[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 61 (Monday, March 31, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18004-18005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07009]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 61 / Monday, March 31, 2014 / 
Notices  

[[Page 18004]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Re-Establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and 
Ranching

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and Call for Nominations.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture is announcing the re-
establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching 
(Council). The purpose of the Council is to provide recommendations to 
the Secretary on how to eliminate barriers to Native American 
participation in Farm Service Agency farm loan programs and other farm 
programs. The Council will discuss issues related to the participation 
of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA farm loan programs and 
transmit recommendations concerning any changes to FSA regulations or 
internal guidance or other measures. The Council is necessary and in 
the public interest. The Department of Agriculture is seeking 
nominations for individuals to be considered Council members. 
Candidates who wish to be considered for membership on the Council for 
Native American Farmers and Ranchers should submit an AD-755 
application form and resume to the Secretary of Agriculture. Cover 
letters should be addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture. The 
application form and more information about advisory Councils can be 
found at usda.gov/advisory_committees.xml.

DATES: Submit nominations on or before May 15, 2014.

ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, 
complete package and postmarked by 45 days of this announcement. All 
nominations for membership should be sent to:
    Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20250, Attn: Council on Native 
American Farmers and Ranchers. Send comments to the Office of Tribal 
Relations, 500A Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie Wheelock, Director, Office of 
Tribal Relations. Email your questions to John Lowery at 
[email protected] or call 202-205-2249.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the provisions of the 
Federal Advisory Council Act (FACA) as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2) and 
with the concurrence of the General Services Administration, the 
Department of Agriculture is announcing the re-establishment of an 
advisory Council for Native American farmers and ranchers. The Council 
is a discretionary advisory Council established under the authority of 
the Secretary of Agriculture, in furtherance of the settlement 
agreement in Keepseagle v. Vilsack, that was granted final approval by 
the District Court for the District of Columbia on April 28, 2011. The 
Council operates under the provisions of the FACA and reports to the 
Secretary of Agriculture.
    The purpose of the Council is (1) to advise the Secretary of 
Agriculture on issues related to the participation of Native American 
farmers and ranchers in USDA farm loan programs; (2) to transmit 
recommendations concerning any changes to FSA regulations or internal 
guidance or other measures that would eliminate barriers to program 
participation for Native American farmers and ranchers; (3) to examine 
methods of maximizing the number of new farming and ranching 
opportunities created through the farm loan program through enhanced 
extension and financial literacy services; (4) to examine methods of 
encouraging intergovernmental cooperation to mitigate the effects of 
land tenure and probate issues on the delivery of USDA farm loan 
programs; (5) to evaluate other methods of creating new farming or 
ranching opportunities for Native American producers; and (6) to 
address other related issues as deemed appropriate.
    The Council has 15 members, 11 of whom will be Native American 
leaders or persons who represent the interests of Native American 
tribes or Native American organizations. The term ``Native American 
leaders'' is not limited to elected Tribal representatives or members 
or persons with Native American ancestry. The remaining four members 
are high-ranking USDA officials, including: (1) The Director, Office of 
Tribal Relations; (2) the Farm Service Agency Administrator; (3) the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; and (4) the Deputy Administrator 
for Farm Loan Programs, or their designee.
    Members serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement 
for travel expenses and per diem in accordance with USDA travel 
regulations for attendance at Council functions. Council members who 
represent the interests of Native American farmers and ranchers may 
also be paid an amount not less than $100 per day for time spent away 
from their employment or farming or ranching operation, subject to the 
availability of funds. Members may include:
    (1) Native American farmers or ranchers who have participated in 
USDA loan or payment programs;
    (2) Representatives of organizations with a history of working with 
Native American farmers or ranchers;
    (3) Civil rights professionals;
    (4) Representatives of tribal governments with demonstrated 
experience working with Native American farmers or ranchers; and
    (5) Such other persons as the Secretary considers appropriate.
    No individual who is currently registered as a Federal lobbyist is 
eligible to serve as a member of the Council.
    The Secretary of Agriculture invites those individuals, 
organizations, and groups affiliated with the categories listed above 
or who have knowledge of issues related to the purpose of the Council 
to nominate individuals for membership on the Council. Individuals and 
organizations who wish to nominate experts for this or any other USDA 
advisory Council should submit a letter to the Secretary listing these 
individuals' names and business address, phone, and email contact 
information. The Secretary of Agriculture seeks a diverse group of 
members representing a broad spectrum of persons interested in 
providing suggestions and ideas on how USDA can tailor its farm 
programs to meet the needs of Native American farmers and ranchers. 
Individuals receiving

[[Page 18005]]

nominations will be contacted and asked to return the AD-755 
application form and resume within 10 business days of notification. 
All candidates will be vetted and considered for appointment by the 
Secretary of Agriculture. Equal opportunity practices will be followed 
in all appointments to the Council in accordance with USDA policies. 
The Council will meet at least twice a year.

Gregory Parham,
Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2014-07009 Filed 3-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P