[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33312-33313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09135]


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 Notices
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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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  Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 83 / Monday, April 29, 2024 / 
Notices  

[[Page 33312]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-23-0089]


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 (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 five vacancies on the NOSB. The positions are 
listed below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Appointees will serve a 
5-year term likely beginning January 23, 2025, and ending January 23, 
2030. Additionally, USDA seeks nominations for a pool of candidates 
that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as replacement 
appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.

DATES: Application packages must be received by mail or postmarked on 
or before June 28, 2024.

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; Telephone: (202) 
997-0115; or Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For information on how to apply, please see 
the nominations process page: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process.
    OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6524), requires the Secretary to 
establish the NOSB in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act. 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, USDA seeks to fill the following five 
positions:
     one individual who owns or operates an organic farming 
operation or employee of such individual;
     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 employee of such 
individual; and
     one individual with expertise in areas of environmental 
protection and resource conservation.
    Per 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. For example, demonstrated experience and interest in organic 
production and organic certification; demonstrated experience with 
respect to agricultural products produced and handled on certified 
organic farms, or experience with consumer and public interest 
organizations. Applicants must also satisfy additional selection 
criteria the NOSB recommended on June 10, 1999. These criteria are 
listed below and on the following web page: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process.
    Additional criteria include:
     an understanding of organic principles and practical 
experience in the organic community;
     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;
     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.
    To apply, 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 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. 552a) 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.
    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 to individuals from 
historically underserved communities,

[[Page 33313]]

that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the Board. AMS 
plans to conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to 
reaching underserved communities; diversity of the population served; 
and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a 
diverse population.
    The information collection requirements concerning the nomination 
process have been previously approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) under OMB Control No. 0505-0001.

    Dated: April 24, 2024.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-09135 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P