Soybean Promotion and Research Program; Section 610 Review, 37995-37997 [E7-13548]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 133 / Thursday, July 12, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
regulation, either on a temporary basis
or indefinitely. The Committee also
rejected this option as being too extreme
for the current situation.
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), the information collection
requirements that are contained in this
rule are currently approved by the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB), under OMB No. 0581–0178,
Vegetable and Specialty Crops. This rule
will impose minimal additional
reporting or recordkeeping
requirements, deemed to be
insignificant, on both small and large
onion handlers that export onions.
As with all Federal marketing order
programs, reports and forms are
periodically reviewed to reduce
information requirements and
duplication by industry and public
sector agencies. In addition, as noted in
the initial regulatory flexibility analysis,
USDA has not identified any relevant
Federal rules that duplicate, overlap or
conflict with this rule.
The AMS is committed to complying
with the E-Government Act, to promote
the use of the Internet and other
information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and
services, and for other purposes.
The Committee’s meeting was widely
publicized throughout the South Texas
onion industry and all interested
persons were invited to attend the
meeting and participate in Committee
deliberations. Like all Committee
meetings, the March 16, 2007, meeting
was a public meeting and all entities,
both large and small, were able to
express their views on this issue.
Furthermore, interested persons were
invited to submit information on the
regulatory and informational impacts of
this action on small businesses.
An interim final rule concerning this
action was published in the Federal
Register on April 9, 2007. Copies of the
rule were mailed by the Committee’s
staff to all Committee members, onion
handlers, and interested persons. In
addition, the rule was made available
through the Internet by USDA and the
Office of the Federal Register. That rule
provided for a 60-day comment period,
which ended June 8, 2007. No
comments were received.
A small business guide on complying
with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
marketing agreements and orders may
be viewed at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/
fv/moab.html. Any questions about the
compliance guide should be sent to Jay
Guerber at the previously mentioned
address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:27 Jul 11, 2007
Jkt 211001
This rule continues in effect the
action that exempts onions for export
from the handling regulations
prescribed under the South Texas onion
marketing order.
After consideration of all relevant
material presented, including the
Committee’s recommendation, and
other information, it is found that
finalizing the interim final rule, without
change, as published in the Federal
Register (72 FR 17360, April 9, 2007)
will tend to effectuate the declared
policy of the Act.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 959
Onions, Marketing agreements,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
PART 959—ONIONS GROWN IN
SOUTH TEXAS
Accordingly, the interim final rule
amending 7 CFR part 959 which was
published at 72 FR 17360 on April 9,
2007, is adopted as a final rule without
change.
I
Dated: July 9, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E7–13547 Filed 7–11–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 1220
[Docket No. AMS–LS–07–0084; LS–05–07]
Soybean Promotion and Research
Program; Section 610 Review
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Confirmation of regulations.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document summarizes
the results of an Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) review of the Soybean
Promotion, Research, and Consumer
Information Program under the criteria
contained in section 610 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Based
upon its review, AMS has determined
that the Soybean Research and
Promotion Order (Order) should be
continued without change.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may
obtain a copy of the review. Requests for
copies should be sent to Kenneth R.
Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs,
Livestock and Seed Program, AMS,
USDA, Room 2628–S, STOP 0251, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–0251; Phone:
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
37995
(202) 720–1115; Fax: (202) 720–1125; or,
online at www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing
Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed
Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2638–S,
STOP 0251, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–
0251 or e-mail
Kenneth.Payne@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Order
(7 CFR 1220) is authorized under the
Soybean Promotion, Research, and
Consumer Information Act (Act) (7
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.). This program is a
national producer program for soybean
and soybean product promotion,
research, consumer information, and
industry information as part of a
comprehensive strategy to strengthen
the soybean industry’s position in the
marketplace by maintaining and
expanding existing domestic and foreign
markets and uses for soybeans and
soybean products, and to develop new
markets and uses for soybean and
soybean products. Soybean producers
fund this program through a mandatory
assessment of one-half of one percent
(0.5 percent) of the net market price per
bushel on soybeans marketed.
Assessments collected under this
program are used for promotion,
research, consumer information, and
industry information.
The national program is administered
by the United Soybean Board (Board),
which has 64 producer members. Board
members serve 3-year terms and
represent 28 states and 2 geographic
units.
