AMS No. 034-09

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2009--The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill five upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint five persons to serve a 5-year term of office that commences upon appointment.

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

Nominations are being sought to fill these five upcoming vacancies: organic producer (2 positions), retailer (1 position), organic handler (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). Individuals seeking appointment to the NOSB must be an owner or operator of an organic production operation, an organic handling operation, or a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or must have expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation that relate to organic agricultural production. USDA will follow equal opportunity practices in all appointments to the NOSB.

Written nomination, with cover letters and resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 17, 2009. Nominations should be sent to Katherine E. Benham, National Organic Program, USDA–AMS–TM–NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4004–S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250. For more information, contact Katherine Benham at (202) 205–7806; e-mail: Katherine.benham@usda.gov; or fax: (202) 205–7808.