Department of Agriculture – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) are initiating the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS will disclose the effects of updating the potential oil and gas areas available and unavailable for lease, the appropriate and applicable lease stipulations, and post-lease oil and gas development that is reasonably foreseeable as a consequence of conducting a leasing program on the PSICC. The proposed action includes the following elements: identifying what lands will be available for oil and gas leasing; what stipulations need to be attached to oil and gas leasing for the protection of other resources; and what forest/ grasslands plan amendments to the 1984 PSICC Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) may be needed to incorporate the revised oil and gas leasing decision. The EIS will document changed conditions and new information since the PSICC 1992 Oil and Gas Leasing Final EIS and Record of Decision, and incorporate that information into the analysis of potential effects of leasing on other resources. Changes in conditions and information since the 1992 leasing EIS and decision include new and improved oil and gas drilling, completion, and production technology; proposed listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a threatened species; increased urban development adjacent to the Forest boundary; and promulgation of a rule to protect roadless areas in Colorado. The scope of the analysis is Forest and Grassland-wide.
The Colorado Recreation Resource Advisory Committee will tentatively meet in Glenwood Springs, CO. The purpose of the meeting is to review proposals for a standard amenity fee area change and new fee projects. These fee proposals will include new rentals for Fitton and Off Cow Camp cabins located on the Rio Grande National Forest and an area change at East Maroon Wilderness Portal, West Maroon Wilderness Portal and Maroon Lake on the White River National Forest. Proposals, updates, and other information can be found on the Colorado Recreation Resource Advisory Committee Web site at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ r2/rac-colorado.
This proposed rule invites comments on amending the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order) to increase the assessment rate from $12 to $18 per ton (an increase of $0.003 per pound). The Order is administered by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the program, assessments are collected from domestic producers and importers and used for research and promotion projects designed to maintain and expand the market for highbush blueberries in the United States and abroad. Additional funds would allow the USHBC to expand its health research activities and promotional efforts. The USHBC uses its health information in its promotion messaging to help build demand for blueberries. Increasing demand would help move the growing supply of blueberries, which would benefit producers and consumers.
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, (5 U.S.C. App.), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing an upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards (Committee). The Committee is being convened to recommend to the Secretary of Agriculture any changes considered necessary to the Universal Cotton Standards and to review freshly prepared sets of Universal Cotton Standards for conformity with existing standards.
The Hiawatha East Resource Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet in Kincheloe, Michigan. The Committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (the Act) (Pub. L. 112-141) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92-463). The purpose of the Committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act. The meetings are open to the public. The purpose of the meetings is to review and recommend projects authorized under Title II of the Act.
The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Hamilton, MT. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information regarding the monitoring of RAC projects.
We are announcing to the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on environmental impacts that may result from the potential approval of two petitions from the Monsanto Company (Monsanto) seeking a determination of nonregulated status of herbicide resistant soybeans and cotton. Issues to be addressed in the EIS include the potential environmental impacts associated with the increased use of certain herbicides and possible selection for and spread of weeds resistant to the herbicide dicamba combined with resistance to other herbicides (multiple resistance). We are also requesting public comments to further delineate the scope of the alternatives and environmental impacts and issues to be included in this EIS. We are also announcing that APHIS will be hosting a virtual public meeting during the scoping period. The purpose of the scoping meeting will be to allow the public an opportunity to comment on the range of alternatives and environmental impacts and issues discussed in the EIS.
We are announcing to the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on environmental impacts that may result from the potential approval of three petitions from Dow AgroSciences LLC seeking a determination of nonregulated status of herbicide resistant corn and soybeans. Issues to be addressed in the EIS include the potential environmental impacts associated with the increased use of certain herbicides and possible selection for and spread of weeds resistant to the herbicide 2,4-D combined with resistance to other herbicides (multiple resistance). We are also requesting public comments to further delineate the scope of the alternatives and environmental impacts and issues to be included in this EIS. We are also announcing that APHIS will be hosting a virtual public meeting during the scoping period. The purpose of the scoping meeting will be to allow the public an opportunity to comment on the range of alternatives and environmental impacts and issues discussed in the EIS.
