[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 120 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 37374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15204]


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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. 77, No. 120 / Thursday, June 21, 2012 / 
Notices  

[[Page 37374]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-12-0020; NOP-12-08]


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 and advises the Secretary on other 
aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill one (1) upcoming 
vacancy on the NOSB. The position to be filled is environmentalist. The 
Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to the position to serve 
a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 24, 2013, and run 
until January 24, 2018.

DATES: Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be 
postmarked on or before date July 30, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Nomination cover letters and resumes should be sent to 
Michelle Arsenault, Advisory Board Specialist, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Room 2640-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 
20250, or via email to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Arsenault, (202) 720-0081; 
Email
[email protected]; Fax: (202) 205-7808 or Patricia 
Atkins, (202) 260-8636; Email: [email protected].

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 is composed of 15 members; including 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 position of environmentalist. Individuals 
desiring to be appointed to the NOSB at this time must have expertise 
in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation. 
Selection criteria includes such factors as: Understanding of organic 
principles and practical experience in the organic community; 
demonstrated experience in the development of public policy such as 
participation on public or private advisory boards, boards of directors 
or other comparable organizations; participation in standards 
development or involvement in educational outreach activities; a 
commitment to the integrity of the organic food and fiber industry; the 
ability to evaluate technical information and to fully participate in 
Board deliberation and recommendations; and the willingness to commit 
the time and energy necessary to assume Board duties; 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.
    To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit: A resume, a 
cover letter, and a Form AD-755, which can be accessed at: 
www.ocio.usda.gov/forms/doc/AD-755.pdf. Resumes must be no longer than 
5 pages, and include at the beginning a summary of the following 
information: Current and past organization affiliations; areas of 
expertise; education; career positions held; any other notable 
positions held. You may also submit a list of endorsements or letters 
of recommendation, if desired. Resumes and completed requested 
background information is 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 all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, 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 18, 2012.
Ruihong Guo,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-15204 Filed 6-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P