[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 135 (Friday, July 13, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 36740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-17553]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 135 / Friday, July 13, 2001 / 
Notices  

[[Page 36740]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[TM-01-05]


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 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 Secretary of Agriculture 
will appoint persons to serve 5-year terms of office that will commence 
in January 2002. USDA encourages eligible minorities, women, and 
persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the NOSB.

DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be postmarked on or 
before October 11, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Ms. Toni Strother, 
Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-
TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2510-So., Ag Stop 0268, 
Washington, DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Toni Strother, (202) 720-3252; E-
mail: [email protected]; Fax: (202) 690-2624.

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 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 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 the following five (5) upcoming NOSB vacancies: 
organic producer, organic handler, consumer/public interest 
representative, environmentalist, and scientist (in the fields of 
toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry). 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, a person who represents public or consumer interest 
groups, an individual with expertise in areas of environmental 
protection and resource conservation, or someone with expertise in the 
fields of toxicology, ecology or biochemistry. Selection criteria will 
include such factors as: Demonstrated experience and interest in 
organic production and handling; 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: July 10, 2001.
Barry L. Carpenter,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 01-17553 Filed 7-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P