On February 18, 1999, AMS
published in the Federal Register (64
FR 8014), a plan to review certain
regulations, including the Soybean
Promotion, Research, and Consumer
Information Program, known as the
Soybean Checkoff Program (Program),
under criteria contained in section 610
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
(U.S.C. 601–612). Updated plans were
published in the Federal Register on
January 4, 2002 (67 FR 525), August 14,
2003 (68 FR 48574), and March 24, 2006
(71 FR 14827). The reviews are being
conducted over the next 10 years under
section 610 of the RFA. Because many
AMS regulations impact small entities,
AMS decided, as a matter of policy, to
review certain regulations which,
although they may not meet the
threshold requirement under section
610 of the RFA, warranted review.
As part of its review of the Program,
AMS published a notice of review and
request for written comments on the
Soybean Research and Promotion Order
in the December 2, 2005 issue of the
E:\FR\FM\12JYR1.SGM
12JYR1
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC71 with RULES
37996
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 133 / Thursday, July 12, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Federal Register (70 FR 72257).
Comments were due January 31, 2006.
Comments were received from 18
various State soybean associations, a
national trade association, and several
soybean producers.
The review was undertaken to
determine whether the Order should be
continued without change, amended, or
rescinded (consistent with the
objectives of the Act) to minimize the
impacts on small entities. In conducting
this review, AMS considered the
following factors: (1) The continued
need for the Order; (2) the nature of
complaints or comments from the
public concerning the Order; (3) the
complexity of the Order; (4) the extent
to which the Order overlaps, duplicates,
or conflicts with other Federal rules
and, to the extent feasible, with state
and local governmental rules; and (5)
the length of time since the Order has
been evaluated or the degree to which
technology, economic conditions, or
other factors have changed in the area
affected by the Order.
Comments: USDA received comments
from 18 various State soybean
associations, national trade associations,
and soybean producers regarding the
Order and/or the regulations in response
to the published notice of review.
A comment from the chairman of the
United Soybean Board discussed
background information about the
Program as well as rationale for the
continuation of the Order. The comment
from the Board chairman addressed the
intent of the 610 review. The chairman
also referenced the results of the 2004
request for a referendum, in which only
3,206 valid requests for a referendum
were cast. A total of 66,388 valid votes
were required to prompt a referendum.
Additionally, the comment referred to
the recent return on investment study,
which evaluated Program activities from
1995–2001, and determined that for
every $1 invested, producers received
$6.75 in returns.
Thirteen comments addressed the
process used by the Board for selecting
contractors. To obtain contractors, the
Board periodically announces Request
for Proposals (RFP) for potential
contractors who provide specific
services for the Board. As part of the
oversight responsibility, USDA reviews
and approves all contracts between the
Board and contractors. The Board
continually evaluates the work of all
contractors, who are subject to audits.
Competitive bidding is used by the
Board and subcontractors, when
deemed necessary.
Eighteen comments received
questioned how the Board manages the
Program’s finances. The Board’s
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14:27 Jul 11, 2007
Jkt 211001
financial records are audited on an
annual basis by an independent auditor.
Through the Board’s compliance
program and auditing authority,
Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSB)
are periodically reviewed to ensure
proper accounting procedures are in
place so that checkoff dollars are not
commingled with non-checkoff dollars
and are spent on authorized activities.
AMS also reviews and approves the
annual financial audit of the Board, the
operating and administrative budgets of
the Board, and amendments made to
either budget as the fiscal year
progresses. Producers and organizations
representing soybean producers are
encouraged to attend State meetings and
provide input during the decisionmaking process.
For budgeting purposes, the Board has
adopted the use of a Budget Allocation
Model, which allows all producers the
opportunity to direct programs and
funding. This model is used in
conjunction with the Board’s committee
structure to allocate checkoff funds for
Board activity. The Board is required
under the Order to have its financial
records annually reviewed by an
independent certified public
accountant. To date, the audits have not
reflected any substantive reasons for
concern and have indicated that the
Board does adhere to the administrative
cap set forth in the Act. Board financial
information and meeting minutes are
available to QSSBs and the general
public upon request to the Board and
are distributed to Board members.
The Board, by representation of
producers nominated by State boards
and appointed by the Secretary, is
responsible for decisions that impact the
entire soybean industry. Therefore,
AMS understands the value of
transparency of the Board’s decisions
and actions. In fiscal year 2006, Beyond
the Bean magazine was distributed
quarterly to producers to communicate
educational, action-oriented checkoff
activities of the Board. Additionally,
Board and committee meetings are open
to the public. The public, which
includes QSSB representatives and
producers, are afforded the opportunity
to participate in Board and committee
meetings and are encouraged to provide
input in the decision-making process.
Fifteen comments made
recommendations that include changes
to the Act, such as: Doubling the
assessment rate, changing how Board
members are selected, the removal of
legislation authorizing the Coordinating
Committee, allowing for the payment of
membership dues with checkoff dollars,
and allowing checkoff funds generated
in States to remain under the sole
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
discretion and control of the each
respective State. However,
implementation of these suggestions
would require changes to language in
the Act itself, which would require
congressional action.
