The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was established to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Through this notice, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its intent to renew the Charter of the NOSB, which expires on May 8, 2016; its call for nominations to fill five upcoming vacancies for appointments in 2017, and its call for nominations for a pool of candidates to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the position categories should that occur. Among the current vacancies is an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation and one scientist (toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint individuals to serve a five-year term of office beginning January 24, 2017, and ending January 23, 2022.
Written nominations must be postmarked on or before June 3, 2016 and sent via email to Michelle Arsenault at Michelle.Arsenault@ams.usda.gov, or mailed to USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2642-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. Electronic submittals are preferred.