[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 108 (Monday, June 6, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34232-34233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12059]


 ========================================================================
 Notices
                                                 Federal Register
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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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 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
 statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2022 / 
Notices  

[[Page 34232]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-22-0030]


National Organic Standards Board: Call for Nominations

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice: call for nominations.

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SUMMARY: The National Organic Standards Board 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. Through this Notice, the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing its call for 
nominations to fill one vacancy. A description of the position is 
listed below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Appointees will serve a 
five-year term beginning 2023 and ending 2028. Additionally, AMS 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 received by mail or postmarked on or 
before August 5, 2022.

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, Advisory Committee 
Specialist, National Organic Standards Board, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 2642-S, STOP 0268, Washington, DC 20250-
0268; Phone: (202) 997-0115; Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 
(OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6524), requires the Secretary of 
Agriculture (Secretary) to establish the National Organic Standards 
Board (NOSB) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended. The 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, AMS seeks to fill the following one position: 
one individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and 
resource conservation. 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 
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. More information can be 
found on the NOSB web page: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process.
    The appointee will serve a five-year term beginning in 2023.
    To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the following: 
a resume (required); Form AD-755 (required), which can be accessed at: 
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf; a cover 
letter (optional); and 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 AMS 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.
    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. AMS encourages submissions from 
traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and 
businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry.
    AMS policy is that diversity of the boards should reflect the 
diversity of its industries in terms of the experience of members, 
methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other 
distinguishing factors, including but not limited individuals from 
historically underserved communities, that will bring different 
perspectives and ideas to the table. AMS plans to conduct extensive 
outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved 
communities, and plans to consider the diversity of the population 
served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve 
a diverse population.

[[Page 34233]]

    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.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA's policies will 
be followed in all appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the Committee have taken in account the needs of the 
diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include to the extent 
possible, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
minorities, women and person with disabilities. USDA is an equal 
opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: June 1, 2022.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-12059 Filed 6-3-22; 8:45 am]
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