Fourteen comments recommended
changes to the Order, including
suggestions on how referendums are
conducted and a request to correct an
erroneously eliminated section that
allows State checkoff programs to pay
refunds and mandate that producers
requesting a refund direct their total
assessment to the Board. The Order was
amended in January 2007 to add the
eliminated section back into the Order.
The Order currently allows for soybean
producers to petition for a referendum
every five years. Suggestions received
from the public on how the Order can
be revised concerning change the
referendum process have been
forwarded to the Board for further
consideration.
Five comments addressed the Board’s
decision to establish the United States
Soybean Export Council (USSEC). AMS
has reviewed all agreements and
contracts to ensure that all activities
were performed and permissible under
the Act and Order. Preliminary
information pertaining to the creation of
USSEC and impact upon ASA are
anticipated and will be distributed to
Board members. Such information will
also be made available to the public
upon request.
Five comments addressed the method
used for calculating eligible soybean
producers. According to the Act, the
term ‘‘producer’’ is defined as ‘‘any
person engaged in the growing of
soybeans in the United States, who
owns or shares the ownership and risk
of loss of such soybeans.’’ USDA
periodically reviews data available from
the Farm Service Agency to determine
the total number of producers eligible to
participate in a request for referendum.
Two comments indicated that the
period used for Minimum Assessment
Provision by the Board should begin
either September or October instead of
the beginning of the calendar year. The
calendar year is used in order to provide
consistency among the various
accounting periods used by the QSSBs.
Based upon this review, the USDA
has determined that the Order is not
unduly complex. The USDA has not
identified any relevant Federal rules or
State and local regulations that
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the
Order’s requirements. While there are
organizations that exist to conduct
soybean research, the Board works with
these organizations complementarily. In
many cases, the work being done by
E:\FR\FM\12JYR1.SGM
12JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 133 / Thursday, July 12, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
these research institutions is either fully
or partially funded by the Board.
There are State programs that promote
generic soybeans and soybean products.
These State programs are, in most cases,
affiliated with the Board as the QSSBs
in their respective States or geographic
units. Assessments are collected by
QSSBs, portions of which are retained
by their respective geographic units for
local generic soybean promotion,
research, and information.
Additionally, these are some
organizations that exist solely to
represent soybean producers. These
organizations are voluntary in nature
and serve different functions. The
activities of these organizations
concentrate in areas not covered by the
Order, and therefore do not duplicate or
conflict with the Order
Based upon the review, AMS has
determined that the Order should
continue without change. AMS plans to
continue working with the soybean
industry in maintaining an effective
Program.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6301–6311.
Dated: July 9, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E7–13548 Filed 7–11–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–27863 Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–037–AD; Amendment
39–15126; AD 2007–14–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pacific
Aerospace Corporation, Ltd Model
750XL Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC71 with RULES
SUMMARY:
To prevent the rudder trim tab upper pivot
hole in the rudder rib flogging out, which
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14:27 Jul 11, 2007
Jkt 211001
may lead to aerodynamic flutter and possible
loss of aircraft control * * *
We are issuing this AD to require
actions to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 16, 2007.
On August 16, 2007, the Director of
the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at Document
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl
Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on May 18, 2007 (72 FR 28003).
That NPRM proposed to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
To prevent the rudder trim tab upper pivot
hole in the rudder rib flogging out, which
may lead to aerodynamic flutter and possible
loss of aircraft control * * *
To correct the unsafe condition, you
must inspect the rudder trim tab upper
pivot for any lateral movement of the
bush. If you find any lateral movement
of the bush, install modification PAC/
XL/0267.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
37997
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have required different
actions in this AD from those in the
MCAI in order to follow FAA policies.
