Purdue News
Purdue News
Authorized by the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform (FAIR) Act, the USDA advisory board will advise the secretary and land-grant colleges and universities on agricultural research, extension, education and economics policy and priorities. It replaces three USDA boards: the Agricultural Science and Technology Review Board, the Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board.
Lechtenberg joins 30 leaders selected from universities, agricultural commodity groups, rural communities, businesses and government agencies. Several farmers and ranchers also are on the board.
At the meeting, board members reviewed the USDA Research, Education and Economics Draft Strategic Plan; made nominations to the 15-member "Strategic Planning Task Force," which was created under the FAIR Act to develop a 10-year strategic plan for federally funded agricultural research facilities; and considered other FAIR Act legislation, including implementation of the Fund for Rural America competitive grants program.
Members were selected from nominations from more than 600 organizations as part of a nationwide search that produced more than 400 nominees. Terms range from one to three years.
CONTACT: Lechtenberg, (765) 494-8391; e-mail, vll@admin.agad.purdue.edu
