[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 56 (Monday, March 24, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15934-15935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06276]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary


Notice of Solicitation of Members to the National Genetic 
Research Advisory Council

AGENCY: Research, Education, and Economics, USDA.

ACTION: Solicitation of members.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.A. 5843), the United States Department of 
Agriculture announces the solicitation for nominations to fill four 
vacancies on the National Genetic Resources Advisory Council.

DATES: All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, complete 
package and postmarked or sent electronically by May 30, 2014.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages must be sent to: Thomas Vilsack, 
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-2255, Attn: National Genetics Research 
Advisory Council, Room 3901, South Building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Esch, Executive Director, 
National Genetics Research Advisory Council, Room 3901, South Building, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0321 Telephone: 202-720-3684. Fax: 202-720-6199, 
or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board is composed of 9 members. The 
NGRAC was re-established in 2012 as a permanent subcommittee of the 
National Agricultural Research,

[[Page 15935]]

Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board to 
formulate recommendations on actions and policies for the collection, 
maintenance, and utilization of genetic resources; to make 
recommendations for coordination of genetic resources plans of several 
domestic and international organizations; and to advise the Secretary 
of Agriculture and the National Genetic Resources Program (NGRP) 
Director of new and innovative approaches to genetic resources 
conservation. The NGRAC will advise the Department on ways to ensure 
that the NGRP serves the needs of all farmers for high-quality and 
diverse seed (both conventionally bred and genetically engineered) for 
their particular farming operations. The NGRAC will also advise the 
department on developing a broad strategy for maintaining plant 
biodiversity available to agriculture, and strengthening public sector 
plant breeding capacities.
    The terms of 4 members of the NGRAC expired on September 30, 2013. 
Nominations for a 4-year appointment, effective October 1, 2013 through 
September 30, 2017, for these 4 vacant positions are sought. The NGRAC 
membership is required to have two-thirds of the appointed members from 
scientific disciplines relevant to the NGRP including agricultural 
sciences, environmental sciences, natural resource sciences, health 
sciences, and nutritional sciences; and one-third of the appointed 
members from the general public including leaders in fields of public 
policy, trade, international development, law, or management. The 4 
slots to be filled are to be composed of 3 scientific members and 1 
general public member. All nominees will be carefully reviewed for 
their expertise, leadership, and relevance. All nominees will be vetted 
before selection.
    Individuals and organizations who wish to nominate experts for this 
or any other USDA advisory committee should submit a letter to the 
Secretary listing these individuals' names and business address, phone, 
and email contact information. These individuals may be contacted now 
or in the future to determine their interest in serving as a committee 
member.
    Candidates who wish to be considered for membership on the National 
Genetic Research Advisory Council must submit an AD-755, ``Advisory 
Committee Membership Background Information,'' application form and 
their resume to the Secretary of Agriculture. Cover letters should be 
addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture. The application form and 
more information about advisory committees can be found at 
www.usda.gov/advisory_committees.xml.
    Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, 
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical 
handicap, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure the 
recommendations of the Advisory Board take into account the needs of 
the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include, 
to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to 
represent all racial and ethnic groups, geographical areas, women and 
men, and persons with disabilities.
    Appointments to the National Genetic Research Advisory Council will 
be made by the Secretary of Agriculture.

    Done at Washington, DC this 10th day of March 2014.
Ann Bartuska,
Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics.
[FR Doc. 2014-06276 Filed 3-21-14; 8:45 am]
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