80 FR 58702 - National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Call for Nominations

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 189 (September 30, 2015)

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 USDA is requesting nominations to fill one (1) unexpected vacancy on the NOSB for an environmentalist/resource conservationist position. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint one person to this position to serve on the NOSB for the remainder of the term for this position, which began in January 24, 2015, and goes through January 23, 2020.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 189 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 58702]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24800]


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / 
Notices

[[Page 58702]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-15-0059; NOP-15-14]


National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): 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 USDA is requesting nominations to fill one (1) unexpected vacancy 
on the NOSB for an environmentalist/resource conservationist position. 
The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint one person to this position 
to serve on the NOSB for the remainder of the term for this position, 
which began in January 24, 2015, and goes through January 23, 2020.

DATES: Written nominations must be postmarked on or before 30 days from 
publication of this Notice

ADDRESSES: Nomination applications are to be mailed to Michelle 
Arsenault, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 2648-S., Ag 
Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250; or electronically sent via Email to: 
[email protected]. Electronic submittals by email are 
preferred.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Arsenault, (202) 720-0081; 
Email: [email protected].

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. The OFPA 
includes the requirement that the Secretary establish an NOSB in 
accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. 
App. 2 et seq.). The purpose of the NOSB is to assist in the 
development of a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited 
Substances and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of the 
OFPA.
    The NOSB is composed of 15 members; including 4 organic producers, 
2 organic handlers, a retailer, 3 environmentalists/resource 
conservationists, 3 public/consumer representatives, a scientist, and a 
certifying agent. Through this Notice, USDA is seeking nominations to 
fill one (1) unexpected vacancy on the NOSB for an environmentalist/
resource conservationist position. The Secretary of Agriculture will 
appoint one person to this position immediately to serve for the 
remainder of the term that began in January 24, 2015, and goes through 
January 23, 2020.
    As per the OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to the NOSB at 
this time must have expertise in areas of environmental protection and 
resource conservation as identified under section 6515 of this title. 
Other selection criteria includes multiple factors, such as: 
Understanding of organic principles and practical experience in the 
organic community; demonstrated experience and interest in organic 
production and organic certification; demonstrated experience with 
respect to agricultural products produced and handled on certified 
organic farms; 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; support of 
consumer and public interest organizations; participation in standards 
development or involvement in educational outreach activities; the 
ability to evaluate technical information and to fully participate in 
Board deliberation and recommendations; the willingness to commit the 
time and energy necessary to assume Board duties; and other such 
factors as may be appropriate for specific positions.
    To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit: A resume, a 
cover letter, and a Form AD-755, which can be accessed at: http://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755_Master_2012_508_Ver.pdf. Resumes must be no longer than 5 pages, 
and include at the beginning a summary of the following information: 
Current and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; 
education; career positions held; any other notable positions held. You 
may also submit a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation, if 
desired. Resume and completed requested background information are 
required for a nominee to receive consideration for appointment by the 
Secretary.
    If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), for records relating to NOSB nominations, your 
application materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the 
release of the information, personally identifiable information 
protected by the FOIA Privacy Act will be redacted.
    Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, 
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical 
disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse 
groups that are served by the Department, membership on the NOSB shall 
include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated 
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: September 25, 2015.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-24800 Filed 9-29-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P