FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 7, 2011

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

Wholesaler/distributor representative needed on Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force

Ag Commissioner announces new task force members

St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking a wholesaler or distributor representative to fill a vacancy on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF). The OATF advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used to meet the needs of the organic agriculture community.

Interested candidates must be a resident of Minnesota. The wholesaler/distributor term expires June 30, 2012. The task force meets three to four times a year at various locations throughout Minnesota. Members receive compensation for expenses, but no per diem.

The application form is available online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us (select the Open Commissions Appointments option). Or call the Secretary of State's office at 651-297-5845. These applications must be submitted by U.S. mail and addressed to:  Appointments, Secretary of State’s Office, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155-1299. The deadline to apply for this position is July 26, 2011.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson has also announced new appointments to fill seven vacancies on the OATF. New members include Alex Dubish, USDA Farm Service Agency, representing the United States Department of Agriculture; Bradley Heins, University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, representing University of Minnesota Extension; Mary McCallum, a St. Paul resident  representing the public; Michelle Menken, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, representing organic certifiers; Elia Romano, Albert Lea Seed House, representing organic processors; Leonard Russo, Heartland Restaurant and Farm Direct Market, representing organic retailers; and Paul Sobocinski, representing farmers using organic methods.

The next OATF meeting will be held July 15 in La Crescent, Minnesota. For more information call Meg Moynihan at 651-201-6616 or John Byrnes at 612-625-4743.

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