[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 6, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43986-43987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16099]
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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 (USDA) is announcing the re-
establishment of the advisory Council for Native American Farming and
Ranching (Council). The purpose of this advisory council is to provide
recommendations to the Secretary on how to eliminate barriers to Native
American participation in USDA programs. The Council will discuss
issues related to the participation of Native American farmers and
ranchers in USDA programs and transmit recommendations concerning any
changes to regulations or internal guidance or other measures. The
Council is necessary and in the public interest. The USDA 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 can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_AD_755_Master_2012.pdf.
DATES: Submit nominations on or before August 22, 2016.
ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be mailed in a single,
complete package and postmarked by [Insert date 45 days after the date
of publication of this Federal Register notice]. All nominations for
membership should be sent to: Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington,
DC, 20250, Attention: 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
[email protected] at 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 (USDA) is announcing the re-establishment of
the advisory Council for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
(Council). The Council is a discretionary advisory council that
operates under the provisions of the FACA and reports to the Secretary
of Agriculture. The purpose of this Council is: (1) To advise the
Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to the participation of
Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA programs; (2) to transmit
recommendations concerning any changes to 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 enhanced extension, sound conservation
practices, targeted rural business services, 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 programs; (5) to evaluate other methods of
creating new farming or ranching opportunities for Native American
producers; and (6) to address other Native American 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 the following high-ranking USDA officials: (1), Director, Office of
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Tribal Relations; (2), Administrator, Farm Service Agency; (3), Chief,
Natural Resources and Conservation Services; and (4) Assistant
Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
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, grant, conservation, or payment programs;
(2) Representatives of organizations with a history of working with
Native American farmers or ranchers;
(3) Representatives of tribal governments with demonstrated
experience working with Native American farmers or ranchers; and
(4) 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 nominations will be contacted and asked to return
the AD-755 application form and a 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 once per
fiscal year.
Dated: June 30, 2016.
Gregory L. Parham,
Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-16099 Filed 7-1-16; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P