Beltsville, Maryland, USA
September 26, 2012

The Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is seeking nomination packages (an Application for Committee Membership (AD-755) and resume) for the PVP Board by November 15, 2012.

The Plant Variety Protection Act provides for a "Plant Variety Protection Board" to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The duties of the Board are to: (1) advise the Secretary concerning the adoption of rules and regulations to facilitate the proper administration of the Act; (2) make advisory decisions for the Secretary on appeals concerning decisions on applications by the PVPO and on requests for emergency public-interest compulsory licenses; and (3) advise the Secretary on any other matters under the rules and regulations.

The Act provides that "The Board shall consist of individuals who are experts in various areas of varietal development covered by this Act." The term "various areas" is interpreted to include plant breeding and seed increase, certification, merchandising, and use. The Act also provides that the membership "shall include farmer representation and shall be drawn approximately equally from the private or seed industry sector and from the sector of government or the public". For additional information, see the PVP Board Charter (Departmental Regulation No. 1042-53).

The PVP Board consists of 14 members, each of whom is appointed for a 2-year period, with no member appointed for more than three 2-year periods. The term of the present board will expire in December 2012. The first meeting of the new Board will most likely be held in the spring/summer of 2013.

In order to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with a broad choice from a diverse group of applicants, the PVPO is asking for nominated members to serve on the Board for two years from the date of appointment. Travel expenses will be covered by USDA.

To ensure that the recommendations of the Board take into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the USDA (from research and production to trade, use, and consumption). The USDA is responsible for vetting every candidate who applies for membership to a USDA Research and Promotion Board and/or Federal Advisory Committee. Also please note that federally registered lobbyists are prohibited from serving on advisory committees governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

In order to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve on a board or committee, 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 United States Department of Agriculture.

Please submit full nomination packages with completed AD 755 background information form and resume no later than November 15, 2012. Final selection of members will be made by the Secretary from the nominations submitted. All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, complete package to: Paul Zankowski, Commissioner; Plant Variety Protection Office; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Room 3543, Mail Stop 0270; Washington, DC 20250-0270.

Also nomination packages can be sent to Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20250 outside of a formal call for nominations.

USDA has special interest in assuring that women, minority groups, and the physically disabled are adequately represented on these advisory committees. We encourage and welcome nominations for female, minority, or disabled candidates.

Please see http://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO and click on PVPO Board (under Resources on the right side) for information on the current PVP Board, Charter, and AD 755 form. The AD-755 form can also be found on the USDA Advisory Committee website (www.usda.gov/advisory_committees.xml). Candidates who wish to be considered submit an Application for Committee Membership (AD-755) and resume to the PVPO. Cover letters should be addressed to the PVPO.

Download an Application for Committee Membership (AD-755)

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

Published: September 26, 2012