WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2012 --The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from organizations seeking certification to nominate individuals to the American Lamb Board.
The 14-member board was established by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The board administers a coordinated program designed to expand foreign and domestic markets for lamb products. Current membership is comprised of U.S. lamb producers, feeders, seedstock producers, first handlers, and a member from the general public. The mandatory lamb checkoff program is financed by assessments on lamb of 5 cents per pound of net market value for producers, feeders, and seedstock producers, and 30 cents per head of lamb purchased by first handlers.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications from state, regional, and national lamb producer organizations or associations that want to be certified to nominate lamb industry representatives for appointment to the board. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria will be certified. Currently certified organizations do not need to reapply. Organizations that have not previously been certified and are interested in submitting nominations must complete and submit an official application form to AMS. Applications are due by April 16, 2012.
Certification forms may be requested from James R. Brow, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Marketing Programs Division, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0251 or by email at James.Brow@ams.usda.gov. The form can also be found on the Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/LSMarketingPrograms.
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