Department of Agriculture 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 201 - 238 of 238
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List
In accordance with the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002, we are proposing to amend and republish the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. This Act requires the biennial review and republication of the list of select agents and toxins and the revision of the list as necessary. This action would implement findings from the biennial review for the list. The biennial review was initiated within 2 years of the completion of the previous biennial review. In addition, we are proposing to add definitions for several terms; codify policies regarding the role of responsible officials and alternate responsible officials, conclusion of patient care, and annual internal inspections; and revise or clarify provisions related to validated inactivation procedures and viable select agent removal methods, recordkeeping, non-possession of select agents and toxins, electronic Federal Select Agent Programs, registration, Tier 1 enhancements, and exclusion of naturally infected animals. We are also proposing to add requirements for reporting discoveries of select agents and toxins, provisions regarding effluent decontamination system, biosafety provisions for facility verification requirements for registered biosafety level 3 and animal biosafety level 3 laboratories, a new requirement related to restricted experiments, and to correct editorial errors. These proposed changes would economically benefit producers, research and reference laboratories, and State and Federal oversight agencies, while also maintaining adequate program oversight of select agents and toxins.
Walnuts Grown in Califfornia; Decreased Assessment Rate
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Walnut Board (Board) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2023-2024 and subsequent marketing years. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The Council is authorized under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the Council is to develop a national urban and community forestry ten-year action plan, evaluate and report annually on the implementation of that plan to the Secretary, and develop criteria for and submit recommendations to the Forest Service's National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost- share Grant Program.
Privacy Act of 1974; Revised System of Records
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, and Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-108, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed revised system of records, the Personnel and Payroll System for USDA Employees (OP-1), will be renamedOffice of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), National Finance Center (NFC), Systems for Personnel, Payroll, and Time & Attendance. OCFO/NFC-1 Systems for Personnel, Payroll, and Time & Attendance provides comprehensive, cost-effective, and reliable services as well as automated, accurate, and timely actions necessary for recording, processing, and reporting personnel, payroll, and time and attendance data for USDA and other Federal agencies serviced by NFC. These systems are full-service, integrated payroll, personnel, and time and attendance applications that link personnel actions, and processing payroll activities. The OCFO/NFC-1 Systems for Personnel, Payroll, and Time & Attendance processes personnel actions, awards, allotments, performance appraisals, health and life insurance, thrift savings plan, tax documents, severance pay, leave record, time, & attendance, payroll-related financial reporting operations, retirements, and management of debt collection on behalf of federal agencies related to employee debt.
Notice of Second Interested Party Feedback Period Regarding Increasing Public Access to the Results of USDA-Funded Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (Department's) National Agricultural Library (NAL) announces a second public feedback period to receive public comments, recommendations, and suggestions on the Department's planned response to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) guidance on access to the results of federally-funded research. The Department's plan and policies apply to the results of research funded wholly or in part by any USDA component agency. This effort to obtain input regarding implementation of federal public access requirements will be carried out through an online submission mechanism. This second public feedback period is to allow opportunity for feedback from interested parties not widely heard from during the first period, including but not limited to members of the public; principal investigators; research institutions, including minority-serving institutions; research libraries; data repositories; and data scientists. Responses received during the first comment period have already been reviewed and will be considered along with comments received during the second comment period. If you need a reasonable accommodation or language access services to leave a written comment, please contact Cynthia Parr, National Agricultural Library, at Cynthia.Parr@usda.gov, or 301-837-8917. Written Comments: Submission of written interested party input will be open upon publishing of this Notice through 5 p.m. Eastern time February 28, 2024, via the Federal eRulemaking portal as described below.
Notice of a Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's (RBCS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program (AIC). In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Agency invites comments on this information collection for which it intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Final Record of Decision for the Ashley National Forest Land Management Plan
Susan Eickhoff, the Forest Supervisor for the Ashley National Forest, Intermountain Region, signed the final record of decision (ROD) for the Ashley National Forest revised Land Management Plan (LMP). The final ROD documents the rationale for approving the revised LMP and is consistent with the Reviewing Officer's responses to objections and instructions.
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Collect Information
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the Agricultural Research Service's intent to conduct focus groups to understand insights and experiences of manureshed managers.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2024-2025 Marketing Year
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee) to establish salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) for the 2024- 2025 marketing year. This proposed rule would also remove references to past volume regulation no longer in effect.
