[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76120-76121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31235]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and
Ranching
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and Call for Nominations.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the
establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
(Council). The purpose of the Council is to provide recommendations to
the Secretary on how to eliminate barriers to Native American
participation in Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loan programs and other
farm programs. The Council will discuss issues related to the
participation of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA farm loan
programs and transmit recommendations concerning any changes to FSA
regulations or internal guidance or other measures. The Council is
necessary and in the public interest. USDA is seeking nominations for
individuals to be considered Council members. Candidates who wish to be
considered for membership on the Council should 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 and more information about advisory Councils can be
found at usda.gov/advisory_committees.xml.
DATES: Submit nominations on or before January 20, 2012.
ADDRESSES: All nomination materials should be mailed in a single,
complete package and postmarked by January 20, 2012. Nominations may be
submitted by mail to:
Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC, 20250, Attn: Council on
Native American Farmers and Ranchers.
Send comments to the Office of Tribal Relations, 500A
Whitten
[[Page 76121]]
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20250.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janie Simms Hipp, Senior Advisor,
Tribal Relations or John Lowery, Management Analyst, Office of Tribal
Relations. Email your questions to [email protected] or John
Lowery 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, USDA is
announcing the establishment of an advisory Council for Native American
farmers and ranchers. The Council is a discretionary advisory Council
established under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, in
furtherance of the settlement agreement in Keepseagle v. Vilsack that
was granted final approval by the District Court for the District of
Columbia on April 28, 2011. The Council will operate under the
provisions of the FACA and report to the Secretary of Agriculture.
The purpose of the Council is (1) to advise the Secretary of
Agriculture on issues related to the participation of Native American
farmers and ranchers in USDA farm loan programs; (2) to transmit
recommendations concerning any changes to FSA 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 the farm loan program through enhanced
extension 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 farm loan
programs; (5) to evaluate other methods of creating new farming or
ranching opportunities for Native American producers; and (6) to
address other related issues as deemed appropriate.
The Council will have 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 will be high-ranking USDA officials, including: (1) The Senior
Advisor to the Secretary, Tribal Relations; (2) the Farm Service Agency
Administrator; (3) the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; and (4)
the Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs, or their delegates.
Members shall 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:
Native American farmers or ranchers who have participated
in USDA loan or payment programs;
Representatives of organizations with a history of working
with Native American farmers or ranchers;
Civil rights professionals;
Representatives of Tribal governments with demonstrated
experience working with Native American farmers or ranchers; and
Such other persons as the Secretary considers appropriate.
No individual who is currently registered as a Federal lobbyist is
eligible to serve as a member of the Council.
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 Council 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 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 twice a
year.
Dated: December 1, 2011.
Thomas J. Vilsack,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-31235 Filed 12-5-11; 8:45 am]
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