ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking candidates to serve on an advisory committee to help develop the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program. The new program is the result of a January 17 agreement by Governor Mark Dayton and federal officials, with the goal of enhancing Minnesota’s water quality by accelerating adoption of on-farm water quality practices.
The committee will provide recommendations to MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson regarding the development of the program, as well as its particular features and focus. The committee will be convened and staffed by MDA, and will serve at Commissioner Frederickson’s discretion. Committee composition will be established by Commissioner Frederickson, with membership from the following:
• 2 farmers or ranchers;
• 2 representatives of general farm organizations;
• 3 representatives of commodity or livestock organizations;
• 1 representative of agriculture-related business;
• 1 representative of crop consultants or advisors;
• 2 representatives of environmental organizations;
• 2 representatives of conservation organizations; and
• 2 representatives of local government units.
In addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the University of Minnesota Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will be invited to provide technical support.
Commissioner Frederickson will select members following the open appointment process in Minnesota Statutes 15.0597. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and expertise in agriculture, conservation and/or water quality management. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience and expertise in agriculture and water quality; experience in agricultural, conservation or water quality program implementation; and experience in Minnesota. In addition to the committee members, MDA may ask other technical experts to attend meetings to provide support. The committee will serve for the length of time necessary for development and early implementation of the program, but not more than two years. The first meeting will be held in early June.
Applications for the committee will be accepted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office from March 5 through April 16, 2012. The application can be submitted online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=5. MDA’s website has more details about the committee at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcprogram.aspx.
