The USDA is seeking nominations for five positions on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), all for five-year terms beginning January 2016. The positions to be filled are two for organic farmers/growers, two for public or consumer interest group representatives, and one for a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
There has been a good deal of criticism of the NOSB in recent months for multiple actions resulting in the dilution of the term ‘organic’, and favoring industrial farming operations over the small farmer.
We hope that this year’s appointments will reverse the trend of appointments from the corporate sector, bringing in more working farmers and other representatives of the people’s interest.
We encourage our members to consider applying for one of these positions on the standards board. It represents a significant commitment of time, but this is a crucial moment for the future of organic standards, and it is essential that real organic farmers have a voice in the decisions that will be made in the coming years.
The deadline for applications has been extended to June 17th. An announcement from the USDA appears below.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce an extension of the deadline for submitting nominations for the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act. NOSB members are volunteers and come from across the organic community. Each member is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to a five-year term.
USDA seeks nominations for the following five (5) positions to serve on the NOSB from January 2016 to January 2021:
Two (2) organic farmers/producers
Two (2) public or consumer interest group representatives
One (1) USDA accredited certifying agent
Committee member duties include:
Attending committee meetings (travel paid by USDA)
Participating in bi-monthly subcommittee conference calls
Reviewing materials and/or recommending changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
Advising the Secretary on other aspects of the USDA organic regulations
Written nominations must include a cover letter, resume, and an AD-755 Application Form, and must be postmarked on or before June 17, 2015.
More Information:
- Call for Nominations Flyer (PDF)
- Press Release: USDA Seeks Nominations for the National Organic Standards Board
- Federal Register Notice: Intent to Renew Charter and Call for Nominations (Includes Application Instructions) (PDF)
- Federal Register Notice: NOSB Call for Nominations; Extension of Nomination Period
- NOSB Membership AD755 Application (PDF)
- Criteria for NOSB Membership (PDF)
For more information, visit NOSB Nominations Webpage
Source: MIOFFA