Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced through a Federal Register notice that it had commissioned an expert panel to discuss "Federal Statistics on Women and Beginning Farmers in U.S.A. Agriculture."  The panel will host a public meeting from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at USDA headquarters, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 6309, South Building, Washington, DC 20250.  

Interested stakeholders have two opportunities to provide input to the panel:

1. Oral presentations of up to three minutes can be given during the 2-hour public comment session starting at 9:15 am on Thursday, April 2.  Individuals who wish to attend must register at least 5 days in advance via 800-727-9540 or nass@nass.usda.gov.  NASS will provide attendance details to those who register.
2. Written comments of up to 500 words will be accepted for up to two weeks after the April 2 public meeting.  Comments received and processed before the meeting will be shared with the panel prior to their deliberations.  Submit written comments via email (nass@nass.usda.gov), Fax (202-690-2090), or mail (USDA NASS, 1400 Independence Ave SW; Room 6035; Washington, DC 20050).

The panel was formed in response to concerns that women and beginning farmers might not be accurately represented in data gathered under the U.S. Census of Agriculture.  NASS asked the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) - an objective, independent organization - to organize a panel of experts to consider the data gathered and the reporting of statistics for these two groups and, as appropriate, suggest possibilities for improvement.  Additional information on public comments and registration for oral presentation is available on the NASS Website. 

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.

You are receiving this email because you elected to receive selected updates from the Agricultural Marketing Service. You may manage your profile to receive additional updates or unsubscribe at any time by using the links below.