SC-97 915-Avocados Confidential Background Questionnaire/State

REPRODUCE LOCALLY. Include form number and date on all reproductions. OMB No. 0581-0189

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

SPECIALTY CROPS PROGRAM

CONFIDENTIAL BACKGROUND STATEMENT

(To be completed by grower and handler members and alternates)

The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) needs the following information to determine whether you are qualified under Marketing Order No. 915 to serve on the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee). Statutory authority to collect the information is provided in 7 U.S.C. §§ 601-674. Failure to provide this information may hinder your selection by the Secretary.
POSITION (Please mark the appropriate box):
GROWER MEMBER	GROWER ALTERNATE	HANDLER MEMBER			HANDLER ALTERNATE MEMBER
DISTRICT NUMBER (Please mark appropriate box): □ 1 □ 2
NAME:				EMAIL ADDRESS:
BUSINESS ADDRESS: NOTE: If a handler, also show firm name and in what capacity you serve in such firm)
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (Include area code)				FAX NUMBER: (Include area code)
HAVE SERVED PREVIOUSLY AS (Mark an “X” in the appropriate box): □ AVOCADO COMMITTEE MEMBER □ AVOCADO COMMITTEE ALTERNATE MEMBER
YEARS GROWING OR HANDLING AVOCADOS: □ GROWER □ HANDLER (Mark the appropriate box)			5a. IS YOUR OPERATION CERTIFIED ORGANIC? □ Yes □ No
6a. AVOCADO PRODUCTION LAST SEASON (if grower):
6b. APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF 55-LB EQUIVALENT HANDLED LAST SEASON (if handler):
LIST MEMBERSHIPS IN INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS:
OFFICE(S) HELD OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY IN THE PAST FEW YEARS CONNECTED WITH INDUSTRY PROGRAMS:

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB 0581-0189. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

7. Committee members, in their official capacities, are prohibited from taking any action specifically designed to influence legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion concerning legislation. Committee members may not communicate with any official of a State or Federal legislative body for the purpose of attempting to influence legislation. Committee members are also prohibited from attempting to influence state or Federal government actions or policies or those of foreign governments, except as specifically authorized under the Marketing Order or expressly approved by the Secretary.

Committee members are specifically precluded from authorizing the expenditure of Marketing Order funds for the purpose of attempting to influence legislation or government actions.

These same prohibitions apply to committee managers, staff, and contractors except that Committee managers may consult with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees during the pendency of informal rulemaking actions.

7. If Committee or subcommittee members or Committee employees are sued individually or jointly for errors in judgment, mistakes or other acts either of omission or commission (except for acts of dishonesty, willful misconduct, or gross negligence) in the conduct of their duties under the Marketing Agreement or Order, they may be authorized legal defense by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Alternatively, legal defense may be provided through private counsel, if recommended by USDA and approved by DOJ. USDA and DOJ enjoy an excellent working relationship with respect to providing legal representation for Committee members and employees, either by DOJ or through authorized private counsel. USDA is committed to a comprehensive legal defense policy for all Committee members and employees acting within the scope of their authorized Committee duties and responsibilities.

COMMENTS:

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT: I certify that I meet the eligibility requirements of the Marketing Order and I am willing to serve on the Committee.

______________________________________________________ __________________________

Signature Date

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

SC-97 (Rev. 9/2016. Destroy previous editions.) Page 2 of 2