USA
February 28, 2022

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is seeking candidates to serve on the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Board.  The next PVP Board will be assembled by the end of September 2022.  Interested candidates can nominate themselves by completing the attached advisory committee background information form by March 14, 2022.  Here is a link to the nomination/background information form:  Advisory Committee Background Information Form.

The PVP Board is composed of 14 members that include farmers, plant breeders, seed industry experts, university professors, lawyers, and any other members of the public that are involved with plant varieties and their use.   The mission of the PVP Board is to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the PVPO to continue carrying out the provisions of the PVP Act.  PVP Board members provide recommendations on PVP appeals and other issues to the Secretary of Agriculture.

The PVP Board normally meets twice a year, once by teleconference and one in-person meeting, depending on Federal guidelines.  PVP Board members serve for two years and can be re-appointed up to three consecutive terms.  USDA encourages PVP Board membership that reflects the diversity of the industry served.  Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, geographic location, and size and type of business.

To be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve on the PVP board each applicant must clear all stages of the vetting process.  Vetting is a comprehensive personal and professional background investigation that specifically includes, but is not limited to, an analysis of each candidate’s criminal history, bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, affiliations and associations, lobbyist status, and prior involvement with USDA.  This process is used to ensure that the finest candidates are selected to represent the interests of the USDA.

Please complete the Advisory Committee Background Information Form and return it as an attachment to pvpomail@usda.gov by March 14, 2022.  If you have questions, please call (202) 720-1066 or send an e-mail to pvpomail@usda.gov.

 

Website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/pvpo

Published: February 28, 2022