[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