[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 116 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 41214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15186]


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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. 67, No. 116 / Monday, June 17, 2002 / 
Notices  

[[Page 41214]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[TM-02-04]


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 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 
the position of Environmentalist 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, 2003, and run until January 24, 2008. 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 16, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, 
Agricultural Marketing Information Assistant, 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: [email protected]; Fax: (202) 205-7808.

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 an Environmentalist vacancy. Any individual 
desiring to be appointed to the NOSB at this time must demonstrate 
expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource 
conservation.
    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: June 11, 2002.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 02-15186 Filed 6-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P