AMS No. 076-13

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the 2014 American Lamb Board.

Any producer, feeder, and first handler within the United States that owns or purchases lambs can be considered for nomination. All eligible individuals are invited to seek nomination by June 21, 2013. A lamb producer, feeder, or first handler must be nominated by a USDA Certified Producer Organization and submit a completed application.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, and size and type of operation.

For the contact information of the Certified Producer Organizations in your state or region, visit: www.ams.usda.gov/LambNominationInformation.

Composed of 14 members representing two geographical regions, the Lamb Board administers a research and promotion program authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, & Information Act of 1966. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from producers nominated by Certified Producer Organizations.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 20 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

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