AMS No. 041-04

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2004 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill five upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman will appoint persons to serve a 5-year term of office to commence January 24, 2005, and run until January 24, 2010.

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

USDA is asking for nominations to fill the following five upcoming NOSB vacancies: organic producer (two positions), organic handler, retailer, and environmentalist. To serve on the NOSB, an individual must be either an owner or operator of an organic production operation, an owner or operator of an organic handling operation, an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products, or an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation. USDA will follow equal opportunity practices in all appointments to the NOSB.

Written nominations, accompanied by resumes, must be postmarked on or before June 14, 2004, 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.