[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20971-20972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6075]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. TM-06-05]


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 other aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill four 
(4) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The positions to be filled are: 
Organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position), consumer public 
interest (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). 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, 2007, 
and run until January 24, 2012. USDA encourages eligible minorities, 
women, and persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the 
NOSB.

DATES: Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be 
post-marked on or before July 14, 2006.

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. 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

[[Page 20972]]

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 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 four (4) upcoming NOSB vacancies: 
Organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position), consumer public 
interest (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). 
Individuals desiring to be appointed to the NOSB at this time must be 
either an owner or operator of a certified organic handling operation; 
an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and 
resource conservation; an individual with expertise in the fields of 
toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; or an individual who represents 
public interest or consumer interest groups. Selection criteria will 
include such factors as: Demonstrated experience and interest in 
organic production, organic certification, support of consumer and 
public interest organizations; demonstrated experience with respect to 
agricultural products produced and handled on certified organic farms; 
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: April 18, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-6075 Filed 4-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P