Nomination Process

NOSB Call for Nominations

Status: NOSB Call for Nominations is OPEN
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2020

USDA seeks to fill five National Organic Standards Board vacancies. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint new members to five-year terms to begin in January 2021. Current vacancies include:

  • Two (2) individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation, or employees of such individuals
  • Two (2) individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups
  • One (1) individual who is a USDA-accredited certifying agent

The new appointees are expected to be announced in the Fall of 2020.

How to Apply

Written nominations must include a resume and an AD-755 application form.  Nominations may also include an optional cover letter and letters of reference. Please identify the position to which you are applying.

Application materials should be emailed to Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov, or mailed to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.  

Electronic submittals are preferred.

Additional information

For additional questions, contact Michelle Arsenault at 202-720-0081 or 202-720-3252, or email Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov.

NOSB Nomination Process

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.