AMS No. 009-08

Joan Shaffer 202-720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2008 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of a new member to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to serve a 5-year term, beginning January 24 and ending January 24, 2013.

Dr. Barry Flamm, who fills an environmentalist board position, brings to the NOSB a broad spectrum of scientific, environmental, food producing and food quality control expertise from the organic producing and consuming sectors. He has a doctorate in ecology, serves as an environmental and natural resources consultant and owned and operated a certified organic fruit orchard in Montana. He recently served as an adjunct professor in environmental studies at the University of Missoula.

The NOSB has 15 members representing all sectors and interests of organic producing, handling and consuming (4 producers, 2 handlers, 1 retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 consumers, 1 scientist and 1 certifying agent).

To ensure a broad representation of interests on the Board, the National Organic Program (NOP) conducted an aggressive nomination search, contacting Program Managers for USDA Office of Outreach, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, and the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program to develop outreach strategies to various educational institutions, federal agencies and other organizations.

NOP also solicited nominees from USDA Farm Service Agency Outreach and Education Programs, including the Women’s Advocacy Groups, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, League of Black Women, Seeds of Change Certification Organic Newsletter, Weaver Organic Street Market News, The New Farm – Rodale Institute, American Indian Tribal Directory, Environmentalist Community Groups, Sustainable Farming Connection, Organic Trade Association, National Farmers Organization, Sustainable Ag Research and Education, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Wisconsin Ag Connection, USANet.Com, Environmental Working Group, National Tribal Development Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, The National Council for Ag Education, National Association of Ag Educators, Ag for Life Educators and Professionals, Texas A&S’sCollege of Ag and Life Sciences, Guilford Native American Association and the American Indian College Fund.

The NOSB is authorized by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. It makes recommendations to USDA regarding the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic operations, and other aspects of the organic program. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service oversees the NOSB.