USDA Seeks Nominations for National Organic Advisory Board

The NOSB is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and advising the Secretary on other aspects of the organic regulations.

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WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 —The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill five imminent vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

Vacancies for the 15-member organic advisory board need to be filled for an organic producer, organic handler, consumer/public interest representative, scientist, and environmentalist. The positions are specifically designated to represent various sectors of the organic industry, including those who own or operate an organic production or handling operation, represent public interest or consumer interest groups, have expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation, or have expertise in fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.

The NOSB is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and advising the Secretary on other aspects of the organic regulations. Appointed persons will serve a 5-year term of office beginning Jan. 24, 2012.

Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 17, 2011. Nominations can also include endorsements or letters of recommendations. All applicable information should be sent to Katherine E. Benham, National Organic Program, USDA–AMS–NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2646–S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C.  20250. For more information, contact Katherine Benham at (202) 205–7806; e-mail: Katherine.benham@ams.usda.gov; or fax: (202) 205–7808.

USDA will adhere to all equal opportunity practices when appointing members to the board to account the needs of the diverse groups served by the NOP.