The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill 25 positions on its Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). FVIAC was established in 2001 to examine issues facing the fruit and vegetable industry and to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on ways to improve programs to better meet the changing needs of the produce industry.

The Committee’s charter expired in July 2017. However, on Monday, the USDA announced that it will reestablish the FVIAC charter and is in need of committee members to fill all 25 positions.

FVIAC membership consists of 25 members who represent the fruit and vegetable industry. This includes individuals representing fruit and vegetable growers/ shippers, fruit and vegetable wholesalers/distributors, brokers, retailers/restaurant representatives, fresh-cut and other fruit and vegetable processors and foodservice suppliers. This also includes professionals representing farmers markets and food hubs, organic and non-organic fruit and vegetable representatives, and representatives from state departments of agriculture, farmer organizations and produce trade associations.

Written nominations must be received by May 24, 2018, and should be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected] or sent to c/o Marlene Betts, Acting Designated Federal Officer, Specialty Crops Program, USDA Room 2077-S, Stop 0235, Washington, D.C. 20250.

See the official notice from USDA or visit the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee website for more information. For questions, contact Matt McInerney at (949) 885-2263.