The U.S. government has several federal advisory committees that provide opportunities for farmers to participate in making decisions related to the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, including the Plant Variety Protection Board (PVPB), established in 1970. The PVPB advises the Secretary of Agriculture concerning the adoption of rules and regulations to facilitate the proper administration of the Plant Variety Protection Act; makes advisory decisions for the Secretary on appeals concerning decisions on applications by the Plant Variety Protection Office and on requests for emergency public-interest compulsory licenses; and advises the Secretary on any other matters under the rules and regulations.