Sep 20, 2023

Fresh produce advisory committee accepts comments

The USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC) will be taking comments in person and virtually at its November meeting.

The committee, which advises the USDA on industry issues, will be meeting from 8 to 11 a.m. Central on Nov. 2 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, in Nashville, Tennessee. Space is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The FVIAC will hear in-person public comments during the Nov. 2 meeting. People or organizations must pre-register to make oral comments by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 23, using an online registration form. Attendees can register for only one speaking slot.

Meeting details and information on the public comment period is in the Federal Register notice.

Written comments related to the fruit and vegetable industry can be submitted at regulations.gov. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 23. For special accommodations, please contact Darrell Hughes, FVIAC designated federal officer, at [email protected] or by phone at (202) 348-2576.

USDA established the committee in 2001 to examine the full spectrum of issues facing the fruit and vegetable industry and create a forum to provide suggestions and ideas to the department on ways to improve programs to meet the changing needs of the produce industry. Committee members represent a broad cross-section of the industry.

Information about the meeting and the committee is available on the AMS Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee webpage.