In the July 3 monthly notice from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State that lists vacancies on various state boards and committees, all 15 positions on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification advisory committee are open for applicants.

Terms of the current members expired June 30.

The advisory committee is responsible for providing informed comment and recommendations to the agricultural commissioner regarding the state’s ag water quality certification program.

The committee is convened and staffed by MDA.

Any resident may apply to be on the committee. Preferably, applicants will have backgrounds or experience with farming or ranching; farm, commodity or livestock organizations; agriculture-related business; crop consulting or advisement; environmental or conservation organizations; or local government experience.

The following organizations are invited to attend meetings to provide technical support to the committee: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, the Minnesota office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Minnesota Extension and other technical experts.

Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience and expertise in agriculture and water quality; experience in agricultural, conservation or water quality program implementation; and experience in Minnesota.

Committee members will be selected by the ag commissioner.

Applications should include a brief cover letter, resume or other information that will outline or discuss the ways in which an applicant’s background and qualifications will contribute to the goals of the committee.

Go online to find more information and to apply for one of the vacant positions.