Greetings!  The Agricultural Marketing Service is excited to announce a USDA Listening Session on Organic Agriculture, plus new AMS employment opportunities for 2014.

Listening Session on Organic Agriculture

You are invited to join representatives from USDA agencies engaged in supporting organic agriculture for a Stakeholders Listening Session on organic provisions in the Agricultural Act of 2014.  (See the Economic Research Service's summary of the bill's organic agriculture highlights.) We at USDA hope to hear your thoughts on the implementation process and the impact it will have on the communities that you serve; this will be the beginning of an ongoing conversation we hope to have with you.  The details are below.

There is limited room for in-person attendees.  We can also accommodate call-in attendees; please RSVP to receive the call-in number and room.

ENTRANCE:  Jefferson Drive side of the Whitten Building facing The National Mall

NOTE: This Listening Session is not for press purposes.

An RSVP is required by 12pm on Thursday, April 10. Please email your RSVP to amspublicaffairs@ams.usda.gov. Please indicate in your RSVP if you require a call-in number.

Because of security procedures for those coming in person, we request that you check in with security at the Jefferson Drive entrance of the Whitten Building by 11:45am.  Please present a valid form of identification to security. Street parking is very limited. The closest metro is Smithsonian Metro Station.

If you have any questions, please email amspublicaffairs@ams.usda.gov.

Recruitment Announcement

We will be hiring in 2014! The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program (NOP) is the team that develops and enforces national standards for organically-produced agricultural products. We support consumer confidence that products with the USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards.

In 2014, we will be recruiting for multiple positions, including:

• Policy Analysts, Accreditation Managers, and Materials Specialists (all may be listed in USAJobs under the title "Agricultural Marketing Specialists" - read the announcement for the more specific role)
• Compliance and Enforcement Specialists (may be listed as "Compliance Officer")
• Communication, Outreach, Training Specialist
• Program Analysts and Administrative Support

All  job announcements will be posted on usajobs.gov. 

Access the Recruitment Announcement here. 

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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