[Federal Register: July 13, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 135)]
[Notices]
[Page 36740]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13jy01-20]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 36740]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[TM-01-05]
Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended,
requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board
(NOSB). The NOSB is a 15 member board that is responsible for
developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List
of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also advises the
Secretary on all other aspects of the National Organic Program. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill
five (5) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The Secretary of Agriculture
will appoint persons to serve 5-year terms of office that will commence
in January 2002. USDA encourages eligible minorities, women, and
persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the NOSB.
DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be postmarked on or
before October 11, 2001.
ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Ms. Toni Strother,
Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-
TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2510-So., Ag Stop 0268,
Washington, DC 20250.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Toni Strother, (202) 720-3252; E-
mail: toni.strother2@usda.gov; Fax: (202) 690-2624.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C.
Section 6501 et seq.), requires the Secretary to establish an organic
certification program for producers and handlers of agricultural
products that have been produced using organic methods. In developing
this program, the Secretary is required to establish an NOSB. The
purpose of the NOSB is to assist in the development of a proposed
National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances and to advise the
Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic program.
The current NOSB has made recommendations to the Secretary
regarding the establishment of the initial organic program. It is
anticipated that the NOSB will continue to make recommendations on
various matters, including recommendations on substances it believes
should be allowed or prohibited for use in organic production and
handling.
The NOSB is composed of 15 members; 4 organic producers, 2 organic
handlers, a retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 public/consumer
representatives, a scientist, and a certifying agent. Nominations are
being sought to fill the following five (5) upcoming NOSB vacancies:
organic producer, organic handler, consumer/public interest
representative, environmentalist, and scientist (in the fields of
toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry). Individuals desiring to be
appointed to the NOSB at this time must be either an owner or operator
of an organic production operation, an owner or operator of an organic
handling operation, a person who represents public or consumer interest
groups, an individual with expertise in areas of environmental
protection and resource conservation, or someone with expertise in the
fields of toxicology, ecology or biochemistry. Selection criteria will
include such factors as: Demonstrated experience and interest in
organic production and handling; diverse commodity and geographic
representation; support of consumer and public interest organizations;
demonstrated experience with environmental matters; and such other
factors as may be appropriate for specific positions.
Nominees will be supplied with a biographical information form that
must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of its
receipt. Completed biographical information forms are required for a
nominee to receive consideration for appointment by the Secretary.
Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to
the NOSB in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the members
of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse groups that are
served by the Department, membership on the NOSB will include, to the
extent practicable, individuals who demonstrate the 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: July 10, 2001.
Barry L. Carpenter,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 01-17553 Filed 7-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 2001/07/13 EST