National Organic Standards Board Call for Applications and Nominations

Issuing agencies

Abstract

Through this notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its call for applications and nominations to fill three vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (Board): one individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or employee of such individual; one individual who represents a public interest or consumer interest group; and one individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry. Appointees will serve a 5-year term beginning in January 2027 and ending in January 2032. Additionally, USDA seeks applications or nominations for a pool of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 205 (Monday, October 26, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 205 (Monday, October 26, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67263-67264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21722]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-NOP-26-0199]


National Organic Standards Board Call for Applications and 
Nominations

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; call for applications or nominations to the Board.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Through this notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 
is announcing its call for applications and nominations to fill three 
vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (Board): one 
individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or 
employee of such individual; one individual who represents a public 
interest or consumer interest group; and one individual with expertise 
in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry. Appointees will 
serve a 5-year term beginning in January 2027 and ending in January 
2032. Additionally, USDA seeks applications or nominations for a pool 
of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as 
replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.

DATES: Application packages must be received by mail or postmarked on 
or before December 28, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Applications can be sent via email to Andrew Malone at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3879565c4a5d4f1675595457565d784d4b5c59165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="42032c263027356c0f232e2d2c2702373126236c252d34">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>, or mailed to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. 
Electronic submittals are preferred.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Arsenault, (202) 997-0115; 
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a343529381a2f293e3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="503e3f233210252334317e373f26">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For information on how to apply, please see 
the applications process page: <a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process">https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process</a>.
    The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-
6524), required the Secretary to establish the National Organic 
Standards Board (Board) in accordance with the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act. The Board was established to assist in the development 
of standards for substances to be used in organic production and to 
advise the Secretary on the implementation of the OFPA.
    The Board is composed of 15 members:
    <bullet> Four individuals who own or operate an organic farming 
operation, or employees of such individuals;
    <bullet> Two individuals who own or operate an organic handling 
operation, or employees of such individuals;
    <bullet> One individual who owns or operates a retail establishment 
with significant trade in organic products, or employees of such 
individuals;
    <bullet> Three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental 
protection and resource conservation;
    <bullet> Three individuals who represent public interest or 
consumer interest groups;
    <bullet> One individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, 
ecology, or biochemistry; and
    <bullet> One individual who is a certifying agent.
    Per OFPA, under 7 U.S.C. 6518, individuals seeking appointment to 
the Board must meet the qualifications for the relevant vacancy (e.g., 
demonstrated experience and interest in organic production and organic 
certification, demonstrated experience with respect to agricultural 
products produced and handled on certified organic farms, or experience 
with consumer and public interest organizations). Applicants may also 
consider the additional selection criteria the Board recommended on 
June 10, 1999, included below and on the following web page: <a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process">https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process</a>.
    <bullet> A general understanding of organic principles and 
practical experience in the organic community;
    <bullet> Demonstrated experience in the development of public 
policy such as participation on public or private advisory boards, 
boards of directors, or other comparable organizations;
    <bullet> Participation in standards development or involvement in 
educational outreach activities;
    <bullet> A commitment to the integrity and growth of the organic 
food and fiber industry;
    <bullet> The ability to evaluate technical information and to fully 
participate in Board deliberation and recommendations;
    <bullet> The willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to 
assume Board duties; and
    <bullet> Other factors that may be appropriate for specific 
positions.
    To apply, submit the following: a resume (required); Form AD-755 
(required), which can be accessed at: <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755-advisory-committee-commodity-board-background-information.pdf">https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755-advisory-committee-commodity-board-background-information.pdf</a>; a cover letter (optional); and letters of 
recommendation (optional). Resumes should be no longer than five (5) 
pages and should include the following information: the position for 
which the candidate is applying; current and past organization 
affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; and 
any other notable, relevant positions held. Previous applicants who 
wish to be considered must reapply.
    If USDA receives a request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 
U.S.C. 552) for records relating to Board nominations, application 
materials may be released to the requester. Prior to the release of the 
information, personally identifiable information protected by the 
Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) will be redacted.
    Equal opportunity practices, in accordance with USDA policies, will 
be followed in all membership appointments to the Committee.
    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State

[[Page 67264]]

or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through 
the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at <a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-usda-discrimination-complaint/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint">https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-usda-discrimination-complaint/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint</a>, and at any USDA 
office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter 
all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the 
complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or 
letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of 
the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Mail Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 
(3) email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ddadafb2baafbcb0f3b4b3a9bcb6b89da8aeb9bcf3bab2ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83f3f1ece4f1e2eeadeaedf7e2e8e6c3f6f0e7e2ade4ecf5">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) previously cleared the 
information collection requirements concerning the nomination process 
under OMB Control No. 0505-0001.
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: October 21, 2026.
Egypt Simon,
Acting USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2026-21722 Filed 10-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>