Menu

Continuing efforts to strengthen relations with the agriculture community, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a request for member nominations to the first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee.

The committee is being formed under the guidelines of EPA's National Strategy for Agriculture, and it will advise the EPA Administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities. It will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) plans to nominate a member for the committee, which could be established by the end of 2007.

The committee will meet approximately twice yearly and is intended to consist of approximately 25 members representing: (1) large and small farmers, ranchers and rural communities; (2) rural suppliers, marketers and processors; (3) academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; (4) tribal agricultural groups; and (5) environmental and conservation groups. In addition to AFBF, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and other federal agencies will also be invited to nominate members.

Topics covered may include: issues relating to water, air and radiation, solid waste and emergency response, pesticides and toxics, enforcement and compliance assistance and research and development.

In addition, cross media tools and approaches that could help agricultural producers improve their environmental performance, barriers to greater environmental protection, and means to improve working relationships between EPA and agricultural producers may also be examined.

In selecting committee members, EPA will consider each candidate's qualifications including, but not limited to, whether the candidate is:

• Actively engaged in farming.

• Occupies a senior position within their organization.

• Holds leadership positions in ag-related organizations, businesses and/or workgroups.

• Has broad experience outside of their current position.

• Has experience working on issues where building consensus is necessary.

• Has membership in professional societies, broad-based networks or the equivalent.

• Has extensive experience in the environmental field dealing with agricultural issues.

• Provides services to producers.

• Is involved in processing, retailing, manufacturing and distribution of agricultural products.

Any interested person or organization may submit the names of qualified persons, including themselves. Suggestions for the list of candidates should be identified by name, occupation, qualifications,organization, position, address, and telephone number. Submissions should include a resume or curriculum vita detailing the nominee's background, experience and qualifications and other relevant information, and a short biography should be included as well. Letters of support and recommendation will be accepted but are not mandatory.

Submit suggestions for candidates to: Marrietta Haggins, Staff Assistant, U.S. EPA (MC 1601M), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.,Washington, DC 20460, haggins.marrietta@epa.gov, 202-564-3692.

For further information,contact Jon Scholl, Counselor to the Administrator for Agricultural Policy, U.S. EPA (MC 1101A), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, scholl.jon@epa.gov, 202-564-7719.