Release No. 281-05

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz @usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 6, 2005 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service is pleased to announce that Valerie Frances has been named the first Executive Director for the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

Frances has experience in the organic arena in both private and public sectors and is well respected in the organic community. Her interest in organic agriculture spans many years, including work with organic agriculture groups and direct farm-to-consumer marketing in the state of Maryland. Frances will begin her duties as the Executive Director in late January 2006.

AMS, home to the National Organic Program, oversees the NOSB. As Executive Director, Frances’ primary responsibility will be to facilitate the work of the NOSB, including the board’s recommendations to the secretary. The NOSB is authorized by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic operations and also may provide advice on other aspects of the organic program.