Release No.: 040-15

Contact:

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations of sorghum producers to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board.

Four producer member vacancies will occur for the upcoming board. Kansas has two vacant positions and Texas has one vacant position. In addition, the board will have one at-large vacant position.

Any sorghum producer within the United States that owns or shares in the ownership and risk of loss of sorghum can be considered for nomination. All eligible producers are invited to seek nomination by May 1, 2015. A sorghum producer must be nominated by a 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 more information on board nominations and the contact information of the Certified Producer Organization in your state, and for a copy of the nomination form, visit: www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms.

Note that if AMS does not receive nominations by May 1, 2015, a delay in board appointments might result and new appointees could be prevented from attending the first board meeting.

Composed of 13 members, the board administers a research and promotion program authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from producers nominated by Certified Nominating Organizations.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 research and promotion boards. They empower agricultural industries by establishing a framework for them to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

For more information, contact Craig Shackelford; Agricultural Marketing Specialist;, Research and Promotion Division; Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, AMS, USDA; 22 Jamesport Lane; White, GA 30184; tel. (470) 315-4246, e-mail Craig.shackelford@ams.usda.gov.

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