[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 48 (Friday, March 13, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10878-10879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-5415]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-TM-09-0004; TM-09-01]


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 Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also

[[Page 10879]]

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), retailer (1 
position), organic handler (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, 2010, and run until January 24, 2015. 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 17, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Nomination cover letters and resumes should be sent to Ms. 
Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4004-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 Allowed and Prohibited Substances and to advise the 
Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program.
    The NOSB made recommendations to the Secretary regarding 
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), retailer (1 position), organic handler 
(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 an organic production operation, an owner or 
operator of an organic handling operation, an owner or operator of 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.
    To nominate yourself or someone else please submit, at a minimum, a 
cover letter stating your interest and a copy of the nominee's resume. 
You may also submit a list of endorsements or letters of 
recommendation, if desired.
    Nominees will be supplied with an AD-755 background information 
form that must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days 
of its receipt. Resumes and completed background 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 9, 2009.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Associate Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E9-5415 Filed 3-12-09; 8:45 am]
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