[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 51 (Tuesday, March 16, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12298-12299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5894]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[No. TM-04-02]


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 positions to be filled 
are: organic producer (2 positions), organic handler, retailer, and 
environmentalist. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to 
each position to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on 
January 24, 2005, and run until January 24, 2010. 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 June 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, 
Advisory Board Specialist, 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

[[Page 12299]]

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 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 (2 positions), organic handler, retailer, and 
environmentalist. 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, an 
individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant 
trade in organic products, or an individual with expertise in areas of 
environmental protection and resource conservation. Selection criteria 
will include such factors as: demonstrated experience and interest in 
organic production, handling and retailing; 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: March 10, 2004.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-5894 Filed 3-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P