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Members of national commodity promotion boards (sometimes called councils) are nominated by industry and appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. They serve a vital role in overseeing board operations. USDA is concerned about the number of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities on the various commodity boards. Therefore, it is USDA’s policy that membership on USDA boards and committees (1) be open to all individuals without regard based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital or familial status, political beliefs, parental status, receipt of public assistance, or protected genetic information, and (2) reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs. USDA is committed to equal opportunity and seeks your organization's support in fulfilling this commitment. Each year, approximately 1/3 of the membership of each group must be reappointed. Generally, members may serve two three-year terms. Some boards also have alternate members.
United Sorghum Checkoff Program (Board) members are nominated by the industry and appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Members serve a vital role in overseeing the Sorghum Research and Promotion Program’s operations.
MEMBERSHIP: The National Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Board (Board) is composed of 13 sorghum producers. Membership includes five seats for the largest production State, three seats for the second largest production State, and one seat for the third largest production State. There are also four at-large/national positions on the Board.
NEXT TERM OF OFFICE: Each year approximately one third of the Board’s membership becomes vacant. Board members serve no more than two consecutive 3 year terms or until a successor has been appointed by the Secretary. Board member terms expire on the during January annual meeting.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: In accordance with the statute a nominee to the Board must be a sorghum producer.
NOMINATION PROCESS: Nominations for appointments to the Board are made by USDA approved Qualified State Sorghum Boards or eligible organizations deemed qualified to nominate producers. The eligibility of State, regional or national organizations is determined by USDA and is based on provisions defined in the Commodity Research, and Promotion Act. All nominees are subject to USDA background review.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you would like additional information on the Sorghum Checkoff Program, please contact:
Craig Shackelford
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Programs Division, Livestock, Poultry and Seed, AMS, USDA
22 Jamesport Lane, White, GA
PH. 470-315-4246
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