PVP Board Nominations

Dear Stakeholder,

The Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is seeking candidates for the PVP Board.  The term of the present Board will expire in May 2020. Nominations must be received on or before January 24, 2020. PVP Board Aspects:

-             Composed of 14 members that include farmers, plant breeders, seed industry experts, university professors, and lawyers who are involved with plant varieties and/or their use.

-             The mission of the PVP Board is to provide direction to the PVP Office which ultimately influences the development of new plant varieties by providing an incentive (through intellectual property protection) to the breeders of these varieties.

-             The PVP Board usually meets twice per year, with one teleconference and one physical meeting.

-             Board members serve for 2 years and can be reappointed for up to 3 consecutive terms.

-             Self-nominations are acceptable. USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, geographic location, and size and type of business.

In order to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve on a board or committee, each applicant must clear all stages of the vetting process. Vetting is a comprehensive personal and professional background investigation that specifically includes, but is not limited to, an analysis of each candidate’s criminal history, bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, affiliations and associations, lobbyist status, and prior involvement with USDA. This process is used to ensure that the finest candidates are selected to represent the interests of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Please complete the “PVP Board Background Information Form” and send it as an attachment to pvpomail@usda.gov on or before January 24, 2020.

Thank you.

The Plant Variety Protection Office

USDA, AMS, Science & Technology

1400 Independence Ave, S.W.

Office 4512, Mail Stop 0274

Washington, DC 20250

Phone: (202) 260-8983

Plant Variety Protection Office Website