Madison, WI, July 6, 2009 "“ Leonardo Academy is now accepting applications for membership on the National Sustainable Agriculture Standard Subcommittees. The subcommittees, which will play a key role in the standards development process, are open to membership by all interested parties.

The subcommittees that have been established to move the next phase of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard development process forward are: 1) Criteria Development - Economic Sustainability, 2) Criteria Development "“ Social Sustainability, 3) Criteria Development - Environmental Sustainability, 4) Reference Library and Information, 5) Structure and Process of Standard Development, 6) Fundraising and Communications.

Specifically, these subcommittees will be exploring a range of key issues, engaging additional stakeholders, crafting draft criteria and developing recommendations and guidance to the Standards Committee, the body charged with identifying, deliberating and building consensus around issues relevant to the standard under development, and determining the criteria that will be included in the framework of the final standard.

Applying for the Subcommittees

Interested parties are required to submit an application for the Subcommittee(s) of their interest. Applications are available on the Leonardo Academy website ("http://www.leonardoacademy.org/Projects/SustainAgStdDevelopment.htm), or by contacting Amanda Raster, the Sustainable Agriculture Standard project facilitator (amanda@leonardoacademy.org). Individuals who have previously submitted applications do not need to reapply but should contact Amanda Raster for further details.

Subcommittee applications should be submitted to Leonardo Academy by Friday, July 17, 2009. Following the initial Subcommittee sign-up period, Leonardo Academy will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis from individuals who wish to participate in the Subcommittee work.

Subcommittee Kick-Off Teleconferences

The Subcommittee Kick-Off Teleconferences will take place during the week of July 20-24, 2009. Specific dates and times will be announced soon.

All questions about the Sustainable Agriculture Standard project should be directed to Amanda Raster: amanda@leonardoacademy.org, (608) 280-0255.

About Leonardo Academy

Leonardo Academy is the ANSI-accredited standards development organization facilitating the SCS-001 standard setting process. Leonardo Academy is a charitable organization dedicated to advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship. We develop and distribute strategies, metrics, standards, and information. We provide education and help companies, organizations, families, and individuals increase sustainability. We strive to put the competitive market to work on improving the environment, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that makes sustainability practical for everyone.

Leonardo Academy

Leonardo Academy

Leonardo Academy is a charitable (501c3)nonprofit that promotes sustainability. Our primary focus is developing and supporting approaches to environmental improvement that put the competitive market to work on improving the environment. Work includes: Cleaner and Greener® recognition and certification program for emission reduction actions by companies, organizations, events, families and individuals - Key role in authoring and supporting U.S. Green Building Council' LEED® for Existing Buildings Rating System, Supporting development, implementation and documentation of LEED projects - Sustainability training and education - Prairie and savannah restoration - ANSI Accredited Standard Developer: Developing ANSI standard for emissions inventories, emission reduction credits and offsets.

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