Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 --The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to increase membership on the United Soybean Board from 69 to 70 members to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the board was last reapportioned in 2009.
As required by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act (Act), membership on the board is reviewed every three years and adjustments are made accordingly. This proposed change would result in an increase in board membership for Mississippi, increasing the total number of board members from 69 to 70. These changes would be reflected in the Soybean Promotion and Research Order (Order) and would be effective for the 2013 appointment process.
The proposed rule will be published in the July 10, 2012 Federal Register. Comments may be posted online at www.regulations.gov, or sent to Susan Sausville, Acting Director, Marketing Programs Division, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0251; or via Fax to (202) 720–1125. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or via the Internet at www.regulations.gov. Comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided. All comments should reference the docket number, Docket No. AMS–LS–12–0022; the date of submission; and the page number of the issue of the Federal Register. Comments must be received by September 10, 2012.
The 69-member board, authorized by the Act, administers a coordinated soybean promotion and research program designed to expand uses of soybeans and soybean products in domestic and foreign markets. The national program is financed by a mandatory assessment of one-half of 1 percent of the net market price of soybeans.
For more information, please contact Susan Sausville at the address listed above. You may also visit www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms for additional information on the Soybean Checkoff program.
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