Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Meeting, 3357-3358 [05-1233]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 14 / Monday, January 24, 2005 / Notices We envision the formation of this aquatic animal task force as the first step in a deliberative process that may lead to the development of production, handling, and labeling standards for aquatic animals that are to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic. The NOP final regulations (65 FR 80548, December 21, 2000), do not address the labeling of pet food. In the preamble to the NOP final regulations, we stated that ‘‘We have not addressed the labeling of pet food within this final rule because of the extensive consultation that will be required between USDA, the NOSB, and the pet food industry before any standards on this category could be considered.’’ Since the publication of the final regulation, the interest in the labeling of pet food as organic has grown significantly. Some USDA-accredited organic certification agents have developed private standards to address the market demand for these products. We envision the formation of this pet food task force as the first step in a deliberative process that may lead to the development of labeling standards for pet food that is to be sold, labeled or represented as organic. What Are the Task Force Groups Objectives and Time Requirements? The general objective of these task force groups is to develop draft organic standards for: (1) The production, handling and labeling of food and animal feed products derived from aquatic animals and (2) the labeling of pet food as organic. Draft standards developed as a result of the task forces’ work will be forwarded to the NOSB for review and consideration as recommendations to the Secretary. The task force on standards for aquatic animals will be divided into two working groups—one for animals that live and are harvested in the wild or open-sea and another for animals that live and are harvested under aquaculture. These working groups will develop recommendations for consideration by the full task force, which will in turn issue recommendations to the NOSB. The NOSB will review and consider the material developed by the task force and make recommendations to the Secretary. The aquatic animal task force will be chaired by the chairperson of the NOSB Livestock Committee. Each working group will be limited to 12 individuals. To the extent permitted by the pool of nominees, the task force members may include wild or open-sea fishermen, aquaculture producers, handlers and processors of aquatic animals, experts in aquatic animal health and nutrition, VerDate jul<14>2003 18:04 Jan 21, 2005 Jkt 205001 3357 marine conservationists, consumer representatives, academics, and accredited organic certification agents. The task force on standards for the labeling of pet food will focus on the development of standards for product labeling categories and ingredients to be used in pet food that is to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic. In addition to developing recommendations on labeling categories and ingredients, the task force will prepare a list of substances used in the manufacture of pet food. The pet food task force will be chaired by the chairperson of the NOSB Handling Committee. The NOSB will review and consider the material developed by the task force and make recommendations to the Secretary. The task force will be limited to 12 individuals. To the extent permitted by the pool of nominees, the task force members may include representatives of makers of dry, canned, and semi-moist pet foods and treats, experts in animal health and nutrition, veterinarians, ingredient suppliers, feed control officials, academics, and accredited organic certification agents. We anticipate that members of the two task force groups will be named 60 days after publication of this notice. Each task force will be formally empanelled by the NOSB. Each task force will be expected to present its completed proposed standards at the October-November 2005, NOSB meeting to be held in Washington, DC. It is expected that the discussions between the respective task force members will be handled through electronic mail and conference calls. No face-to-face meetings are anticipated. Candidates with demonstrable knowledge of organic production and handling methods and certification procedures are preferred. Successful candidates should be aware of the issues raised and considered by previous Boards and any subsequent recommendations. NOSB actions and recommendations on these and other issues may be found at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/index.htm. Candidates should submit their qualifications in a resume or curriculum vita format. In addition to this information, candidates should submit, if applicable, a ‘‘declaration of interests’’ list. This list should state all direct commercial, financial, consulting, family, or personal relationships that currently exist or have existed with business entities that may be regulated through any future rulemaking on these issues. The declaration of interests list should cover activities undertaken by the candidate during the past 12 months. What Are the Minimum Skills and Experience Requirements To Be Considered for These Task Force Groups? Candidates for the aquatic animal task force should have 5 years of demonstrable work experience as a wild or open-sea fisherman, an aquaculture producer, a handler or processor of aquatic animals, an aquatic animal health and nutrition specialist, a marine conservationist, a consumer representative, an academic, or an accredited organic certification agent. Candidates for the pet food task force should have 5 years of demonstrable work experience as a handler, processor or formulator of dry, canned, and semimoist pet foods and treats, an animal health or nutrition specialist, a veterinarian, an ingredient supplier, a feed control official, an academic, or an accredited organic certification agent. