[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 172 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 61181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21280]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 172 / Tuesday, September 6, 2016 /
Notices
[[Page 61181]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Re-Establishment of and Notice for Solicitation for the Council
for Native American Farming and Ranching
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of amended call for nominations.
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SUMMARY: The USDA announces that it is extending the solicitation
period for applications published in notice FR Doc. 2016-16099 for
individuals to be considered for membership. Candidates who wish to be
apply and be considered on the Council for Native American Farmers and
Ranchers must submit an AD-755 application form and resume to the
Secretary of Agriculture. Cover letters should be addressed to the
Secretary of Agriculture. The application form can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_AD_755_Master_2012.pdf.
DATES: Submit nominations on or before September 22, 2016.
ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be mailed in a single,
complete package and postmarked by 45 days of this announcement. All
nominations for membership should be sent to: Thomas Vilsack,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20250, Attn: Office of Tribal Relations. Send
comments to the Office of Tribal Relations, 500A Whitten Building, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20250.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josiah Griffin, Acting Designated
Federal Officer, Council for Native American Farming and Ranching.
Email your questions to Josiah Griffin at
[email protected] or call 202-205-2249.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the provisions of the
Federal Advisory Council Act (FACA) as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2) and
with the concurrence of the General Services Administration, the
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the re-establishment of
the advisory Council for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
(Council). The Council is a discretionary advisory committee that
operates under the provisions of the FACA and reports to the Secretary
of Agriculture. The purpose of this Council is: (1) To advise the
Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to the participation of
Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA programs; (2) to transmit
recommendations concerning any changes to regulations or internal
guidance or other measures that would eliminate barriers to program
participation for Native American farmers and ranchers; (3) to examine
methods of maximizing the number of new farming and ranching
opportunities created through enhanced extension, sound conservation
practices, targeted rural business services, and financial literacy
services; (4) to examine methods of encouraging intergovernmental
cooperation to mitigate the effects of land tenure and probate issues
on the delivery of USDA programs; (5) to evaluate other methods of
creating new farming or ranching opportunities for Native American
producers; and (6) to address other Native American related issues as
deemed appropriate.
The Council has 15 members, 11 of whom will be Native American
leaders or persons who represent the interests of Native American
tribes or Native American organizations. The term ``Native American
leaders'' is not limited to elected Tribal representatives or members
or persons with Native American ancestry. The remaining four members
are the following high-ranking USDA officials: (1) Director, Office of
Tribal Relations; (2) Administrator, Farm Service Agency; (3) Chief,
Natural Resources and Conservation Services; and (4) Assistant
Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
Members serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement
for travel expenses and per diem in accordance with USDA travel
regulations for attendance at Council functions. Council members who
represent the interests of Native American farmers and ranchers may
also be paid an amount not less than $100 per day for time spent away
from their employment or farming or ranching operation, subject to the
availability of funds. Members may include:
(1) Native American farmers or ranchers who have participated in
USDA loan, grant, conservation, or payment programs;
(2) Representatives of organizations with a history of working with
Native American farmers or ranchers;
(3) Representatives of tribal governments with demonstrated
experience working with Native American farmers or ranchers; and
(4) Such other persons as the Secretary considers appropriate.
The Secretary of Agriculture invites those individuals,
organizations, and groups affiliated with the categories listed above
or who have knowledge of issues related to the purpose of the Council
to nominate individuals for membership on the Council. Individuals and
organizations who wish to nominate experts for this or any other USDA
advisory committee should submit a letter to the Secretary listing
these individuals' names and business address, phone, and email contact
information. 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 farm
programs to meet the needs of Native American farmers and ranchers.
Individuals receiving nominations will be contacted and asked to return
the AD-755 application form and a resume within 10 business days of
notification. All candidates will be vetted and considered for
appointment by the Secretary of Agriculture. Equal opportunity
practices will be followed in all appointments to the Council in
accordance with USDA policies. The Council will meet at least once per
fiscal year.
Dated: August 29, 2016.
Sedelta Oosahwee,
Acting Director.
[FR Doc. 2016-21280 Filed 9-2-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P