[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 127 (Monday, July 1, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 33897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-16634]
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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
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
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Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 127 / Monday, July 1, 1996 /
Notices
[[Page 33897]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[TM-96-00-1]
Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended,
requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)
to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in
organic production and to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on any
other aspects of the implementation of the Act. The NOSB was originally
established on January 24, 1992, with individual members appointed for
staggered appointments of 3, 4, and 5 years. Appointments for five
members will be up in January 1997, and the Secretary seeks nominations
of individuals to be considered for selection as NOSB members.
DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be postmarked on or
before August 31, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Dr. Harold S. Ricker, Program
Manager, National Organic Program, Transportation and Marketing
Division, Room 2945 South Building, Agricultural Marketing Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), P. O. Box 96456, Washington,
D.C. 20090-6456.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Harold S. Ricker, (202) 720-3252.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990 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
standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise
the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of the
program.
The current NOSB has worked to develop recommendations to the
Secretary to establish the initial program. It is anticipated that the
NOSB will continue to work on recommendations as appropriate and on the
continuing review of substances considered for organic production and
processing.
A member of the NOSB shall serve for a term of 5 years, except that
the Secretary appointed the original members of the NOSB for staggered
terms of 3, 4, and 5 years. The terms of five members of the current
NOSB, who were appointed for 5-year terms, will be completed on January
24, 1997. A member may serve consecutive terms if such member served an
original term that was less than 5 years as provided for in the OFPA of
1990.
Nominations are sought for the positions of farmer/grower (1),
handler/processor (1), consumer/public interest (1), environmentalist
(1), and scientist (1). Individuals desiring to be appointed to the
NOSB at this time must be either an owner or operator of an organic
farming operation, an owner or operator of an organic handling
operation, an individual who represents public interest or consumer
interest groups, an expert in the area of environmental protection or
resource conservation, or an individual with expertise in the fields of
toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.
Selection criteria will include such factors as: demonstrated
experience and interest in organics; commodity and geographic
representation; endorsed support of consumer and public interest
organizations; demonstrated experience with environmental concerns; and
other factors as may be appropriate for specific positions.
After applications have been reviewed, individuals receiving
nominations will be contacted and supplied with biographical forms. The
biographical information must be completed and returned to USDA within
10 working days of its receipt, to expedite the background clearance
that is required by USDA.
Dated: June 24, 1996.
Eileen S. Stommes,
Director, Transportation and Marketing Division.
[FR Doc. 96-16634 Filed 6-28-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P