[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 107 (Friday, June 2, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 35317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13784]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 107 / Friday, June 2, 2000 / 
Notices  

[[Page 35317]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[TM-00-05]


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 advises the Secretary on all 
aspects of the National Organic Program, and has responsibility for 
development of a proposed National List of Approved and Prohibited 
Substances. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting 
nominations to fill five upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The Secretary 
of Agriculture will appoint nominees to serve 5-year terms of office 
scheduled to commence in January 2001. USDA encourages eligible 
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply.

DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be postmarked on or 
before August 30, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Mr. Keith Jones, Program 
Manager, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, Room 2510-So., Ag 
Stop 0268, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Keith Jones, Telephone: (202) 720-
3252; Fax: (202) 690-3924; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
Section 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 a 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 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 permitted to be used or prohibited for use in organic 
production and handling.
    The NOSB is required to be composed of various individuals 
including owners or operators of an organic production organization, 
persons who represent public interest or consumer interest groups, and 
an individual who is a certifying agent. Nominations are sought for two 
positions for organic producer and two positions for consumer/public 
interest representatives. Additionally, nominations are being sought 
for the certifying agent position who will represent State and private 
certifiers. Individuals desiring to be appointed to the NOSB at this 
time must be either an owner or operator of an organic production 
operation, a person who represents public or consumer interest groups, 
or a State or private organic certifying agent. Selection criteria will 
include such factors as: demonstrated experience and interest in 
organics; diverse commodity and geographic representation; support of 
consumer and public interest organizations; demonstrated experience 
with environmental matters; 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 clearance process that 
is required by the Secretary.
    Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to 
the NOSB in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the 
recommendations for the NOSB 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, 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: May 26, 2000.
Sharon Bomer Lauritsen,
Acting Deputy Administrator, Transportation and Marketing.
[FR Doc. 00-13784 Filed 6-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P