E6-6075. Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill four (4) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The positions to be filled are: Organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position), consumer public interest (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to each position to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 24, 2007, and run until January 24, 2012. USDA encourages eligible minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the NOSB.

DATES:

Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be post-marked on or before July 14, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Nominations should be sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Katherine E. Benham, [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail]; Fax: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 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. In developing this program, the Secretary is required to establish an NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is to assist in the development of a proposed National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances and to advise the Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program.

The NOSB made recommendations to the Secretary regarding the establishment of the initial organic program. It is anticipated that the NOSB will continue to make recommendations on various matters, including recommendations on substances it believes should be allowed or prohibited for use in organic production and handling.

The NOSB is composed of 15 members; 4 organic producers, 2 organic handlers, a retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 public/consumer representatives, a scientist, and a certifying agent. Nominations are being sought to fill the following four (4) upcoming NOSB vacancies: Organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position), consumer public interest (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). Individuals desiring to be appointed to the NOSB at this time must be either an owner or operator of a certified organic handling operation; an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation; an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; or an individual who represents public interest or consumer interest groups. Selection criteria will include such factors as: Demonstrated experience and interest in organic production, organic certification, support of consumer and public interest organizations; demonstrated experience with respect to agricultural products produced and handled on certified organic farms; and such other factors as may be appropriate for specific positions.

Nominees will be supplied with a biographical information form that must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of its receipt. Completed biographical information forms are required for a nominee to receive consideration for appointment by the Secretary.

Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to the NOSB in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the members of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse groups that are served by the Department, membership on the NOSB will include, to the extent practicable, individuals who demonstrate the 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: April 18, 2006.

Lloyd C. Day,

Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.