Nomination Process

NOSB Call for Nominations

Status: NOSB Call for Nominations is now OPEN
Submission Deadline: May 20, 2019

USDA is seeking nominees to fill five National Organic Standards Board vacancies. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint new members for five-year terms to begin in January 2020. Current vacancies include:

  • One individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
  • One individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or employees of such individuals.
  • One individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or an employee of such individuals.
  • Two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals.

The new appointees will be announced this fall.

How to Apply

Written nominations must include a resume and an AD-755 application form (pdf). Nominations may also include an optional cover letter and letters of reference.

Nominations should be emailed to Michelle.Arsenault@ams.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@ams.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.