Nomination Process

Status: NOSB Call for Nominations is CLOSED
Submission Deadline: June 28, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) seeks to fill FIVE seats on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Terms begin in January 2025. 

Applications for the following seat are under review.

  • One individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or employee of such individual.
  • Two individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals.
  • One individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals.
  • One individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
     

Member Duties and Time Commitment:

  • Serves a five-year term representing specific sectors of the organic community.
  • Attends new member training in DC at the beginning of term (1.5 days + travel time).
  • Attends annual ethics training (Virtual, approximately 1 hour.)
  • Participates in monthly subcommittee conference calls (approximately 4-6 hours per month) + prep time before each call (variable depending on number of projects). Additional time if a member Chairs a Subcommittee.
  • Reads and reviews petitions to amend the National List, and Technical Reports related to National List substances, to inform their voting. (Time commitment varies).
  • Reviews 3-5 substances each year that are due to sunset from the National List. (Time commitment varies depending on number of substances and complexity).
  • Writes discussion papers and proposals on materials and other topics (e.g., new standards, clarification of existing standards) (Time commitment varies).
  • Reviews and analyzes public comments in advance of two in-person NOSB meetings to prepare for presentations/discussion/voting (8-24 hours per meeting).
  • Attends two in-person public NOSB meetings annually, typically held at the end of April and October. Time commitment: Approximately 5-7 days per meeting (includes two 5-hour virtual oral comment webinars, a 2-hour pre-meeting administrative meeting, a 3-day in-person meeting +2 travel days). 
    • Travel expenses to attend in-person meetings are covered by the USDA. The government pays for lodging, flights, and a daily per diem.

How to Apply:

The USDA encourages submissions from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. The USDA encourages submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applications of qualified candidates are also accepted to fill future unexpected vacancies for any of the seven NOSB seats representing the scope of the organic community.

Written applications must include:

Applications may also include:

  • Cover letter (optional)
  • Letters of reference (optional but encouraged). Reference letters will be accepted after the application deadline and can be submitted separately.

Electronic submissions are preferred and should be emailed to Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov. You may also mail your application materials to: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.

Additional information

Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee comprised of a diverse group of individuals from the organic community that considers and makes recommendations on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and other issues that involve the production, handling, and processing of USDA certified organic products. In accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, the Board shall be comprised of 15 members:

  • Four who own or operate an organic farming operation or employees of such individuals.
  • Two who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals.
  • One who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals.
  • Three with expertise in environmental protection and resource conservation.
  • Three who represent public interest or consumer interest groups.
  • One with expertise in toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.
  • One who is a certifying agent as identified under Section 6515 of this title.
     

Questions? Please contact Michelle Arsenault at Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov or (202) 997-0115.