Nominations for both committees are due Friday March 31.

Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (due 3/31)

The USDA is soliciting nominations from interested organizations and individuals from among ranching and farming producers (industry), related government, State, and Tribal agricultural agencies, academic institutions, commercial banking entities, trade associations, and related nonprofit enterprises to fill up to six open positions on the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee. This committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to new farmers and ranchers including setting goals and objectives, creating new programs and maximizing current programs. 

OAO Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers (due 3/31)
USDA is soliciting nominations from socially disadvantaged farming and ranching producers; civil rights professionals; private nonprofit organizations that support socially disadvantaged producers; and higher education institutions that work with socially disadvantaged producers to fill up to 20 open positions on the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. Committee members will serve a term of up to two years. This committee “will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on strategies to heighten participation of historically socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the USDA’s assistance programs.”

For further information, contact:

Mrs. Kenya Nicholas, Designated Federal Official USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-0170 (202) 720-6350

email: [email protected]

Nomination packages may be sent by postal mail or commercial delivery to:

Office of the Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue SW. Mail Stop 0601 Washington, D.C. 20250 Attn: Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.

Nomination packages may also be faxed to (202) 720-7704.