The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking to fill four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The process of filling these positions will be open to the public from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023. The USDA has been trying to increase its support for urban agriculture and innovative productions. The department has put in place a 12-member Committee that will provide input on policy development and identify barriers to urban agriculture.
“The Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Committee is an important opportunity for urban and innovative producers to have their voices heard and give direct feedback to USDA,” said Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services, which oversees USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production. “These new members will provide valuable input on how we can better serve urban agricultural producers with a focus on equity, local food systems, access to safe and nutritious food and new ways to address climate change.”
Agricultural producers, representatives from extension programs and higher education, business and academic development, non-profits, and supply chains and financing make up the committee members.
Positions
Four position are open for nominations including:
- One individual representing urban agriculture.
- One individual representing an institution of higher education or extension program.
- One individual representing business and economic development
- One individual representing related experience in urban, indoor and other emerging agriculture production practices.
To be considered for membership, you must submit a nomination package that includes:
- A completed background disclosure form (Form AD-755) Signed by the nominee: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf (PDF, 2.1 MB).
- A brief summary explaining the nominee’s interest in one or more open vacancies including any unique qualifications that address the membership composition and criteria described above.
- A resume providing the nominee’s background, experience, and educational qualifications.
- Recent publications by the nominee relative to extending support for urban agriculture or innovative productions (optional)
- Letter(s) of endorsement (optional)
Application
Nomination packages must be submitted by email to
UrbanAgricultureFederalAdvisoryCommittee@usda.gov or postmarked by July 15, 2023. If sending by mail, packages should be addressed to the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4627-S, Washington, DC 20250. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership, including self-nominations. For special accommodations, contact Markus Holliday at UrbanAgricultureFederalAdvisoryCommittee@usda.gov.
Additional details are available in the Federal Register notice.
