AMS No. 086-06

Joan Shaffer 202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2006 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill four upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will appoint persons to serve a 5-year term of office to commence January 24, 2007, and run until January 24, 2012.

The NOSB is a 15-member board responsible for recommending to the Secretary changes in the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program.

USDA is asking for nominations to fill the following four upcoming NOSB vacancies: organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position), consumer/public interest (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). To serve on the NOSB in one of these capacities, an individual must be an owner or operator of an organic handling operation; an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation; an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; or an individual who represents public interest or consumer interest groups, respectively. USDA will follow equal opportunity practices in all appointments to the NOSB.

Written nominations, accompanied by cover letters and resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 14, 2006, and sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4008-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250. For more information, contact Ms. Katherine Benham at (202) 205-7806; e-mail: Katherine.benham@usda.gov; or fax: (202) 205-7808.