USDA Seeks Nominees for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Date
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 - 3:00pm

Release No.: 060-16

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations to fill 12 openings on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.  The Secretary of Agriculture appoints representatives from the list of nominees to serve two-year terms.

This advisory committee examines the full spectrum of issues faced by the industry and advises USDA on how the department can better meet the industry’s needs.  In the past, members have offered recommendations related to critical issues including food safety, healthy food access, transportation infrastructure, and more.

Committee members represent the entire spectrum of the fruit and vegetable industry including: shippers; wholesalers; brokers; retailers; processors; fresh cut processors; foodservice suppliers; state agencies; state departments of agriculture; and trade associations.  USDA encourages nominees who reflect the full diversity of the produce sector in terms of size and scale of operation, industry role, demographic characteristics, geographic location, and production methods.  Board members are reimbursed for meeting travel and associated expenses.

Qualified candidates include active members in the fruit and vegetable industry serving in one of the above mentioned agricultural capacities.  Additional information about candidate qualifications, nomination requirements and forms, the nomination process, and the advisory committee background is available at www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/facas-advisory-councils/fviac.

Nominations must be received on or before May 4, 2016, and should be sent to Charles W. Parrott, Deputy Administrator, c/o Pamela Stanziani, Designated Federal Officer, Specialty Crops Programs, USDA by e-mail to pamela.stanziani@ams.usda.gov or faxed to (202) 720-0016.  Nominations may also be mailed to 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Room 2077-S, Stop 0235, Washington, D.C. 20250-0235.

Details of this notice will appear in the April 7, 2016, Federal Register.

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