03-11706. Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee-Notice of Reestablishment of Committee

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice of reestablishment of committee.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that the Secretary of Agriculture has reestablished the Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee for an additional period of 2 years.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John P. Duncan III, Deputy Administrator, Tobacco Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), STOP 0280, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0280; telephone number [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Committee, which reports to the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, recommends opening dates and selling schedules for the flue-cured tobacco marketing areas which aid the Secretary in making an equitable apportionment and assignment of tobacco inspectors. The Committee consists of 12 producer representatives, 7 buyer representatives, 1 auction warehouse representative, and 1 marketing center representative, representing all segments of the flue-cured tobacco industry and meets at the call of the Secretary. The Secretary has determined that reestablishment of this Committee is in the public interest.

To ensure that recommendations of the Committee take into account the needs of diverse groups served by USDA, membership should include, to the extent practicable, persons with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

This notice is given in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).

Dated: May 6, 2003.

Bill Hawks,

Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs.