[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 53 (Tuesday, March 19, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10020-10021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-05075]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-18-0098; NOP-18-04]


National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Call for Nominations

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice: call for nominations.

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SUMMARY: The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was established to 
assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in 
organic production and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of 
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Through this Notice, 
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its 
call for nominations to fill five vacancies. Descriptions of the five 
positions are listed below under supplementary information. Appointees 
will serve a five-year term beginning January 24, 2020 and ending 
January 23, 2025. Additionally, the USDA seeks nominations for a pool 
of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as 
replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.

DATES: Written nominations must be postmarked on or before May 20, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: Applications can be sent via email to Michelle Arsenault at 
[email protected], or mailed to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 
20250-0268. Electronic submittals are preferred.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Arsenault, (202) 720-0081; 
Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et 
seq.), requires the Secretary to establish the NOSB in accordance with 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.). 
The NOSB is composed of 15 members: Four

[[Page 10021]]

individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation, or 
employees of such individuals (as amended by the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018); two individuals who own or operate an organic 
handling operation, or employees of such individuals (as amended by the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018); one individual who owns or 
operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic 
products, or employees of such individuals (as amended by the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018); three individuals with expertise 
in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation; three 
individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups; 
one scientist with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or 
biochemistry; and one individual who is a certifying agent.
    Through this Notice, the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) seeks to fill the following five positions: One individual with 
expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource 
conservation; one individual who owns or operates an organic farming 
operation or employees of such individuals; two individuals who own or 
operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals; 
and one individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with 
significant trade in organic products or an employee of such 
individuals.
    As per the OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to the NOSB must 
meet the definition of the position that they seek as identified under 
7 U.S.C. 6518, as well as satisfy the selection criteria for an NOSB 
member. Selection criteria include the following: An understanding of 
organic principles and practical experience in the organic community; 
demonstrated experience and interest in organic production and organic 
certification; demonstrated experience with respect to agricultural 
products produced and handled on certified organic farms; a commitment 
to the integrity of the organic food and fiber industry; demonstrated 
experience in the development of public policy such as participation on 
public or private advisory boards, boards of directors or other 
comparable organizations; support of consumer and public interest 
organizations; participation in standards development or involvement in 
educational outreach activities; the ability to evaluate technical 
information and to fully participate in Board deliberation and 
recommendations; the willingness to commit the time and energy 
necessary to assume Board duties; and other such factors as may be 
appropriate for specific positions.
    All appointees will serve a five-year term beginning January 24, 
2020 and ending January 23, 2025. Due to an unexpected member vacancy 
for one of the organic handling positions, one of the five appointed 
members will fill this seat. Historically, a candidate filling an 
unexpected vacancy completed the remaining term of that appointment. 
However, to promote greater efficiency and continuity of NOSB 
operations, a candidate filling an unexpected vacancy will now begin a 
new five-year term.
    To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the following: 
A resume (required), Form AD-755 (required), which can be accessed at: 
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-755, a cover letter (optional), 
and a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation (optional). 
Resumes should be no longer than 5 pages and should include a summary 
of the following information: Current and past organization 
affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; any 
other notable positions held. Previous applicants who wish to be 
considered must reapply.
    If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) for records relating to NOSB nominations, your 
application materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the 
release of the information, personally identifiable information 
protected by the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, will be redacted.
    Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, 
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical 
disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse 
groups that are served by the Department, membership on the NOSB shall 
include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated 
ability to represent minorities, women, 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: March 13, 2019.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-05075 Filed 3-18-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P