Background
About the Committee
In January 2022, the Secretary of Agriculture selected the original 12 members of the advisory committee, from over 300 applications of highly qualified individuals. These members will serve one to three year terms. The advisory committee held its inaugural meeting in March 2022 including introductions from the Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas J. Vilsack, Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), Chief of NRCS, and additional members of USDA leadership.
Membership Overview
The Committee is composed of 12 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Original selected members were appointed to one, two, and three-year terms with the possibility of being reappointed for one additional term. Newly appointed members will serve a standard three-year term.
Membership Composition
Members include:
- Four individuals who are agriculture producers including 2 individuals who are located in an urban area or urban cluster; and 2 individuals who are farmers that use innovative technology;
- Two individuals from an institution of higher education or extension program;
- One individual from a nonprofit organization, which may include a public health, environmental, or community organization;
- One individual who represents business and economic development, which may include a business development entity, a chamber of commerce, a city government, or a planning organization;
- One individual with supply chain experience, which may include a food aggregator, wholesale food distributor, food hub, or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market experience;
- One individual from a financing entity; and
- Two individuals with related experience or expertise in urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices, as determined by the Secretary.
Legislation/Authority
Section 12302 of the Agriculture and Improvement Act of 2018 directed USDA to establish an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture practices.
Additional Guidance:
The Federal Advisory Committee Act was enacted in 1972 to ensure that advice by the various advisory committees formed over the years is objective and accessible to the public. The Act formalized a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies. The General Services Administration (GSA) Committee Management Secretariat (CMS) is authorized to monitor compliance with the Act.
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