[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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or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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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