U.S. WHEAT AND BARLEY SCAB INITIATIVE'S NETWORKING AND FACILITATION OFFICE AND WEBSITE

The goal of the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is to develop as quickly as possible effective control measures that minimize the threat of Fusarium head blight (scab) to the producers, processors, and consumers of wheat and barley. In one sense, the Initiative is a self-organized "contact group" on scab. The organizational structure of the USWBSI is comprised of a Steering Committee (SC), an Executive Committee (EC), six research are committees (RAC) and the Networking and Facilittaion Office (NFO). The objectives of the NFO are: 1) Maintain and enhance the Resource Management/Accountability Center; 2) Facilitate and enhance communication within the Initiative and with its stakeholders; 3) Administer the process of developing the Initiative's annual recommended research plan and budget; and 4) Manage and implement all meetings and conferences.