DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION

Number:

1042-019

SUBJECT:

Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

DATE:

May 9, 2007

OPI:

Agricultural Marketing Service

1 PURPOSE

a The Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee) is hereby established. The purpose of the Committee is to examine the full spectrum of fruit and vegetable issues and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet the industry’s needs.

b This Committee is in the public interest in view of the fruit and vegetable industry’s importance to the nation’s economy. The exchange of views and information between industry representatives and USDA should result in improved understanding of the impact of USDA programs on the fruit and vegetable industry and contribute to those programs’ effective and efficient administration.

2 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

a In accordance with USDA regulations, unless renewed, the Committee will terminate two years from the date of filing of the charter.

b This regulation cancels and revises the original charter created in Department Regulation 1042-19, dated June 6, 2005.

3 OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIP

a The members of the Committee will elect the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Committee who will serve for a 2-year term. In absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson will act in the Chairperson’s stead. The Deputy Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Fruit and Vegetable Programs will serve as the Committee’s Executive Secretary.

b Members shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture for 2-year terms. Up to 25 members shall be appointed including: fresh fruit and vegetable grower/shipper representatives; fresh fruit and vegetable wholesaler representatives; broker representatives; retailer representatives, fruit and vegetable processor and fresh-cut processor representatives; foodservice supplier representatives; state agriculture department representatives; and trade association representatives. No member shall serve more than six consecutive years on the Committee if it is renewed.

c Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA policies will be followed in all appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken in account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include to the extent possible, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women and persons with disabilities.

4 DUTIES

The duties of the Committee are solely advisory. The Committee will make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding how USDA programs affect the fruit and vegetable industry.

5 ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS

a Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, but with reimbursement of travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence.

b Annual operating costs are estimated at $60,000. Annual Federal staff support is estimated at 0.25 staff years.

6 NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS

It is anticipated that the Committee will meet annually. All meetings will be open to the public.

7 REPORTS/SUPPORT

a Support for the Committee will be provided by AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs.

b The Committee will report to the Secretary of Agriculture through the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

-END-