Biobased Markets Program
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), an agency of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a proposed rule with request for comments to adopt changes from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). These proposed changes include the merger of the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement and the Voluntary Labeling Program for Biobased Products into one streamlined regulation, Biobased Markets (BioPreferred) Program. The plain language summary of the proposal is available on Regulations.gov in the docket for rulemaking.
Virtual Meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing a two-day virtual meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). This meeting is being convened to examine the full spectrum of fruit and vegetable industry issues and provide recommendations and ideas on how the USDA can tailor programs and services to better meet the needs of the U.S. produce industry. Agenda items may include, but are not limited to, administrative matters and consideration of recommendations pertaining to labor and production, food safety, infrastructure and sustainability, consumption and nutrition, and data reporting and analysis.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Temporary Suspension of Continuance Referendum
This final rule adopts, without change, an interim final rule implementing a recommendation from the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee) to temporarily suspend the continuance referendum requirement under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. This final rule continues in effect the temporary suspension to give precedence to the formal rulemaking process and to provide the California raisin industry time to operate under the marketing order, if amended, before the next scheduled continuance referendum.
Request for Information: Food Price Data for State of Hawaii
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requests comments from the publicincluding the food industry and research communityto help inform future policy and decisions about potentially updating Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) cost estimates for the State of Hawaii. Specifically, FNS invites comments and ideas about food price data for the State of Hawaiiincluding communities in the State outside of the County of Honoluluthat may be available, potentially accessible to FNS, and of sufficient quality, format, sample size, and recent period to be used potentially by FNS to make cost adjustments for the State of Hawaii to the TFP pursuant to section 3(u)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. Comments must be received on or before March 4, 2024.
Summer Food Service Program; 2024 Reimbursement Rates
This notice informs the public of the annual adjustments to the reimbursement rates for meals served in the Summer Food Service Program. These adjustments address changes in the Consumer Price Index, as required under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The 2024 reimbursement rates are presented as a combined set of rates to highlight simplified cost accounting procedures. The 2024 rates are also presented individually, as separate operating and administrative rates of reimbursement, to show the effect of the Consumer Price Index adjustment on each rate. On average, the 2024 rates adjustment represents a 5.3 percent increase in the rates from last year.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Value-Added Producer Grants for Fiscal Year 2024
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces acceptance of applications under the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program for Fiscal Year (FY)2024, subject to the availability of funding. This Notice is being issued prior to the FY 2024 appropriations act to allow Applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2024. Based on FY 2023 appropriated funding, the Agency estimates that approximately $30 million will be made available for FY 2024. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Notice of Availability of Pest Risk Analyses for the Importation of Fresh Thyme, Marjoram, and Oregano From Kenya Into the United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared pest risk analyses that evaluate the risks associated with the importation of fresh thyme, marjoram, and oregano from Kenya into the United States. Based on the analyses, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh thyme, marjoram, and oregano from Kenya into the United States. We are making the pest risk analyses available to the public for review and comment.
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council
The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) Advisory Council will hold public meetings according to the details shown below. The Council is authorized under the National Trails System Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the Council is to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, on matters relating to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail as described in the Act.
Marketing Order for Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California (M.O. No. 989); Hearing
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposals recommended by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee) to amend Federal Marketing Order No. 989 (Order). The proposed amendments would reduce Committee membership, eliminate the designated cooperative bargaining association member seat, lower quorum requirements, remove producer district representation, remove the requirement for separate member and alternate nominations, remove factors for establishing marketing policy, add language to clarify the quality of reconditioned raisins, add authority to accept voluntary contributions, and add language regarding ownership of intellectual property. The Committee recommended the proposed amendments after determining a significant reduction in the size of the industry has made it increasingly difficult to fill Committee positions and conduct business. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) also proposes to make additional changes to the Order as may be necessary to conform to any amendatory changes that result from the hearing.
Notice of Availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for AMS Local Meat Capacity Grant Program
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the AMS Local Meat Capacity Grant Program.
Importation of Fresh Rhizomes of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for Consumption From Mexico Into the United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with importation of fresh rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for consumption from Mexico into the United States. Based on the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh rhizomes of turmeric from Mexico. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.
