Nominations & Applications for Membership - How to Apply
As part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) ongoing efforts to recruit qualified representatives and experts with minimal conflicts of interest who are interested in serving on USDA’s advisory committees. USDA is seeking nominations for members to serve on its federal advisory committees and Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS’s) research and promotion boards.
Introductions:
Anyone interested may nominate one or more qualified persons for one or more of USDA’s federal advisory committees or AMS’s research and promotion boards. Self-nominations are also accepted. USDA seeks to ensure that nominees are taken into account for the needs of underserved and diverse communities served by the USDA, membership will include, to the extent practicable, individuals representing minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. USDA prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Additionally, discrimination based on political beliefs and marital status or family status is also prohibited by statutes enforced by USDA (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
Qualifications:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for members to serve on its advisory committees. There are over 4,000 opportunities to serve on advisory committees at USDA and openings are routinely available as the term of a member expires. We are interested in a wide range of diverse professionals including scientists, representatives of interest groups, educators, and business leaders. Any interested person may nominate one or more qualified persons for one or more of the advisory committees or boards. Individuals and organizations who wish to nominate experts for any USDA advisory committee should submit a letter to the Secretary listing these individuals' names and business address, phone, and e-mail contact information. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Candidates Applying for Membership:
As part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ongoing efforts to recruit qualified representatives and experts with minimal conflicts of interest who are interested in serving on USDA’s advisory committees. USDA is requesting nominations for members to serve on its advisory committees. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
How to Submit a Nomination and/or Application for Membership?
All nominees/candidates must complete and submit an Advisory Committee Membership Background Information (AD-755) application to be considered:
| Name | Link |
|---|---|
| AD-755 | Advisory Committee Membership Background Information Form (PDF, 2.9 MB) |
| AD-755 Supplemental List | AD-755 Supplemental List Form (AMS Commodity Specific Questions Only) |
An application must include:
- Cover letter addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture
- Complete curriculum vitae or resume
- Acknowledgement and consent form (when applicable)
- A written confirmation that the nominee is aware of the nomination (unless self-nominated)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (if applicable)
All applications/letters for nominations should be mailed in a single, complete package to: Brooke Rollins, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20250 or send a secured email to AgSec@usda.gov and copy sm.osec.advisorycommittees@usda.gov.
For more information about USDA's Advisory Committees:
Contact: Cikena Reid
USDA Committee Management Officer
14th and Independence, SW
Whitten Bldg., 540-A
Washington, D.C. 20250
Phone: 202-720-2406
Email: sm.osec.advisorycommittees@usda.gov
Conflicts of Interest:
Potential candidates are asked to provide detailed information concerning such matters as financial holdings, employment, and research grants and/or contracts in order to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflict of interest. For more information view the presentation slides on conflicts of interest as needed.
You may access information concerning conflicts of interest, ethics and financial disclosures within the Office of Ethics. If at any time you need advice or clarification on a topic, please contact the Committee Management Officer or a WHLO staff at sm.osec.advisorycommittees@usda.gov.