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. Dated: January 13, 2005. A.J. Yates, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 05–1180 Filed 1–21–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Research Service Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Meeting Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. II, the United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). DATES: February 7–8, 2005, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Written requests to make oral presentations at the meeting must be received by the contact person identified herein at least three business days before the meeting. ADDRESSES: Williamsburg Room (Room 104A), Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250. Requests to make oral presentations at the meeting may be sent to the contact E:\FR\FM\24JAN1.SGM 24JAN1 3358 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 14 / Monday, January 24, 2005 / Notices person at USDA, Office of the Deputy Secretary, 202 B Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, Office of the Deputy Secretary, USDA, Telephone (202) 720– 3817; Fax (202) 690–4265; E-mail mschechtman@ars.usda.gov. The eighth meeting of the AC21 has been scheduled for February 7–8, 2004. The AC21 consists of 18 members representing the biotechnology industry, the seed industry, international plant genetics research, farmers, food manufacturers, commodity processors and shippers, environmental and consumer groups, and academic researchers. In addition, representatives from the Departments of Commerce, Health and Human Services, and State, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative serve as ‘‘ex officio’’ members. The AC21 will discuss, with the intent of finalizing, a draft report on the issue of the proliferation of traceability and mandatory labeling regimes for biotechnology-derived products in other countries, the implications of those regimes, and what industry is doing to attempt to address those requirements for products shipped to those countries. The AC21 will further discuss how best to present this report to the Secretary of Agriculture. The AC21 at this meeting will also consider its other wide-ranging report examining the impacts of agricultural biotechnology on American agriculture and USDA over the next 5 to 10 years. In particular, the AC21 will review portions of the report, in various stages of development, drafted by various work groups, specifically the two introductory report chapters; key definitions; potential issues to consider; and preparing for the future. In this review, the AC21 will provide comments and suggestions for how the Committee and work groups can develop the report and move it toward completion. The AC21 will seek to achieve consensus on the contents of the report. Background information regarding the work of the AC21 will be available on the USDA Web site at https:// www.usda.gov/agencies/biotech/ ac21.html. On February 7, 2005, if time permits, reasonable provision will be made for oral presentations of no more than five minutes each in duration. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate jul<14>2003 18:04 Jan 21, 2005 Jkt 205001 The meeting will be open to the public, but space is limited. If you would like to attend the meetings, you must register by contacting Ms. Dianne Harmon at (202) 720–4074, by fax at (202) 720–3191 or by e-mail at dharmon@ars.usda.gov at least 5 days prior to the meeting. Please provide your name, title, business affiliation, address, and telephone and fax numbers when you register. If you require a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation due to disability, please indicate those needs at the time of registration. Dated: January 11, 2005. Rodney J. Brown, Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics. [FR Doc. 05–1233 Filed 1–21–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) AGENCY: ACTION: Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meetings. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committees Act (Pub. L. 92–463), the Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet on February 15, 2005 in John Day, Oregon. The purpose of the meeting is to meet as a Committee to orient new members, discuss procedures and future meetings. The meeting will be held as follows: February 15, 2005, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., John Day, Oregon. DATES: The February 15, 2005 meeting will be held at the Malheur National Forest Supervisors Office, 431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, Oregon. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Harris, Designated Federal Official, USDA, Malheur National Forest, PO Box 909, John Day, Oregon 97845. Phone: (541) 575–3008. At the February 15, 2005 meeting the RAC will acknowledge newly appointed members, discuss procedures for receiving and reviewing proposed projects in the coming year, and discuss the meeting schedule for the coming year. A public comment period will be provided at 1 p.m. and individuals will have the opportunity to address the committee at that time. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: January 14, 2005. Jennifer L. Harris, Designated Federal Official. [FR Doc. 05–1199 Filed 1–21–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–PK–M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–122–838] Notice of Amended Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 24, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance Handley or James Kemp, at (202) 482–0631 or (202) 482–5346, respectively; AD/CVD Operations, Office 1, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 13, 2004, the Department of Commerce (‘‘the Department’’) determined that certain softwood lumber products from Canada are being sold in the United States at less than fair value, as provided in section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (‘‘the Act’’). See Notice of Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Notice of Final Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review: Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada, 69 FR 75921–01 (December 20, 2004) (‘‘Final Results’’). On December 20 and 21, 2004 the petitioner,1 the Abitibi Group,2 Tembec Inc. (Tembec), Tolko Industries Ltd. (Tolko), West Fraser Mills (West Fraser), Weyerhaeuser Company (Weyerhaeuser), Leggett & Platt,3 Ontario Forest Product Industries AGENCY: 1 The petitioner in this case is the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports Executive Committee. We note that during the review, submissions have been made interchangeably by the petitioner itself and by the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, a domestic interested party. For ease of reference, we will use the term ‘‘petitioner’’ to refer to submissions by either, although we recognize that the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports is not the actual petitioner. 2 Includes Abitibi-Consolidated Inc., AbitibiConsolidated Company of Canada, Produits Forestiers Petits Paris Inc., Produits Forestiers La Tuque Inc. and Societe en Commandite Opitciwan. 3 Includes Leggett & Platt Ltd., Leggett & Platt (BC), Ltd. Leggett & Platt, Inc., and Pleasant Valley Remanufacturing Ltd. E:\FR\FM\24JAN1.SGM 24JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 14 (Monday, January 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3357-3358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1233]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and 
Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st 
Century Agriculture Meeting

