WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) will renew the charter of its independent agricultural advisory group, the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (F.R.R.C.C.), reinforcing its commitment to a strong partnership with the agriculture community to protect human health and the environment.

"E.P.A. is dedicated to an open and constructive working relationship with the agriculture community, and the F.R.R.C.C. provides a great opportunity for E.P.A . to create a better understanding of the intersection of the environment, agriculture, and rural communities," said Lawrence Elworth, agricultural counselor to the administrator.

On Nov. 6, a Federal Register notice was published soliciting applications for new members on the committee. E.P.A. established the F.R.R.C.C. in February 2008 as a policy-oriented committee to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the administrator on a broad range of environmental issues of primary importance to agriculture and rural communities.

E.P.A. relays the committee meets twice yearly, and consists of approximately 25 members representing academia, industry (e.g., farm groups and allied industries), non-governmental organizations, and state, local and tribal governments. Once renewed, the committee’s charter will be effective for two years from the date it is filed with Congress.

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