USDA Seeks Five Nominees for the National Organic Standards Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks nominations of qualified individuals for five open seats on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The 15-member advisory board considers and makes recommendations on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and other issues involving the production, handling and processing of USDA certified organic products.

Members attend two in-person meetings each year and participate in bi-monthly subcommittee conference calls. USDA reimburses NOSB members for approved travel and associated lodging expenses. Each member serves a five-year term and represents specific sectors of the organic community. Current openings include:

• One individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
• One individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or an employee of such individuals.
• One individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or an employee of such individuals.
• Two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or an employee of such individuals.
  

Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee comprised of a diverse group of individuals from the organic community. In accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, the Board is comprised of 15 members, of which:

1. Four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation or employees of such individuals.
2. Two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals.
3. One shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals.
4. Three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
5. Three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups.
6. One shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.
7. One shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under section 6515 of this title.

USDA is also accepting nominations of qualified candidates to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of these seven categories.

Nominations must include a resume and an AD-755 application form (pdf), and may include an optional cover letter and letters of reference. Email nominations to Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov at the National Organic Program or mail to USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. Electronic submissions are preferred.

The deadline for nominations is May 17, 2019.

For more information, see

• Federal Register Notice
• NOSB Recommendation on Criteria for NOSB Membership (pdf)
• USDA NOSB Nominations Process web page.