Date:  Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - 4:00pm

Contact Info:  Carl E. Purvis

Release No.: 082-17

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2017 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for candidates to fill 13 member and 13 alternate positions on the Cotton Board.

The Cotton Board represents Domestic cotton producers and importers. Nominations are made by certified producer organizations (CPO) and certified importer organizations (CIO). The CPOs and the CIOs will caucus to nominate two qualified persons for each open position representing their state. The Secretary of Agriculture then appoints members and alternates from the list of nominees.

Members and alternates serve staggered 3-year terms. Open positions this round will represent cotton producers from Arkansas, California/Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Nominees are also sought to fill vacancies for importers.

Appointees will serve terms that begin on Jan. 1, 2018, and end Dec. 31, 2020.