USDA announces the availability of grants through the Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program (RBOG) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. Public bodies, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations and other Federally Recognized Native American Tribes or tribal groups, and rural cooperatives may apply. Approximately $2.6 million is available in reserved and unreserved funding and will be distributed as follows: $919,820 is reserved for projects benefitting Federally Recognized Native American Tribes (``Native American'') in rural areas; $919,820 is reserved until June 30, 2013 for projects benefitting Rural Economic Area Partnerships (``Partnerships''); and $790,303 is unreserved. Any Partnership funds unobligated after June 30, 2013, will be added to the unreserved funds. Applications, including those for multi-state projects, are limited to $100,000 or less. See 7 CFR part 4284, subpart G.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intent to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Tart Cherries Grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin, pursuant to Marketing Order No. 930 (7 CFR part 930).
This rule changes the reporting and assessment requirements currently prescribed under the marketing order for Vidalia onions grown in Georgia (order). The order regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia and is administered locally by the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee). This rule changes the date by which handlers are required to submit monthly shipping reports and their corresponding assessments to the Committee from the fifth day of the month to the tenth day of the month. In addition, this rule also changes the due date to the first business day after the tenth of the month should the tenth fall on a weekend or a holiday. These changes are expected to benefit handlers without negatively affecting program compliance.
This proposed rule invites comments on revisions to the determination of sales history provisions currently prescribed under the cranberry marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York, and is administered locally by the Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee). This change would modify sales history calculations so that they would be applicable for future seasons and would adjust the number of years that could be considered when determining the highest four years of past sales.
This notice is announcing that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings of the full Committee and subcommittees on June 4-6, 2013. The Committee will discuss: (1) Control strategies for reducing foodborne Norovirus infections, (2) Study of microbiological criteria as indicators of process control or insanitary conditions, and (3) Application of NACMCF recommendations to the Agricultural Marketing Service, Federal Ground Beef Purchase Program.
Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Amendment to the Order To Raise the Assessment Rate
This final rule amends the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) to increase the assessment rate on all live ovine animals sold from $0.005 per pound to $0.007 per pound for producers, feeders, and seedstock producers, and from $0.30 per head of ovine animals purchased for slaughter to $0.42 per head for first handlers. The increase is provided for under the Order, which is authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 7411-7425). The American Lamb Board (Board), which administers the Order, recommended this action to maintain and expand their promotional, research, advertising, and communications programs.
This rule changes the size and grade requirements currently prescribed under the marketing order for oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida (order). The order is administered locally by the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee). This rule reduces the minimum size requirement for Valencia and other late type oranges shipped to interstate markets from 2\8/16\ inches to 2\4/16\ inches from May 15 through August 31 each season. This rule also reduces the minimum grade requirement for Valencia and other late type oranges shipped to interstate markets from a U.S. No. 1 to a U.S. No. 1 Golden from May 15, 2013, to June 14, 2013, and to a U.S. No. 2 external/U.S. No. 1 internal from June 15, 2013, to August 31, 2013. This rule will provide additional Valencia and other late type oranges for late season markets, helping to maximize fresh shipments.
This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2013 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0150 to $0.0165 per 18-pound lug of grapes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order that regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California. Assessments upon grape handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) for the 2012-13 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.037 to $0.024 per 25- pound carton of tomatoes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida. The interim rule was necessary to allow the Committee to reduce its financial reserve and to help reduce overall industry costs, while still providing adequate funding to meet program expenses.
We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the golden nematode regulations by removing areas in Livingston and Steuben Counties in New York from the list of generally infested areas. Surveys have shown that certain areas in these two counties are free of golden nematode, and we determined that regulation of these areas was no longer necessary. As a result of that action, areas in Livingston and Steuben Counties in New York that had been listed as generally infested were removed from the list of areas regulated for golden nematode.
We are proposing to allow, under certain conditions, the cold treatment of imported fruits and vegetables upon arrival at the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Mascoutah, IL. We have determined that there are biological barriers at this port that, along with certain safeguards, would prevent the introduction of fruit flies and other insect pests into the United States in the unlikely event that they escape from shipments of fruits or vegetables before the fruits or vegetables undergo cold treatment. This action would facilitate the importation of fruit requiring cold treatment while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of fruit flies and other insect pests into the United States.
We are amending the black stem rust quarantine and regulations by adding two varieties to the list of rust-resistant Berberis species and varieties and one variety to the list of rust-resistant Mahonia species and varieties. This action will allow for the interstate movement of these newly developed varieties without unnecessary restrictions.
We are amending the Asian longhorned beetle regulations by adding a portion of Clermont County, OH, to the list of quarantined areas and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the Asian longhorned beetle to noninfested areas of the United States.
The Forest Service is amending its internal directives for concessions with privately owned improvements that operate under special use permit on National Forest System (NFS) lands. Subject to certain conditions, the final directive allows holders of concession permits to advertise (1) inside buildings and other interior spaces they own; (2) on chairlift restraining bars in conjunction with trail map displays; (3) at designated ski/snowboard racing sites; and (4) at venues for short-term competitive events. In addition, the final directive allows concessioners to advertise the services and accommodations they offer at the concession site. The final directive also encourages third-party sponsorships of events, projects, and programs to assist the Agency in promoting public participation in or awareness of management of NFS lands. The revised direction promotes consistency in the special uses program by clarifying where advertising is permitted or prohibited and by describing how sponsorships may be utilized and how sponsors may be recognized. The final directive also adds several definitions to FSM 2340 to aid in understanding terms used in this directive.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) are announcing the availability of the draft ``Interagency Risk AssessmentListeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens.'' This draft quantitative risk assessment (QRA) includes an Interpretive Summary and a Technical Report. The purpose of the draft QRA is to evaluate the conditions, such as Listeria (L.) monocytogenes contamination of certain ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, for example cheese, deli meats, and deli salads; in the retail deli environment; in niches (a harborage site); or on incoming RTE foods, that contribute to cross- contamination and ultimately, to the risk of listeriosis. The draft QRA makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of some retail practices and intervention strategies in reducing the predicted risk of listeriosis from some RTE foods that are sliced, packaged, or prepared in retail delicatessens and consumed in the home.
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plans to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to address the need for a national feral swine damage management program to protect agriculture, natural resources, property, and human health and safety. This notice identifies potential issues and alternatives that will be studied in the EIS, requests public comments to further delineate the scope of the alternatives and environmental impacts and issues, and provides notice of public meeting.
The designations of the official agencies listed below will end on December 31, 2013. We are asking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by these agencies to submit an application for designation. In addition, we are asking for comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agencies: Columbus Grain Inspection, Inc. (Columbus); and Northeast Indiana Grain Inspection, Inc. (Northeast Indiana).
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is revising the United States Standards for Wheat under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) to change the definition of Contrasting classes (CCL) in the class Hard White wheat. This change will help facilitate the marketing of wheat.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the merger of Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) Fresh Products Division with the Processed Products Division: The newly combined program is named Specialty Crops Inspection Division. The purpose of this notice is to revise and rename two information collections, 0581-0125 Regulation Governing Inspection, Certification, Standards, and Audit Services for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Products7 CFR part 51 and 0581-0234 Reporting Requirements under the Regulations Governing Inspections and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products 7 CFR part 52. This notice also combines, 0581-0125 Regulation Governing Inspection, Certification, Standards, and Audit Services for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Products7 CFR part 51 and 0581- 0234 Reporting Requirements under the Regulations Governing Inspections and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products7 CFR part 52 providing approved information collections into one and request extension approval of the information collection retitled Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Fresh and Processed Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products 7 CFR part 51 and part 52 from the Office of Management and Budget. Specialty Crops Inspection Division provides nationwide inspection, certification and auditing services for fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, and other products on a ``user fee'' basis to facilitate trading of agricultural products on international, interstate and intrastate levels.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $52 million in grant funds, less USDA administrative costs, for fiscal year (FY) 2013, to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. SCBGP-FB funds are authorized by Section 701 of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that extends Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public Law 110-246 (the Farm Bill) for one year until September 30, 2013. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to develop their grant applications promptly. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to apply.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request a reinstatement of an information collection to support the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2014 Study to support the dairy industry of the United States.
In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on June 7, 2012, and effective on July 9, 2012, we amended the horse protection regulations to require horse industry organizations or associations that license Designated Qualified Persons to assess and enforce minimum penalties for violations of the Horse Protection Act. This document corrects an error in that final rule.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the regulations for the commercial transportation of equines to slaughtering facilities.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the regulations for the importation of table eggs from regions where Newcastle disease exists.
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends To grant to AIC Partners Group, LLC of Sylvester, Georgia, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/005,168, ``Method and Apparatus for Measuring Peanut Moisture Content,'' filed on January 12, 2011.
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to Oregon State University of Corvallis, Oregon, an exclusive license to the blackberry variety named ``Columbia Star,'' an exclusive license to the strawberry variety named ``Sweet Sunrise,'' and an exclusive license to the strawberry variety named ``Charm.''
