The USDA is calling for nominations for the its Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. In a Federal Register notice published July 3, the USDA said it is requesting nominations to fill up to 25 upcoming vacancies on the committee.
The agriculture secretary will appoint industry representatives to serve a two-year term of office that would commence in 2024, according to a news release.
“The Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC or Committee) was established to develop recommendations for submission to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) on issues affecting the U.S. produce industry and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can tailor its programs to better meet the fruit and vegetable industry’s needs,” the release said.
The notice said USDA is seeking members who represent the fruit and vegetable industry including fruit and vegetable growers/shippers; fruit and vegetable wholesalers/receivers; brokers; retailers; fruit and vegetable processors and fresh-cut processors; foodservice suppliers; organic and non-organic farmers; farmers markets and community-supported agricultural organizations; state agriculture departments; and trade associations.
Industry members serve two-year terms, with a maximum of three two-year terms. The agriculture secretary appointed 25 members in 2022, the release said. Two members have served two terms and 23 members have served one term, which all expire Oct. 28, 2024.
The agriculture secretary will appoint members for the upcoming vacancies to serve a two-year term of office beginning in 2024 and ending in 2026. Nominations received that could fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the position categories will be held as a pool of candidates that the agriculture secretary can draw upon as replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.
A person appointed to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the two-year term of the vacant position. For more information, contact Jennie Varela, designated federal officer, at 202-658-8616 or SCPFVIAC@ams.usda.gov.
