The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on the Cotton Board.

The Cotton Research and Promotion Act provides that the Board shall be composed of representatives of cotton producers and importers.  These representatives are selected by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominations submitted by certified producer organizations (CPO) and certified importer organizations (CIO).  CPOs and CIOs are industry organizations that are certified by the Secretary pursuant to procedures set forth in the Cotton Research and Promotion Order.

USDA is seeking nominees to fill 19 member and 19 alternate member positions for vacancies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri/Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee/Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, and for importers with terms ending December 31, 2016.  Members and alternates members, as well as the consumer advisors, serve staggered three-year terms with no term limits.

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The CPOs in respective states and the CIOs will caucus to nominate two qualified persons for each member and alternate member position.  The Secretary shall select members and alternates from the CPO and CIO nominations. 

USDA welcomes membership on industry boards that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by the programs.  USDA encourages all eligible women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to seek nomination for a seat on the Cotton Board.

The cotton research and promotion program is designed to advance the position of cotton in the marketplace.  It is funded by assessments on all domestically produced cotton and imports of foreign-produced cotton and cotton-containing products, and is authorized by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966.  AMS oversees operations of the Board.

For nominating information or for a list of CPOs and CIOs, contact Shethir M. Riva, Chief, Research and Promotion Staff, Cotton and Tobacco Programs, AMS, USDA, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22406, telephone (540) 361-2726, facsimile (540) 361-1199, or email at [email protected]

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