[Federal Register: October 23, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 205)]
[Notices]
[Page 60633-60634]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23oc03-16]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Research Service
Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture;
Nominations
AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and
Economics, USDA.
ACTION: Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century
Agriculture; Nominations.
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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Research Service is requesting nominations
for qualified persons to serve as members of the Secretary's Advisory
Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). The
charge for the AC21 is two-fold: to examine the long-term impacts of
biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA; and to
provide guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by
the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of
biotechnology in agriculture.
DATES: Written nominations must be received by fax or postmarked on or
before November 24, 2003.
ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be sent to Michael
Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, Office of the Deputy
Secretary, USDA, 202B Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 14th and
Independence Avenue, SW.,
[[Page 60634]]
Washington, DC 20250. Forms may also be submitted by fax to (202) 690-
4265.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be addressed to
Michael Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, telephone (202) 720-3817; fax (202) 690-4265; e-mail mschechtman@ars.usda.gov <mailto:mschechtman@ars.usda.gov>. To obtain
form AD-755 ONLY please contact Dianne Harmon, Office of Pest
Management Policy, telephone (202) 720-4074, fax (202) 720-3191; e-mail dharmon@ars.usda.gov <mailto:dharmon@ars.usda.gov>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AC21 members serve staggered 2-year terms,
with terms for half of the Committee members expiring in any given
year. Nominations are being sought for open Committee seats. The terms
of 9 members of the AC21 will expire in early 2004. The AC21 Charter
allows for flexibility to appoint up to a total of 11 members. Members
can be reappointed to serve up to 6 consecutive years. Equal
opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in
all membership appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the
recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of
the diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include, to the
extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
Nominees of the AC21 should have recognized expertise in one or
more of the following areas: recombinant-DNA (rDNA) research and
applications using plants; rDNA research and applications using
animals; rDNA research and applications using microbes; food science;
silviculture and related forest science; fisheries science; ecology;
veterinary medicine; the broad range of farming or agricultural
practices; weed science; plant pathology; biodiversity; applicable laws
and regulations relevant to agricultural biotechnology policy; risk
assessment; consumer advocacy and public attitudes; public health/
epidemiology; ethics, including bioethics; human medicine;
biotechnology industry activities and structure; intellectual property
rights systems; and international trade. Members will be selected by
the Secretary of Agriculture in order to achieve a balanced
representation of viewpoints to address effectively USDA biotechnology
policy issues under consideration.
Nominations for AC21 membership must be in writing and provide the
appropriate background documents required by USDA policy, including
background disclosure form AD-755.
The AC21 meets in Washington, DC, up to four (4) times per year.
The function of the AC21 is solely advisory. Members of the AC21 and
its subcommittees serve without pay, but with reimbursement of travel
expenses and per diem for attendance at AC21 and subcommittee functions
for those AC21 members who require assistance in order to attend the
meetings. While away from home or their regular place of business,
those members will be eligible for travel expenses paid by REE, USDA,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at the same rate as a person
employed intermittently in the government service is allowed under
Section 5703 of Title 5, United States Code.
Submitting Nominations: Nominations should be typed and include the
following:
1. A brief summary of no more than two (2) pages explaining the
nominee's suitability to serve on the AC21.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
3. A completed copy of form AD-755.
Nominations should be sent to Michael Schechtman at the address
listed above, and be post marked no later than [the date set forth
above].
Dated: October 15, 2003.
Joseph Jen,
Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.
[FR Doc. 03-26790 Filed 10-22-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3401-03-P
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