USDA Seeks Applicants for Agricultural Advisory Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for membership on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board and its Citrus Disease Subcommittee. Applications are due November 30, 2026.

The USDA Office of the Chief Scientist is seeking applicants from across the agricultural sector, including scientists, educators, producers, industry experts, and interest group advocates. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint members based on applicants’ qualifications and the current needs of the board and its committees.

Appointments are expected to begin in fiscal year 2027.

NAREEE Advisory Board Membership

The NAREEE Advisory Board advises the Secretary of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics. It also provides reports and recommendations to the appropriate agricultural committees of the U.S. Congress.

The board is required to have 15 appointed members across four categories:

• Three members from national farm or producer organizations
• Two members from academic or research societies
• Five members from agricultural research, extension, and education
• Five 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.

Applicants can review the board's membership categories at the NAREEE Advisory Board website.

Citrus Disease Subcommittee Openings

USDA is also seeking applicants for the Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS), which was established under the 2014 Farm Bill to advance citrus disease research and extension capabilities.

The subcommittee consults annually with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and makes recommendations on the agenda, budget, and priorities of the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program.

The CDS has 11 members: Five representing Arizona or California, five representing Florida, and one representing Texas. Applicants should have knowledge of citrus industry opportunities and barriers, particularly those related to citrus diseases.

How to Apply by Nov. 30

Applicants must submit their materials electronically by close of business Nov. 30, 2026, or ensure mailed applications are postmarked by that date. Previous applicants and members must reapply to be considered.

Required materials include a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and a completed, signed AD-755 form. A cover letter and letters of support or recommendation are optional.

Resumes and CVs must be no longer than five pages and should include the position sought, current and past organizational affiliations, areas of expertise, education, career positions, and other relevant positions.

The AD-755 application form is available as a PDF on the USDA website.

Nomination packages can be submitted by email to NAREEE@usda.gov or mailed to:

Richard Derksen, NAREEE Advisory Board
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 6020, South Building
Washington, DC 20250-2255

Federal advisory board applicants are subject to disclosure requirements under National Security Presidential Memorandum-33. The USDA states that indications of non-transparency, conflicts of commitment, or conflicts of interest arising from undue foreign influence may be grounds for denying an application.