SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

For information on how to apply, please see the applications process page: www.ams.usda.gov/​rules-regulations/​organic/​nosb/​nomination-process.

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6524), required the Secretary to establish the National Organic Standards Board (Board) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Board 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 OFPA.

The Board is composed of 15 members:

• Four individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation, or employees of such individuals;
• Two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation, or employees of such individuals;
• One individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products, or employees of such individuals;
• Three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation;
• Three individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups;
• One individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; and
• One individual who is a certifying agent.

Per OFPA, under 7 U.S.C. 6518, individuals seeking appointment to the Board must meet the qualifications for the relevant vacancy ( e.g., demonstrated experience and interest in organic production and organic certification, demonstrated experience with respect to agricultural products produced and handled on certified organic farms, or experience with consumer and public interest organizations). Applicants may also consider the additional selection criteria the Board recommended on June 10, 1999, included below and on the following web page: www.ams.usda.gov/​rules-regulations/​organic/​nosb/​nomination-process.

• A general understanding of organic principles and practical experience in the organic community;
• Demonstrated experience in the development of public policy such as participation on public or private advisory boards, boards of directors, or other comparable organizations;
• Participation in standards development or involvement in educational outreach activities;
• A commitment to the integrity and growth of the organic food and fiber industry;
• 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 factors that may be appropriate for specific positions.

To apply, submit the following: a resume (required); Form AD-755 (required), which can be accessed at: www.usda.gov/​sites/​default/​files/​documents/​ad-755-advisory-committee-commodity-board-background-information.pdf; a cover letter (optional); and letters of recommendation (optional). Resumes should be no longer than five (5) pages and should include the following information: the position for which the candidate is applying; current and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; and any other notable, relevant positions held. Previous applicants who wish to be considered must reapply.

If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) for records relating to Board nominations, application materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the release of the information, personally identifiable information protected by the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) will be redacted.

Equal opportunity practices, in accordance with USDA policies, will be followed in all membership appointments to the Committee.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information ( e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State ( printed page 67264) or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.usda.gov/​about-usda/​general-information/​staff-offices/​office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/​how-file-usda-discrimination-complaint/​how-file-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) previously cleared the information collection requirements concerning the nomination process under OMB Control No. 0505-0001.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

91 FR 67263