USDA is accepting nominations to fill three upcoming vacancies on its Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC) next year. The deadline to submit is Thursday, November 21, 2019, with necessary paperwork postmarked by or before this date.

First established in 2001, FVIAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on issues of importance to the produce industry – crop production, food safety, labor, and trade. Working groups on these topics provide greater depth and clarity in FVIAC’s responsibility to make informed decisions. Many Western Growers members have served in this capacity over the years, with three currently serving as 2018-2020 committee members: John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma, California; Jeff Huckaby of Grimmway Enterprises in Bakersfield, California; and Bruce Talbott of Talbott’s Mountain Gold in Palisade, Colorado.

Qualified candidates may nominate themselves, or someone can nominate another candidate who is interested, qualified, and agrees to the nomination. Nominees must currently work in one of the agricultural capacities within the supply chain, including growers, wholesalers, processors, retailers, importers/exporters, and industry associations. FVIAC members must serve at least one full two-year term (2020-2022) and attend two meetings per year in the Washington, D.C. region (approved expenses reimbursable by USDA).

Nomination packages can be submitted electronically by email to [email protected], or mailed to:

Darrell Hughes, U.S Department of Agriculture,

1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,

South Building-Room 2083-STOP 0235,

Washington, DC 20250-0235

Attn: Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Learn more about the FVIAC, nomination requirements, and committee member responsibilities here.

For questions or more information, contact Dennis Nuxoll or Tracey Chow at (202) 296-0191.