AMS NO. 080-05

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2005 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill six upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will appoint persons to serve five-year terms of office to commence Jan. 24, 2006, and run until Jan. 24, 2011.

The NOSB is a 15-member board responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances, as required by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. The National List identifies synthetic substances that may be used, and the nonsynthetic substances that cannot be used, in organic production and handling operations. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program.

USDA is asking for nominations to fill the following six upcoming NOSB vacancies: organic producer (two positions), consumer/public interest (three positions), and USDA accredited certifying agent (one position). To serve on the NOSB, an individual must be an owner or operator of an organic production operation, an individual who represents public interest or consumer interest groups or an individual who is a USDA accredited organic certifying agent. USDA will follow equal opportunity practices in all appointments to the NOSB.

Written nominations, accompanied by resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 15, 2005, and sent to Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4008-S, Mail Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250. For more information, contact Katherine Benham at (202) 205-7806; e-mail: Katherine.benham@usda.gov; or fax: (202) 205-7808.