Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee Set for Feb. 24-25

Let's hope the USDA pilot program for fresh cut apple slices is working well by the time the committee meets. FVIAC meeting Feb. 24-25 in DC: From the Federal Register yesterday, background on the committee:

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. II), the Secretary of Agriculture established the Committee in August 2001 to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and to provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet the fruit and vegetable industry’s needs. The Committee was re-chartered in July 2003, June 2005 and again in May 2007 with new members appointed by USDA from industry nominations. This is the Committee’s final meeting under the current 2-year charter. AMS Deputy Administrator for Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Robert C. Keeney, serves as the Committee’s Executive Secretary. Representatives from USDA mission areas and other government agencies affecting the fruit and vegetable industry will be called upon to participate in the Committee’s meetings as determined by the Committee Chairperson. AMS is giving notice of the Committee meeting to the public so that they may attend and present their recommendations. Reference the date and address section of this announcement for the time and place of the meeting. Topics of discussion at the Committee meeting will include: Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act license fees, labor and immigration legislation, the National Organic Program, and a review of products, including fresh-cut items, that USDA purchases for the National School Lunch Program and other domestic outlets. Additional agenda items can be expected.