Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 617-7212Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, February 3, 2012 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from organizations seeking certification to nominate individuals to the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Board.
The 13-member board was established under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The board administers a coordinated program designed to expand foreign and domestic markets and uses for sorghum. Membership is comprised of sorghum producers and sorghum importers. Producer representation on the board is based on sorghum production in each state. Membership on the board is comprised of positions allocated to the top three producing states and a number of at-large positions. The mandatory program is financed by assessments on grain sorghum, sorghum forage, sorghum hay, sorghum haylage, sorghum billets and sorghum silage.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications from state, regional and national sorghum producer organizations or associations that want to be certified as eligible to nominate sorghum producers for appointment to the board. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria will be certified. Currently certified organizations do not need to reapply. Organizations that have not previously been certified and are interested in submitting nominations must complete and submit an official application form to AMS. Applications are due by March 23, 2012.
Certification forms may be requested from Craig Shackelford, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Marketing Programs Division, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0251 or by email at Craig.Shackelford@ams.usda.gov. The form may also be found on the Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/LSMarketingPrograms.
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