Two opportunities to serve on USDA advisory committees

Press release

Advisory Committee on

Minority Farms

The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement published a Federal Register Notice — https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-11-06/pdf/2018-24208.pdf —to solicit applications for the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. The committee works in the interest of the public to ensure socially disadvantaged farmers have equal access to USDA programs and shall advise the secretary of agriculture on:

1. The implementation of section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279);

2. Methods of maximizing the participation of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers in USDA programs; and

3. Civil rights activities within USDA, as such activities relate to participants in USDA programs.

Members of the committee are appointed for two year terms by the Secretary. The committee members are composed of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, representatives from nonprofit organizations, civil rights professionals, and representatives from institutions of higher learning.

The deadline to apply is November 15. All previous applications submitted will be considered and all interested parties are encouraged to apply. Please visit the link above for additional information on how to apply.

Advisory Committee on

Beginning Farmers

and Ranchers

Additionally, OPPE published a Federal Register Notice — https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-11-06/pdf/2018-24205.pdf — to solicit applications for the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. The Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-554) required the secretary of agriculture to establish the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. The committee was formally established to advise the secretary on:

1. Programs coordinated for providing financial assistance to qualified beginning farmers and ranchers pursuant to Section 309 (i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;

2. Methods of maximizing the number of new farming and ranching opportunities created annually;

3. Methods of encouraging State partnerships that enhance opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers;

4. Administration of the program; and

5. Methods to create new farming or ranching opportunities. 

The deadline to apply is November 15. All previous applications submitted will be considered and all interested parties are encouraged to apply. Please visit the link above for additional information on how to apply.

Please contact Kenya Nicholas, email [email protected],  if you have any questions:

Kenya Nicholas, Designated Federal Officer

Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement

1400 Independence Avenue, SW Room 535-A

Washington, DC 20250

Office 202-720-6350 Fax 202-720-7136