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. App. II, the United States Department of Agriculture announces a 
meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century 
Agriculture (AC21).

DATES: February 7-8, 2005, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Written requests 
to make oral presentations at the meeting must be received by the 
contact person identified herein at least three business days before 
the meeting.

ADDRESSES: Williamsburg Room (Room 104A), Jamie L. Whitten Federal 
Building, 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250. Requests to make oral presentations at the meeting may be sent 
to the contact

[[Page 3358]]

person at USDA, Office of the Deputy Secretary, 202 B Jamie L. Whitten 
Federal Building, 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schechtman, Designated Federal 
Official, Office of the Deputy Secretary, USDA, Telephone (202) 720-
3817; Fax (202) 690-4265; E-mail mschechtman@ars.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The eighth meeting of the AC21 has been 
scheduled for February 7-8, 2004. The AC21 consists of 18 members 
representing the biotechnology industry, the seed industry, 
international plant genetics research, farmers, food manufacturers, 
commodity processors and shippers, environmental and consumer groups, 
and academic researchers. In addition, representatives from the 
Departments of Commerce, Health and Human Services, and State, and the 
Environmental Protection Agency, the Council on Environmental Quality, 
and the Office of the United States Trade Representative serve as ``ex 
officio'' members.
    The AC21 will discuss, with the intent of finalizing, a draft 
report on the issue of the proliferation of traceability and mandatory 
labeling regimes for biotechnology-derived products in other countries, 
the implications of those regimes, and what industry is doing to 
attempt to address those requirements for products shipped to those 
countries. The AC21 will further discuss how best to present this 
report to the Secretary of Agriculture. The AC21 at this meeting will 
also consider its other wide-ranging report examining the impacts of 
agricultural biotechnology on American agriculture and USDA over the 
next 5 to 10 years. In particular, the AC21 will review portions of the 
report, in various stages of development, drafted by various work 
groups, specifically the two introductory report chapters; key 
definitions; potential issues to consider; and preparing for the 
future. In this review, the AC21 will provide comments and suggestions 
for how the Committee and work groups can develop the report and move 
it toward completion. The AC21 will seek to achieve consensus on the 
contents of the report.
    Background information regarding the work of the AC21 will be 
available on the USDA Web site at https://www.usda.gov/agencies/biotech/
ac21.html. On February 7, 2005, if time permits, reasonable provision 
will be made for oral presentations of no more than five minutes each 
in duration.
    The meeting will be open to the public, but space is limited. If 
you would like to attend the meetings, you must register by contacting 
Ms. Dianne Harmon at (202) 720-4074, by fax at (202) 720-3191 or by e-
mail at dharmon@ars.usda.gov at least 5 days prior to the meeting. 
Please provide your name, title, business affiliation, address, and 
telephone and fax numbers when you register. If you require a sign 
language interpreter or other special accommodation due to disability, 
please indicate those needs at the time of registration.

    Dated: January 11, 2005.
Rodney J. Brown,
Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics.
[FR Doc. 05-1233 Filed 1-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P

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