USDA Seeking 25 for Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Board

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USDA’s Charles Parrott, Deputy Administrator, Specialty Crops Program, discussing issues at a past Fruit and Vegetable Industry Committee Board meeting.

USDA is searching for 25 people to participate on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Board (FVIAC). It’s accepting nominations through May 24, 2018.

FVIAC was first created in 2001 to examine issues facing the fruit and vegetable industry and to brainstorm ideas on how to improve USDA programs to meet changing grower needs. Its charter expired in July 2017, however, and is now being reestablished.

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Board members serve a two-year term and are expected to attend two meetings per year in the Washington, DC, area. Members also participate in six to eight subcommittee conference calls.

How to Nominate Someone for FVIAC

The first requirement to participate on the Board is to be actively working in the industry. That can be as growers, shippers, wholesalers, distributors, brokers, retailers, restaurant representatives, processors, fresh-cut processors, food service suppliers, representatives of state departments of agriculture, or members of trade associations.

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Here are a few more guidelines from USDA:

  • Nominees may not be registered as a lobbyist at any level of government
  • Nominees may not serve on more than one Advisory Committee, concurrent to the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee term.
  • Committee members may not serve more than three consecutive two-year terms, or six consecutive years.
  • Qualified candidates may nominate themselves, or nominate someone else who is interested, qualified, and agrees to being nominated.
  • All qualified candidate must complete and submit the required Form AD-755 in order to be considered for nomination.

Where to Send Applications

Applicants should send written nominations with a cover letter either by email or regular mail to: [email protected] or [email protected] or sent to c/o Marlene Betts, Acting Designated Federal Officer, Specialty Crops Program, USDA Room 2077-S, Stop 0235, Washington, D.C. 20250-0235.

All nominations must be received by May 24, 2018

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