The Forest Service is reopening the public comment period for the proposed directive regarding land management planning for an additional 15 days. The original notice called for comments to be submitted by April 29, 2013.
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) published a notice in the Federal Register of March 29, 2013, (78 FR Doc. 2013- 07275) announcing the acceptance of applications for funds available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year 2013. The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Pub. L. 113-6), provides additional funding for REAP. To provide the public additional opportunity to apply for these additional funds, this Notice extends the application period from April 30, 2013, to May 31, 2013, for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects grants and grant and loan combination applications and for renewable energy system feasibility study applications. The Agency is also adding a provision to ensure consistency with the intent of 2 CFR 25.205. A separate notice will be published to amend the funding available under REAP.
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to providing financial assistance to the Oglethorpe Power Corporation (Oglethorpe) for the construction of a 100 megawatt (MW) biomass plant and related facilities (Proposal) in Warren County, Georgia. The Administrator of RUS has signed the ROD, which was effective upon signing. The EIS was prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (U.S.C. 4231 et seq.) and in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) and RUS' Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794). As the lead federal agency, and as part of its broad environmental review process, RUS must take into account the effect of the Proposal on historic properties in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) and its implementing regulation ``Protection of Historic Properties'' (36 CFR Part 800). Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3), RUS used its procedures for public involvement under NEPA, in part, to meet its responsibilities to solicit and consider the views of the public and other interested parties during the Section 106 review process. Accordingly, comments submitted in the EIS process also informed RUS's decision making in the Section 106 review process. The purpose of the Proposal is to provide a reliable, long-term supply of renewable and sustainable energy at a reasonable cost to meet part of the electric energy needs of Oglethorpe's members. The Final EIS evaluated the potential environmental impacts of and alternatives to the Project proposed by Oglethorpe for RUS financing to construct the 100 megawatt (MW) biomass plant and related facilities (Proposal) in Warren County, Georgia
We are proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of fresh jackfruit, pineapple, and starfruit from Malaysia into the continental United States. As a condition of entry, all three commodities would have to be irradiated for insect pests, inspected, and imported in commercial consignments. There would also be additional, commodity-specific requirements for other pests associated with jackfruit, pineapple, and starfruit from Malaysia. This action would provide for the importation of jackfruit, pineapple, and starfruit from Malaysia while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.
We are amending the regulations regarding the interstate movement of livestock to require approved livestock facilities and listed slaughtering and rendering establishments to maintain certain records for 5 years. Currently, approved livestock facilities are required to retain certain records for 2 years, and there are no record retention provisions that apply to listed slaughtering and rendering establishments. Requiring the retention of certain records for 5 years will allow us to trace the prior movements of diseased livestock further into the past than is currently possible, thus providing the opportunity to locate potentially infected or exposed livestock that might otherwise remain unidentified. We are also requiring the operators of slaughtering and rendering establishments to sign listing agreements to document their agreement to comply with the requirements of the regulations for listed slaughtering and rendering establishments. Such agreements are currently required for approved livestock facilities, but not for slaughtering and rendering facilities. This change will eliminate that inconsistency.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's (RBS) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program at 7 CFR part 4284, Subpart F, Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is amending the regulations utilized to service the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program in two separate sections, in order to clarify the types of projects that are eligible for a Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan. The intended effect of this action is to strengthen the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program by limiting the risk to the guaranteed loan portfolio. RHS will prohibit the financing of facilities in which the operation of such facilities have not been supported by the community and have resulted in significant default and loan losses to the agency.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to seek approval to conduct a new information collection, the Pesticide Safety Practices Among Pennsylvania Farms Survey.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to seek approval to conduct a new information collection, the Wheat and Barley Scab Control Practices Survey.
We are advising the public that we have determined that 22 taxa of plants for planting are quarantine pests and 37 taxa of plants for planting are hosts of 9 quarantine pests and therefore should be added to our lists of taxa of plants for planting whose importation is not authorized pending pest risk analysis. We have prepared data sheets that detail the scientific evidence we evaluated in making the determination that the taxa are quarantine pests or hosts of quarantine pests. We are making these data sheets available to the public for review and comment.
The Klamath National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to document and publicly disclose the environmental effects of fuels treatments on ridge tops and along roadways, thinning in natural stands and plantations, and meadow treatments to improve ecosystem function and resiliency while contributing to rural economic health. The project area is south of Sawyers Bar, California. Treatments are proposed on approximately 1,950 acres.
