Organic Standards Board Vacancies, Apply Now

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The USDA is seeking nominations for five upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Appointees will serve a five-year term beginning Jan. 24, 2012. Vacancies for the 15-member organic advisory board must represent a particular constituency as identified by Congress, and the particular openings are for:

• an organic [agricultural] producer [farmer/rancher/grower];
• an organic handler [processor, grain elevator, etc.];
• a consumer/public interest representative;
• a scientist;
• and an environmentalist

The positions aim to represent various sectors of the organic industry, and to ensure that the Board contains a variety of members with expertise in fields including toxicology, ecology, and biochemistry.

The NOSB is responsible for determining allowed and prohibited substances/inputs used in organic agricultural production and food, as well as advising the USDA Secretary on organic regulations and policy.

Board meetings customarily occur twice a year, in the spring and fall, in various locations across the country.

If you are interested in applying for one of the vacancies, visit www.regulations.gov and search for AMS-NOP-11-0006-0001. Individuals can nominate themselves for one of the appropriate slots. Nominations must be postmarked by July 17, so apply now. For more information, contact katherine.benham@ams.usda.gov at the USDA.