Organic Board Nominations Sought

BISMARCK - Mar 22/06 - SNS -– Nominations are being sought for the new North Dakota Organic Advisory Board, says state Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson.

"The newly-released study, 'The Status of Organic Agriculture in North Dakota,' specifically recommended the establishment of an organic advisory board to the agriculture commissioner. The board will provide organic industry stakeholders with a forum to work with the Department of Agriculture in developing and promoting this increasingly important industry."

The 12-member advisory board will consist of one representative from each of the following organization or sectors: Organic Crop Improvement Association, International Certification Services, Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society, North Dakota State University Extension Service, west-region producer, east-region producer, livestock producer, specialty crop producer, organic consumer, organic trader or processor, organic foods retailer and North Dakota agriculture commissioner.

Any North Dakota resident can make nominations or be nominated for this advisory board.

Nominations should include the name, mailing address, and phone number of the nominee; the organization or sector the nominee would represent; a brief description of the nominee’s experience with the organic industry, and a brief explanation of why the nominee should be appointed to the advisory board.

All nominations must be received by April 28, 2006. Nominations should be sent to The North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Organic Advisory Board, 600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept. 602, Bismarck, ND 58505-0020; fax: (701) 328-4567.