To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The Committee shall elect from among its members a Chairperson, First and Second Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary. The officers shall be elected by majority vote of those members present to serve for 2 years or until their successors are elected. All funds utilized in support of the Committee are derived from user fees. The Committee will meet an estimated three times each year in preparation for and throughout the flue-cured tobacco marketing season.
All meetings are open to the public.
The Committee reports to the Secretary of Agriculture through the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.