April 1, 2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill five imminent vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

 Vacancies for the 15-member organic advisory board need to be filled for an organic producer, organic handler, consumer/public interest representative, scientist, and environmentalist. The positions are specifically designated to represent various sectors of the organic industry, including those who own or operate an organic production or handling operation, represent public interest or consumer interest groups, have expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation, or have expertise in fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.

The NOSB makes recommendations to the U.S. secretary of agriculture on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances as well as other aspects of organic regulations.

Appointed persons will serve a five-year term of office beginning Jan. 24, 2012.

To see the notice in the Federal Register, visit www.regulations.gov and enter keyword or ID “AMS-NOP-11-0006-0001.”

Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 17, 2011. Nominations  also can include endorsements or letters of recommendations. All applicable information should be sent to

Katherine E. Benham
National Organic Program, USDA–AMS–NOP
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 2646–S, Ag Stop 0268
Washington, D.C. 20250

For more information, contact Katherine Benham at (202) 205–7806; e-mail: Katherine.benham@ams.usda.gov; or fax: (202) 205–7808.

USDA will adhere to all equal opportunity practices when appointing members to the board to account the needs of the diverse groups served by the NOP.

USDA April 1, 2011 News Release