Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, 8834-8835 [E6-2399]

Download as PDF 8834 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 21, 2006 / Notices ACTION: Background Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons. Specifically, AMS is revising the standard to include a definition for seedless watermelons and a variance to the size requirements. This action is being taken based on a request by the National Watermelon Association (NWA). This change will bring the standards for watermelons in line with current marketing practices, thereby, improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry. DATES: Effective Date: March 23, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, STOP 0240, Washington, DC 20250–0240, Fax (202) 720–8871 or call (202) 720–2185; E-mail Cheri.Emery@usda.gov. The revised United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons will be available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm. Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons using procedures that appear in part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These standards were last revised in 1978. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:48 Feb 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 AMS received a petition from the NWA requesting the United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons be revised to include a definition for seedless watermelons and a variance to the size requirements. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed revision to the standards, AMS published a notice on April 22, 2004, in the Federal Register (69 FR 21812) requesting comments on the petition to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons which included watermelons with 16 or less mature seeds in the definition for seedless watermelons and proposed adding an allowance for watermelons to vary 3 pounds above the average weight. In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment from an industry group supporting the proposed revision. On October 29, 2004, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (69 FR 209) proposing to revise the standards. In response to this notice, AMS received two comments, one from an industry group representing receivers and one comment from a consumer. Both commenters supported a modified version of the proposed revision of the standards. Both commenters supported the inclusion of a definition for seedless watermelons with a lower number of allowable seed count. The commenter representing receivers supported the inclusion of a 3 pound variance in the size requirements, while the other commenter supported a 1 pound variance. After further consideration, NWA submitted a second petition amending the seedless watermelon definition in their original petition. On September 7, 2005, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (70 FR 172) proposing to revise the standards based on the amended petition which provided for 10 instead of a 16 mature seeds or less. The comments are available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ fpbdocketlist.htm. With regard to the numbers of mature seeds AMS believes that 10 mature seeds or less best reflects current marketing practices. Further, a 3 pound variance above the stated average weight rather than a 1 pound is consistent within the size requirements as the standard currently allows watermelons to vary 3 pounds below the stated weight. According, AMS believes the revision to the standards for watermelons is warranted as the revision will bring the standards in line with current marketing practices, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 thereby, improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry. The official grade of a lot of watermelons covered by these standards will be determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). The United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons will become effective 30 days after the publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: February 13, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–2385 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), approved a petition for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) that was filed on December 28, 2005, by a group of snapdragon producers in Indiana. The certification date is February 10, 2006. Beginning on February 21, 2006, Indiana snapdragon producers will be eligible to apply for fiscal year 2006 benefits during an application period ending May 22, 2006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Upon investigation, the Administrator determined that increased imports of snapdragons contributed importantly to a decline in producer prices of snapdragons in Indiana by 37 percent during January through December 2004, when compared with the previous 5year average. Eligible producers must apply to the Farm Service Agency for benefits. After submitting completed applications, producers shall receive technical assistance provided by the Extension Service at no cost and may receive an adjustment assistance payment, if certain program criteria are satisfied. Applicants must obtain the technical assistance from the Extension Service by September 29, 2006, in order to be eligible for financial payments. Producers of raw agricultural commodities wishing to learn more about TAA and how they may apply should contact the Department of E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 21, 2006 / Notices Agriculture at the addresses provided below for General Information. Producers Certified as Eligible for TAA, Contact: Farm Service Agency service centers in Indiana. For General Information About TAA, Contact: Jean-Louis Pajot, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, FAS, USDA, (202) 720–2916, e-mail: trade.adjustment@fas.usda.gov. Dated: February 8, 2006. A. Ellen Terpstra, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. E6–2399 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), today accepted a petition filed by the National Grape Cooperative Association representing Washington Concord juice grape producers for trade adjustment assistance. The Administrator will determine within 40 days whether or not increasing grape juice, not from concentrate, imports contributed importantly to a decline in domestic producer prices of 20 percent or more during the marketing period beginning August 1, 2004, and ending July 31, 2005. If the determination is positive, all producers who produce and market their Concord juice grapes in Washington will be eligible to apply to the Farm Service Agency for no cost technical assistance and for adjustment assistance payments. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), today accepted a petition filed by the National Grape Cooperative Association representing Michigan Concord juice grape producers for trade adjustment assistance. The Administrator will determine within 40 days whether or not increasing grape juice, not from concentrate, imports contributed importantly to a decline in domestic producer prices of 20 percent or more during the marketing period beginning August 1, 2004, and ending July 31, 2005. If the determination is positive, all producers who produce and market their Concord juice grapes in Michigan will be eligible to apply to the Farm Service Agency for no cost technical assistance and for adjustment assistance payments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jean-Louis Pajot, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, FAS, USDA, (202) 720–2916, e-mail: trade.adjustment@fas.usda.gov. Dated: February 10, 2006. A. Ellen Terpstra, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. E6–2401 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Middle Kyle Complex Environmental Impact Statement. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Clark County, NV Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: Jean-Louis Pajot, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, FAS, USDA, (202) 720–2916, e-mail: trade.adjustment@fas.usda.gov. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES1 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ACTION: Dated: February 10, 2006. Ellen A. Terpstra, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. E6–2400 Filed 2–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:48 Feb 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose the potential environmental consequences for a proposed recreation complex development. The proposed Middle Kyle Complex is located on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA) of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, approximately 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. The PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8835 Forest Service is considering the construction and operation of new recreational opportunities and facilities within the middle Kyle Canyon area in order to reduce the recreational pressure on sensitive species and their habitats within the upper Kyle and Lee Canyons. The project may include such facilities as a visitor center, commercial retail shops, amphitheater, picnic areas, campsites, administrative facilities, hiking/biking trails, equestrian trails, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. Construction would begin approximately one year following the signing of the Record of Decision. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received in writing on or before April 3, 2006. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected in March 2007 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected in October 2007. A public open house is proposed in March 2007, during the DEIS formal comment period and shortly following release of the DEIS. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Hal Peterson, Middle Kyle Complex Project Manager, Spring Mountains NRA, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130. Email communications are encouraged, please include your name and return address in all written or electronic correspondence. Email messages should be sent to Middle_Kyle_Complex@fs.fed.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information concerning this project, please contact Hal Peterson, Middle Kyle Complex Project Manager, Spring Mountains NRA, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130; phone (702) 839–5572. Information about this EIS will be posted on the Internet at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/ projects/smnra/middle_kyle_complex/ home.shtml. This Web site will be used to post all public documents during the environmental review process and announce opportunities for public participation and comment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action: The Forest Service has determined a need for the development of new destination recreation, environmental education, visitor services, parking/transportation management and administrative facilities in the middle Kyle Canyon area of the Spring Mountains NRA. This need is in response to the increasing NRA visitation generated by the growth of the Las Vegas Metropolitan area, and the associated impacts on the environmentally sensitive areas in upper Kyle and Lee Canyons where the E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8834-8835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2399]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agricultural Service


Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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    The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), approved a 
petition for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) that was filed on 
December 28, 2005, by a group of snapdragon producers in Indiana. The 
certification date is February 10, 2006. Beginning on February 21, 
2006, Indiana snapdragon producers will be eligible to apply for fiscal 
year 2006 benefits during an application period ending May 22, 2006.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Upon investigation, the Administrator 
determined that increased imports of snapdragons contributed 
importantly to a decline in producer prices of snapdragons in Indiana 
by 37 percent during January through December 2004, when compared with 
the previous 5-year average.
    Eligible producers must apply to the Farm Service Agency for 
benefits. After submitting completed applications, producers shall 
receive technical assistance provided by the Extension Service at no 
cost and may receive an adjustment assistance payment, if certain 
program criteria are satisfied. Applicants must obtain the technical 
assistance from the Extension Service by September 29, 2006, in order 
to be eligible for financial payments.
    Producers of raw agricultural commodities wishing to learn more 
about TAA and how they may apply should contact the Department of

[[Page 8835]]

Agriculture at the addresses provided below for General Information.
    Producers Certified as Eligible for TAA, Contact: Farm Service 
Agency service centers in Indiana.
    For General Information About TAA, Contact: Jean-Louis Pajot, 
Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, FAS, USDA, (202) 
720-2916, e-mail: trade.adjustment@fas.usda.gov.

    Dated: February 8, 2006.
A. Ellen Terpstra,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-2399 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P
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