The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing four vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee.

This subcommittee reviews and recommends fertilizer research and education projects for funding and implementation to the department’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board.

The Fertilizer Research and Education Program funds and facilitates research to advance the environmentally safe use and handling of fertilizing materials within the agricultural sector.

The program serves growers, agricultural supply and service professionals, extension personnel, public agencies, consultants, and the public.

Applicants must demonstrate technical and scientific expertise in the fields of agronomy, plant physiology, production agriculture and environmental issues related to fertilizing materials use. This expertise can include, but is not limited to, issues related to nitrates in groundwater and greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilizer use.

The term of office for subcommittee members is three years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses. The subcommittee and research program are funded entirely through a mil assessment.

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment should send a resume to FREP staff at California Department of Food and Agriculture – FFLDRS Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via e-mail at FREP@cdfa.ca.gov.

The application deadline is July 1, 2014.

For further information on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program, please contact FREP staff at (916) 900-5022 or visit http://cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep.