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Source: USDA, 1/6/21
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture,
part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person
committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of
policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural
production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture. “We are looking forward to a robust group of nominees to serve on this important new advisory committee,” said Bill Northey, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. “This group will underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture and has the potential to support innovative ways to increase local food production in urban environments.” USDA is seeking nominations for
individuals representing a broad spectrum of expertise, including:
- Four agricultural producers (two
agricultural producers in an urban area or urban cluster and two
agricultural producers who use innovative technology).
- Two representatives from an institution
of higher education or extension program.
- One representative of a nonprofit
organization, which may include a public health, environmental or
community organization.
- One representative of business and
economic development, which may include a business development entity, a
chamber of commerce, a city government or a planning organization.
- One individual with supply chain
experience, which may include a food aggregator, wholesale food
distributor, food hub or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market
experience.
- One individual from a financing entity.
- Two individuals with related experience
or expertise in urban, indoor and other emerging agriculture production
practices, as determined by the Secretary.
Any interested person or
organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership.
Self-nominations are also welcome. Nominations should include a
cover letter, resume and a background form. Nomination packages must be
submitted by mail or email by March 5, 2021. They should be addressed to Ronald
Harris, Designated Federal Officer, Director of Outreach and Partnerships,
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 6006-S, Washington, D.C. 20250, or emailed
to Ronald.Harris@usda.gov. The 2018 Farm Bill established
the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production and directed USDA to
form this advisory committee as well as make other advancements related to
urban agriculture. It is led by the NRCS and works in partnership with numerous
USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and
promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural practices, including
community composting and food waste reduction. More information is available in this notice on the Federal Register
or at farmers.gov/urban
. Additional assistance is
available Ask.USDA.Gov or
by calling (202) 720-2791. All USDA Service Centers are open
for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require
appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with Farm
Service Agency, NRCS or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and
schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will
pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors
must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear
a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will
continue to work with our producers by phone, email and using online tools.
More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
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