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(Washington, D.C., October 28, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is soliciting applications for membership to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board and the Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS).
NAREEE is the advisory board charged with providing advice to the Secretary of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on top priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics. Individuals from across the agricultural sector—including scientists, educators, producers, interest group advocates, and other industry experts, are welcome to self-nominate and apply for a vacant position on the Board.
The Board is statutorily required to have 15 appointed members from four categories: Three (3) members from National Farm or Producer Organizations, two (2) members from Academic or Research Societies, five (5) members from Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education, and five (5) members from Industry, Consumer, or Rural Interests.
“The strength of American agriculture comes from the broad expertise and commitment of those who drive research, education, and innovation. By inviting nominations from across the agricultural sector, USDA ensures that our programs are informed by the best domestic knowledge and experience needed to advance a productive, resilient, and forward-looking food and agriculture system,” said Katherine Sixt, Executive Director, Office of the Chief Scientist.
The NAREEE Advisory Board's main objective is to contribute to effective federal agricultural research, education and economics programs through broad stakeholder feedback and sound science in its ongoing role as advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Advisory Board also, by mandate, provides reports and recommendations to the appropriate agricultural committees of the U.S. Congress.
Appointments to the NAREEE Advisory Board and its committees and subcommittees will be made by the Secretary of Agriculture. The selection is based on how well the applicants meet the required qualifications and the current needs of the Board and its committees/subcommittees. It is anticipated that the members will start serving on the Advisory Board and/or the subcommittee in Fiscal Year 2027.
Visit the NAREEE Advisory Board website: https://nareeeab.ree.usda.gov/membership to review a complete list of the Board and CDS membership categories or learn more about these stakeholder categories.
The Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS) was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to advance research and extension capabilities related to citrus diseases. The 2014 Farm Bill charged CDS with providing an annual consultation with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to provide recommendations on the agenda, budget and priorities of NIFA’s Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (ECDRE).
USDA is seeking nominations to the CDS that represent stakeholders and have knowledge of citrus industry opportunities and barriers, especially citrus diseases. The CDS is comprised of 11 members: Five (5) members representing Arizona or California, five (5) members representing Florida, and one (1) member representing Texas. USDA will consider Committee Membership appointments, to the extent practicable and consistent with applicable laws, to ensure the needs of all Americans are served.
If you wish to be considered for NAREEE Advisory Board or the Citrus Disease Subcommittee, please submit an electronic application by close of business on November 30, 2026. Applications submitted through the mail should be postmarked no later than November 30, 2026.
To apply, submit the following: a resume/ curriculum vitae (CV) (required); a completed and signed form AD-755 (required), a cover letter (optional); and letters of support or recommendation (optional). Resumes /CVs should be no longer than five (5) pages and should include the following information: the position for which you are applying; current and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; and any other notable, relevant positions held. Previous applicants/members who wish to be considered must reapply. The National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 categorizes Federal advisory board members as covered individuals that are required to provide transparent disclosure information. Indications of non-transparency, conflicts of commitment, or interest arising from undue foreign influence can be used as the basis to deny applications.
The application may be found on the USDA Website: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755-advisory-committee-commodity-board-background-information.pdf (PDF, 1.2 MB).
All nomination packages must be submitted via one of the following methods: (1) Email to NAREEE@usda.gov; or (2) By mail delivery service to Attention, Richard Derksen, NAREEE Advisory Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 6020, South Building, Washington, DC 20250-2255.
Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA's policies will be followed in all appointments to the Committee. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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