Applications Open for USDA Council on Native American Farming and Ranching
Applications are being accepted for the USDA’s new Council on Native American Farming and Ranching until January 20, 2012. The Council’s primary purpose is providing recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on how to eliminate barriers to American Indian participation in Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs, as well as other USDA programs.
Composed of fifteen members, the Council on Native American Farming and Ranching representatives will be appointed by and report directly to the Secretary. Eleven of the fifteen members will be tribal leaders, and the remaining four will be high-level USDA employees, including the Senior Advisor for Tribal Relations, the Farm Service Agency Administrator, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, and the Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs. Council members will not receive direct compensation for their services but will receive travel reimbursements. Additionally, Council members must pass a federal background check.
Here is the application:
Application for Council on Native American Farming and Ranching
And here is the full announcement in the Federal Register:
