Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC)

EPA established the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) in 2008 to provide independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

Committee members include representatives from academia, industry (e.g., agriculture and allied industries), non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments.

Overview of the FRRCC

Mission:

The FRRCC is a policy-oriented committee that provides policy advice, information, and recommendations to the Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. The FRRCC addresses specific topics of relevance to agriculture as identified by the Agricultural Counselor to the Administrator, and reports its policy advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator through the Agricultural Counselor.

Meetings:

The FRRCC meets approximately two (2) times a year. Meetings may occur approximately once every six (6) months or as needed and approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Meetings are generally held in Washington, DC.

October 22, 2015 Meeting Information

As required by FACA, the FRRCC holds open meetings unless the Administrator determines that a meeting or a portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with subsection c of section 552b of title 5, United States Code. Interested persons may attend meetings, appear before the committee as time permits, and file comments with the FRRCC.

Structure:

The FRRCC is comprised of a Chair and Deputy Chair, the FRRCC Designated Federal Officer (DFO), and committee members as identified by the Administrator or Deputy Administrator.

Value:

EPA recognizes that a vast array of environmental and agricultural policy perspectives exist outside the Agency in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. EPA has a strong commitment to an open and constructive working relationship with the agriculture community, and the FRRCC provides a great opportunity for EPA to create a better understanding of the intersection of the environment, agriculture, and rural communities.

FRRCC Links