WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

Nominations will be open to public until Saturday, July 15. The 12-member committee, which first convened in March 2022, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production. Members of the committee provide input on policy development and help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country, according to a news release from Maryanne Coffin of the Farm Production and Conservation’s Farm Service Agency.

“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 Service, which oversees USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative 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.”

Members of the committee include agricultural producers and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.

USDA is seeking nominations for individuals representing a broad spectrum of expertise. Four positions 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, which may include a business development entity, community development initiatives, a chamber of commerce, a city government or a planning organization.

· One individual representing related experience in urban, indoor and other emerging agriculture production practices.

Individuals who wish to be considered for membership must submit a nomination package including the following:

· A completed background disclosure form (Form AD-755) signed by the nominee, found at usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf.

· 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 production (optional).

· Letter(s) of endorsement (optional).

Nomination packages must be submitted by email to urbanagriculturefederaladvisorycommittee@usda.gov or postmarked by July 15. 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, email Markus Holliday at urbanagriculturefederaladvisorycommittee@usda.gov.

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