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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56178-56179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22427]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-FV-12-0036; FV12-996-1]

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, 2015. Selected nominees would replace three producer and three 
industry representatives who currently serve on the Board and have 
terms of office that ended June 30, 2012. Also, one individual would 
fill a currently vacant industry position for a term of office ending 
June 30, 2014. 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.

DATES: Written nominations must be received on or before October 12, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Jennie M. Varela, Marketing 
Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 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

[[Page 56179]]

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; two positions in the Southwest region; and three 
positions in the Virginia/North Carolina region, one of which is 
currently vacant.
    Nominees should complete a Peanut Standards Board Background 
Information form and submit it to Miss 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/PeanutStandardsBoard, or from Miss 
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: September 6, 2012.
David R. Shipman,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-22427 Filed 9-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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