November 2013

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now accepting nominations from qualified industry members to serve on the 2013-2015 Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. An official notice was published in the Federal Register on Monday, November 25, 2013. This Committee, which consists of members from all aspects of the fruit and vegetable industry, provides advice and recommendations the Secretary of Agriculture on issues of importance to the industry.

Are you interested in serving or do you know someone who may be qualified to serve?
The Committee is composed of 25 new and former members from every capacity within the industry. Growers/Producers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Farmers Market Managers, Food Hubs and Cooperatives, Association leaders, Retailers, Food Service suppliers and State department of agriculture leaders are all welcome to submit a nomination. Committee members serve a two-three year term. Interested candidates may nominate themselves, or nominate someone else – either is acceptable. Committee members meet in the Washington DC metro region to review and discuss specific issues that impact the fruit and vegetable industry, and develop recommendations that are sent to the Secretary of Agriculture for his consideration. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service manages the Committee’s activities.

Committee member duties include:

- Attend 2 meetings per year
- Periodically meet with designated work groups via teleconference
- Have the ability to work effectively within a large group setting

*Members of the Committee are reimbursed by the USDA for approved travel and associated lodging expenses as determined by official federal government guidelines and regulations.

 If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you may be eligible:

You are actively working within the fruit and vegetable industry in the capacity of:

- Farmer/Producer/Grower/Shipper
- Wholesaler/Distributer/Broker/Processor
- Retail (including farmers markets, CSAs, food hubs)/Restaurant
- Foodservice suppliers
- State agencies involved in organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables at local, regional and national levels
- State departments of agriculture leadership
- Fruit and vegetable industry trade associations

Also:

- You are not currently serving or have been elected to serve on another USDA advisory committee or research and    promotions council/ board during this full two year term
- You are not registered as a lobbyist with the federal or state government

For more information contact Pam Stanziani, Designated Federal Officer, at Pamela.stanziani@ams.usda.gov. 

Executive Order No. 13490, 18 June 2010, prohibits an individual who is registered with the federal government or with a state government as a lobbyist from serving on a federal advisory committee.