Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268 Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to serve on the United Soybean Board.
Vacancies for producer member positions will occur in Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and both the Eastern and Western Regions. There are alternate vacancies in Delaware, Georgia, New York, Texas, and the Eastern and Western Regions.
Any soybean producer within the United States that owns or shares the ownership and risk of loss of soybeans can be considered for nomination. All eligible producers are invited to seek nomination by April 26, 2013. A soybean producer must be nominated by a Qualified State Soybean Board and submit a completed application.
USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, and size and type of operation.
For a copy of the nomination form and the contact information of the Qualified State Soybean Board in your state or region, visit: www.ams.usda.gov/SoybeanNominationInformation.
Composed of 69 members representing 29 states and regions, the board administers a research and promotion program authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from producers nominated by Qualified State Soybean Boards.
Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 20 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.
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