P