The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the Popcorn Board to fill seats for three processors whose terms expire on Dec. 31, 2021. Nominations are due to the board by May 3, 2021. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint individuals to succeed members. Selected representatives will serve three-year terms.
The Popcorn Board is industry-funded and supports the marketing and promotion of popcorn. The board is composed of five popcorn processors.
Additional information regarding the elections and nomination procedures may be obtained by contacting Popcorn Board’s Administrator Genny Bertalmio at (312) 673-4883 or gbertalmio@popcorn.org; or USDA Marketing Specialist Victoria M. Carpenter at (202) 720-2930 or VictoriaM.Carpenter@usda.gov. Program information is also available on the AMS Popcorn Board webpage.
AMS policy is that the diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of their industries in experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. When submitting nominations, the industry must consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.
Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight to 22 boards. The oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.
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