Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998jimmie.turner@ams.usda.govBilly Cox (202) 720-8998billy.cox@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2010 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee will meet March 30-31, 2010. The meeting – at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel, 550 C Street, SW, Washington, D.C. -- will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 30, 2010, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 31, 2010.
Topics of discussion will include the following: audit requirements, Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act program, marketing agreements, food safety, local farmer/education initiatives, commodity purchasing programs, and work group assignments and orientation for the new members.
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. II), the Secretary of Agriculture established the committee in August 2001 to examine the full spectrum of issues the fruit and vegetable industry faces and to provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet that industry’s needs.
The committee was re-chartered March 31, 2009, with USDA appointing new members in December 2009 from industry nominations.
Members of the press and all others who are interested in USDA’s fruit and vegetable program may attend. Seating will be on a first-come basis.
To submit comments, or to arrange special accommodations, contact: Pamela Stanziani, designated federal officer of the Agriculture Marketing Service’s Fruit and Vegetable Programs, at (202) 690-0182, or email: pamela.stanziani@ams.usda.gov.
Robert C. Keeney serves as the committee’s executive secretary.
Additional information on the advisory committee is available on the Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/fv.
Details will be published in Feb. 23, 2010, Federal Register.
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