Deadline for Nominations is September 3, 2024; Virtual Office Hours Available for Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking nominations from stakeholders in the specialty crop sector to join the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). This advisory committee plays a pivotal role in providing recommendations on issues impacting the U.S. produce industry.
The deadline for nominations is set for September 3, 2024, and the USDA aims to ensure that the committee reflects the diversity of the produce sector in terms of size, scale of operation, industry role, demographic characteristics, geographic location, and production methods.
To assist potential nominees through the nomination process, the USDA has scheduled several virtual office hours via Zoom. These sessions are designed to provide detailed guidance and answer any questions candidates may have.
The scheduled times are as follows: Tuesday, August 6 from 3 pm to 5 pm; Thursday, August 8 from 4 pm to 6 pm; Monday, August 12 from 10 am to 12 pm; Thursday, August 15 from 10 am to 12 pm; Wednesday, August 21 from 2 pm to 4 pm; and Friday, August 23 from 9 am to 11 am (all times EDT). Interested parties can join these sessions at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16115836517.
Established in 2001 and administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the FVIAC includes members from across the spectrum of the fruit and vegetable industry. This includes shippers, wholesalers, brokers, retailers, processors, fresh cut processors, foodservice suppliers, state agencies, state departments of agriculture, and trade associations. The committee convenes at least twice a year to discuss and develop recommendations on key issues facing the industry.
Qualified candidates are those who are actively involved in the fruit and vegetable industry, working in one of the aforementioned roles. USDA encourages nominations from individuals who can contribute to the committee’s diverse perspectives.
Nomination packages should preferably be submitted via email to SCPFVIAC@usda.gov. Alternatively, nominations can be mailed to Jennie M. Varela at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Attn: Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, 1124 1st Street South, Winter Haven, FL, 33880.
For further information about the committee, interested parties are encouraged to visit the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee webpage. The USDA is committed to forming a committee that not only addresses the current needs but also anticipates future challenges in the produce industry, ensuring it remains robust and responsive to changes.
