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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37200-37201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14714]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-FV-13-0035; FV13-996-1]

Peanut Standards Board

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for nominations.

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SUMMARY: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm 
Bill) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut 
Standards Board (Board) for the purpose of advising the Secretary on 
quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported 
peanuts. The initial Board was appointed by the Secretary and announced 
on December 5, 2002. USDA seeks nominations for individuals to be 
considered for selection as Board members for terms of office ending 
June 30, 2016. Selected nominees would replace three producer and three 
industry representatives who currently serve on the Board and have 
terms of office that end June 30, 2013. Also, one individual would fill 
a currently vacant industry position for a term of office ending June 
30, 2015. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and 
the industry. USDA values diversity. In an effort to obtain diversity 
among candidates, USDA encourages the nomination of men and women of 
all racial and ethnic groups and persons with a disability.

DATES: Written nominations must be received on or before July 22, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Jennie M. Varela, Marketing 
Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 
799 Overlook Drive, Suite A, Winter Haven, FL 33884: Telephone: (863) 
324-3375; Fax: (863) 325-8793; Email: Jennie.Varela@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1308 of the 2002 Farm Bill requires 
the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and consult with the Board 
for the purpose of advising the Secretary regarding the establishment 
of quality and handling standards for all domestic and imported peanuts 
marketed in the United States.
    The 2002 Farm Bill provides that the Board's makeup will include 
three producers and three peanut industry representatives from States 
specified in each of the following producing regions: Southeast 
(Alabama, Georgia, and Florida); Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, and New 
Mexico); and Virginia/Carolina (Virginia and North Carolina).
    The term ``peanut industry representatives'' includes, but is not 
limited to, representatives of shellers, manufacturers, buying points, 
and marketing associations and marketing cooperatives. The 2002 Farm 
Bill exempted the appointment of the Board from the requirements of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act.
    USDA invites individuals, organizations, and groups affiliated with 
the categories listed above to nominate individuals for membership on 
the Board. Nominees sought by this action would fill two positions in 
the Southeast region; three positions in the Southwest region, one of 
which is currently vacant; and two positions in the Virginia/North 
Carolina region.
    Nominees should complete a Peanut Standards Board Background 
Information form and submit it to Jennie Varela at the address provided 
in the ``Addresses'' section above. Copies of this form may be obtained 
at the Internet site www.ams.usda.gov/

[[Page 37201]]

PeanutStandardsBoard, or from Jennie Varela. USDA seeks a diverse group 
of members representing the peanut industry.
    Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to 
the Board in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the Board have taken into account the needs of the 
diverse groups within the peanut industry, membership shall include, to 
the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated abilities to 
represent minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and limited 
resource agriculture producers.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7958.

    Dated: June 14, 2013.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-14714 Filed 6-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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