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AnnouncementMay 18, 2015


 

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce an extension of the deadline for submitting nominations for the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) as well as the availability of funding through the Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant Program. 

Call for Nominations to Serve on 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:

 For more information, visit NOSB Nominations Webpage

 
 Value-Added Producer Grant Program 
 
USDA's Rural Development agency is making $30 million available to farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.  

VAPG grants can be used to develop new product lines from raw agricultural products or additional uses for already developed product lines.  Military veterans, socially disadvantaged, and beginning farmers and ranchers; operators of small- and medium-sized farms and ranches; farm and rancher cooperatives; and applicants that propose mid-tier value chain projects are given special priority in applying.  

More information on how to apply is on page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register.  The deadline to submit paper applications is July 7.  Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due July 2.
  
About the Agricultural Marketing Service

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.

About the USDA Organic Insider

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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