E9-11494. Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service.

ACTION:

Notice of Reestablishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee and a Request for Nominations.

SUMMARY:

The USDA intends to reestablish the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of the Committee is to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how USDA can tailor its programs to better meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. USDA also seeks nominations of individuals to be considered for selection as Committee members.

DATES:

Written nominations must be received on or before July 1, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Nominations should be sent to Robert C. Keeney, Deputy Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2077-S, Stop 0235, Washington, DC 20250-0235; Facsimile: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Pamela Stanziani, Designated Federal Official; Phone: [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given that the Secretary of Agriculture intends to reestablish the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee for two years. The purpose of the Committee is to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can tailor its programs to better meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. The Deputy Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service's Fruit and Vegetable Programs will serve as the Committee's Executive Secretary. Representatives from USDA mission areas and agencies affecting the fruit and vegetable industry will be called upon to participate in the Committee's meetings as determined by the Committee Chairperson.

Industry members will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and serve 2-year terms. Membership will consist of up to twenty-five (25) members who represent the fruit and vegetable industry and will include individuals representing fruit and vegetable growers/shippers, wholesalers, brokers, retailers, processors, fresh cut processors, foodservice suppliers, state agencies involved in organic and non-organic fresh fruits and vegetables at local, regional and national levels, state departments of agriculture, and trade associations. The members of the reestablished Committee will elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Committee. In absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson will act in the Chairperson's stead.

The Secretary of Agriculture invites those individuals, organizations, and groups affiliated with the categories listed above to nominate individuals for membership on the reestablished Committee. Nominations should describe and document the proposed member's qualifications for membership to the Committee, and list their name, title, address, telephone, and fax number. The Secretary of Agriculture seeks a diverse group of members representing a broad spectrum of persons interested in providing suggestions and ideas on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs.

Individuals who are nominated will receive necessary forms from USDA for membership. The biographical information and clearance forms must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of notification, to expedite the clearance process that is required before selection of Committee members by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to the Committee in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and limited resource agriculture producers.

Dated: May 12, 2009.

Robert C. Keeney,

Acting Associate Administrator.