Status: NOSB Call for Nominations is OPEN
Submission Deadline: August 5, 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Organic Program (NOP) seeks nominations of qualified individuals for ONE seat on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The selected candidate will be appointed to serve a five-year term beginning January 2023.
Current opening:
One individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
Member Duties and Time Commitment:
- Serves five-year term representing specific sectors of the organic community
- Attends a 1.5-day training in DC at the beginning of their term (1.5 days + travel time)
- Participates in monthly subcommittee conference calls (~3 - 6 hours per month)
- Reads and reviews petitions to amend the National List, and Technical Reports related to National List substances to inform their voting. (Time commitment varies)
- Writes discussion papers and proposals on materials and other topics (e.g., new standards, clarification of existing standards) (Time commitment varies)
- Reviews and analyzes public comments in advance of both NOSB meetings (8 - 16 hours per meeting)
- Attends two in-person public NOSB meetings per year, typically at the end of April and October. (~5 - 7 days per meeting - includes 2 virtual oral comment webinars, a 3-day in-person meeting + travel days)
- Travel expenses are covered. The government pays lodging, flights, and a daily per diem
The USDA encourages submissions from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. The USDA encourages submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applications of qualified candidates will also be accepted to fill future unexpected vacancies for any of the seven NOSB seats representing the scope of the organic community.
How to Apply:
Written applications must include:
- Resume
- AD-755 application form (pdf)
- Name of position to which you are applying
Applications may also include:
- Cover letter (optional)
- Letters of reference (optional)
Electronic submissions are preferred and should be emailed to Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov. You may also mail your application materials to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.
Additional information
- Federal Register Notice
- NOSB Recommendation on Criteria for NOSB Membership (pdf)
- About the NOSB - Current members, Activities, Resources
Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee comprised of a diverse group of individuals from the organic community. In accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, the Board shall be comprised of 15 members, of which:
- Four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation or employees of such individuals.
- Two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals.
- One shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals.
- Three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
- Three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups.
- One shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.
- One shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under section 6515 of this title.
Questions? Please contact Michelle Arsenault at Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov or 202.997.0115.