Forest Service Manual 2300-Recreation, Wilderness, and Related Resource Management, Chapter 2350-Trail, River, and Similar Recreation Opportunities, Section 2355-Climbing Opportunities; Extension of Comment Period
The Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency) published a notice in the Federal Register on November 17, 2023, initiating a 60- day comment period on the proposed directive Forest Service Manual 2300Recreation, Wilderness, and Related Resource Management, chapter 2350Trail, River, and Similar Recreation Opportunities, section 2355, Climbing Opportunities. The closing date of the original notice is scheduled for January 16, 2024. The Agency is extending the comment period for an additional 14 days from the previous closing date.
Reclassification of Nuevo León, Mexico to Level V for Bovine Tuberculosis
We are advising the public that we have reclassified the region of Nuevo Le[oacute]n, Mexico as Level V for bovine tuberculosis. Previously, the Nuevo Le[oacute]n region was classified as Level IV for bovine tuberculosis. We took this action based on an onsite review of the bovine tuberculosis control and eradication program in Nuevo Le[oacute]n.
Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Final Restoration Plan 4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source); and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities; and Finding of No Significant Impact
In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill Final Programmatic Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, and the Consent Decree referenced below, the Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies for the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group (MS TIG) have prepared and are making available to the public the ``Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Final Restoration Plan 4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source), and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities'' (Final RP4 and EA); and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The Final RP4 and EA analyzes projects to partially restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats; reduce nutrient pollution (nonpoint source); and provide and enhance recreational opportunities to compensate for lost recreational use in the Mississippi Restoration Area resulting from the DWH oil spill. The Final RP4 and EA evaluates a reasonable range of project alternatives under OPA, the OPA Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) regulations, and NEPA and the NEPA implementing regulations, and selects seven projects for funding and implementation. A No Action alternative is also evaluated for each of the restoration types. The estimated cost to implement MS TIG's proposed action (seven preferred alternatives) is $26.4 million. Of this amount, $18,500,000 will be funded from the Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats restoration allocation, $5,000,000 from the Nutrient Reduction restoration allocation, and $2,853,000 from the Recreational Use restoration allocation.
Revisions to the Smoke Alarm Requirements in the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan Programs
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), proposes to amend its regulation to implement changes related to the smoke alarm requirements for properties that receive funding from the MFH Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs. These proposed changes are intended to align the Agency's smoke alarm requirements with the new qualifying smoke alarm standards set forth in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Act). The Act requires each unit of federally assisted housing to contain hardwired or 10-year non- rechargeable, sealed, tamper-resistant, battery-powered smoke alarm devices.
Potato Research and Promotion Plan; Changes to Board Membership and Administrative Committee
This rule implements recommendations from the National Potato Promotion Board (Board) to change its membership and organization by revising the formula used to determine the number of producer and importer seats on the Board, reducing the maximum number of importer seats on the Board, and indefinitely suspending the Administrative Committee. In addition to these Board-recommended changes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes several non-substantive changes to clarify the start of the term of office for Board members and modernize the Board's procedures. The Board administers the Potato Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) with oversight by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Notice of Request for Extension or Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to request a renewal to a currently approved information collection for race, ethnicity, and gender along with comments.
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes Program (the 313A Program) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to prepare and submit their applications and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2024. In FY 2023, the Agency made $900 million available for the 313A Program. Because full-year appropriations have not been enacted as of this date, the final amount that will be made available in FY 2024 will be determined by subsequent Congressional action. The agency is accepting applications up to the amount made available in FY 2023, subject to Congressional action. The purpose of the 313A Program is to guarantee loans to selected applicants as a Guaranteed Lender. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through apportionment. All applicants are responsible for all expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS, Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program for fiscal year (FY) 2024, subject to the availability of funding. The Agency estimates $2,000,000 will be available for the RISE Program for FY 2024. Selected applicants will use Agency grant funds to provide financial assistance in support of innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the ability of distressed rural communities to create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and maximize local assets. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Business Development Grant Program To Provide Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation Systems for Fiscal Year 2024
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing this notice to invite applications for grants to provide technical assistance for passenger Rural Transportation (RT) systems under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program and the terms for such funding. Grant funds will provide technical assistance for RT systems including designated funds to provide technical assistance to RT systems operating within Tribal lands of Federally Recognized Native American Tribes (FRNAT) (collectively ``Programs''). This notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications and give the Agency time to process applications within fiscal year (FY) 2024. Based on FY 2023 appropriated funding, the Agency estimates that approximately $750,000 will be made available for FY 2024. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
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