2021-06761. National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Call for Nominations

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice: Call for Nominations.

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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its call for nominations to fill four vacancies. Descriptions of the four positions are listed below under supplementary information. Appointees will serve a 5-year term beginning January 24, 2022, and ending January 23, 2027. Additionally, USDA seeks nominations for a pool of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) can draw upon as replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.

DATES:

Written nominations must be received by mail or postmarked on or before June 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Applications can be sent via email to Michelle Arsenault at [e-mail], or mailed to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2642-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. Electronic submittals are preferred.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michelle Arsenault, [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6524), requires the Secretary to establish the NOSB in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended. NOSB 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.

Through this Notice, USDA seeks to fill the following four positions:

• One individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or an employee of such individual.
• One individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
• One individual who represents public interest or consumer interest groups.
• One individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.

Per OFPA, individuals seeking appointment to NOSB must meet the definition of the position that they seek as identified under 7 U.S.C. 6518, as well as satisfy the selection criteria for an NOSB member. Selection criteria include the following: An 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 NOSB deliberation and recommendations; the willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to assume NOSB duties; and other such factors as may be appropriate for specific positions.

All appointees will serve a 5-year term beginning January 24, 2022, and ending January 23, 2027.

To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the following: a resume (required); Form AD-755 (required), which can be accessed at: https://www.ocio.usda.gov/​document/​ad-755 a cover letter (optional); and a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation (optional). Resumes should be no longer than five (5) pages and should include the following information: The position for which you are applying; current and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; and any other notable 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 NOSB 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. 552) will be redacted.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) encourages submissions from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. AMS encourages submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.

Date: March 25, 2021.

Cikena Reid,

USDA Committee Management Officer.