[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 62 (Friday, April 2, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 17349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06761]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 62 / Friday, April 2, 2021 / 
Notices  

[[Page 17349]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-21-0023; NOP-21-03]


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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its call for 
nominations to fill four vacancies. Descriptions of the four positions 
are listed below under supplementary information. Appointees will serve 
a 5-year term beginning January 24, 2022, and ending January 23, 2027. 
Additionally, USDA seeks nominations for a pool of candidates that the 
Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) can draw upon as replacement 
appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.

DATES: Written nominations must be received by mail or postmarked on or 
before June 1, 2021.

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) 997-0115; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6524), 
requires the Secretary to establish the NOSB in accordance with the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended. NOSB is composed of 15 
members: Four individuals who own or operate an organic farming 
operation, or employees of such individuals; two individuals who own or 
operate an organic handling operation, or employees of such 
individuals; one individual who owns or operates a retail establishment 
with significant trade in organic products, or employees of such 
individuals; three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental 
protection and resource conservation; three individuals who represent 
public interest or consumer interest groups; one individual with 
expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; and 
one individual who is a certifying agent.
    Through this Notice, USDA seeks to fill the following four 
positions:
     One individual who owns or operates an organic farming 
operation or an employee of such individual.
     One individual with expertise in areas of environmental 
protection and resource conservation.
     One individual who represents public interest or consumer 
interest groups.
     One individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, 
ecology, or biochemistry.
    Per OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to 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 NOSB deliberation and 
recommendations; the willingness to commit the time and energy 
necessary to assume NOSB duties; and other such factors as may be 
appropriate for specific positions.
    All appointees will serve a 5-year term beginning January 24, 2022, 
and ending January 23, 2027.
    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 five (5) pages and should include the 
following information: The position for which you are applying; current 
and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education; 
career positions held; and 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 (5 
U.S.C. 552) for records relating to NOSB nominations, 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. 552) will be redacted.
    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) encourages submissions 
from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and 
businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. AMS encourages 
submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, 
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, 
disability status, protected veteran status, or any other 
characteristic protected by law.
    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.

    Date: March 25, 2021.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-06761 Filed 4-1-21; 8:45 am]
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