Release No.: 076-14

Contact:

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations of sorghum producers to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board.

There are five producer member vacancies for the upcoming board. Kansas, Texas and Nebraska each have one vacant position. In addition, the board will have two At-Large vacant positions.

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 16, 2014. 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.

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 21 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

For more information, contact Emily DeBord, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, STOP 0251, Room 2610-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0251; tel. (202) 690-2611, e-mail Emily.DeBord@ams.usda.gov; or fax (202) 720-1125.

#