Any such differences are highlighted in
a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 7
products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 16 workhours per product to comply with basic
requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $1,000
per product. Where the service
information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we
have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not
control warranty coverage for affected
parties, some parties may incur costs
higher than estimated here.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators
to be $15,960 or $2,280 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this AD:
E:\FR\FM\12JYR1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 133 (Thursday, July 12, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37995-37997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13548]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 1220
[Docket No. AMS-LS-07-0084; LS-05-07]
Soybean Promotion and Research Program; Section 610 Review
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Confirmation of regulations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document summarizes the results of an Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) review of the Soybean Promotion, Research, and
Consumer Information Program under the criteria contained in section
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Based upon its review, AMS
has determined that the Soybean Research and Promotion Order (Order)
should be continued without change.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may obtain a copy of the review. Requests
for copies should be sent to Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing
Programs, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP
0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0251; Phone:
(202) 720-1115; Fax: (202) 720-1125; or, online at www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing
Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2638-S,
STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0251 or
e-mail Kenneth.Payne@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Order (7 CFR 1220) is authorized under
the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act (Act) (7
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.). This program is a national producer program for
soybean and soybean product promotion, research, consumer information,
and industry information as part of a comprehensive strategy to
strengthen the soybean industry's position in the marketplace by
maintaining and expanding existing domestic and foreign markets and
uses for soybeans and soybean products, and to develop new markets and
uses for soybean and soybean products. Soybean producers fund this
program through a mandatory assessment of one-half of one percent (0.5
percent) of the net market price per bushel on soybeans marketed.
Assessments collected under this program are used for promotion,
research, consumer information, and industry information.
The national program is administered by the United Soybean Board
(Board), which has 64 producer members. Board members serve 3-year
terms and represent 28 states and 2 geographic units.
On February 18, 1999, AMS published in the Federal Register (64 FR
8014), a plan to review certain regulations, including the Soybean
Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program, known as the
Soybean Checkoff Program (Program), under criteria contained in section
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (U.S.C. 601-612). Updated
plans were published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2002 (67 FR
525), August 14, 2003 (68 FR 48574), and March 24, 2006 (71 FR 14827).
The reviews are being conducted over the next 10 years under section
610 of the RFA. Because many AMS regulations impact small entities, AMS
decided, as a matter of policy, to review certain regulations which,
although they may not meet the threshold requirement under section 610
of the RFA, warranted review.
As part of its review of the Program, AMS published a notice of
review and request for written comments on the Soybean Research and
Promotion Order in the December 2, 2005 issue of the
[[Page 37996]]
Federal Register (70 FR 72257). Comments were due January 31, 2006.
Comments were received from 18 various State soybean associations, a
national trade association, and several soybean producers.
The review was undertaken to determine whether the Order should be
continued without change, amended, or rescinded (consistent with the
objectives of the Act) to minimize the impacts on small entities. In
conducting this review, AMS considered the following factors: (1) The
continued need for the Order; (2) the nature of complaints or comments
from the public concerning the Order; (3) the complexity of the Order;
(4) the extent to which the Order overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts
with other Federal rules and, to the extent feasible, with state and
local governmental rules; and (5) the length of time since the Order
has been evaluated or the degree to which technology, economic
conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the
Order.
Comments: USDA received comments from 18 various State soybean
associations, national trade associations, and soybean producers
regarding the Order and/or the regulations in response to the published
notice of review.
A comment from the chairman of the United Soybean Board discussed
background information about the Program as well as rationale for the
continuation of the Order. The comment from the Board chairman
addressed the intent of the 610 review. The chairman also referenced
the results of the 2004 request for a referendum, in which only 3,206
valid requests for a referendum were cast. A total of 66,388 valid
votes were required to prompt a referendum. Additionally, the comment
referred to the recent return on investment study, which evaluated
Program activities from 1995-2001, and determined that for every $1
invested, producers received $6.75 in returns.
Thirteen comments addressed the process used by the Board for
selecting contractors. To obtain contractors, the Board periodically
announces Request for Proposals (RFP) for potential contractors who
provide specific services for the Board. As part of the oversight
responsibility, USDA reviews and approves all contracts between the
Board and contractors. The Board continually evaluates the work of all
contractors, who are subject to audits. Competitive bidding is used by
the Board and subcontractors, when deemed necessary.
Eighteen comments received questioned how the Board manages the
Program's finances. The Board's financial records are audited on an
annual basis by an independent auditor. Through the Board's compliance
program and auditing authority, Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSB)
are periodically reviewed to ensure proper accounting procedures are in
place so that checkoff dollars are not commingled with non-checkoff
dollars and are spent on authorized activities. AMS also reviews and
approves the annual financial audit of the Board, the operating and
administrative budgets of the Board, and amendments made to either
budget as the fiscal year progresses. Producers and organizations
representing soybean producers are encouraged to attend State meetings
and provide input during the decision-making process.
For budgeting purposes, the Board has adopted the use of a Budget
Allocation Model, which allows all producers the opportunity to direct
programs and funding. This model is used in conjunction with the
Board's committee structure to allocate checkoff funds for Board
activity. The Board is required under the Order to have its financial
records annually reviewed by an independent certified public
accountant. To date, the audits have not reflected any substantive
reasons for concern and have indicated that the Board does adhere to
the administrative cap set forth in the Act. Board financial
information and meeting minutes are available to QSSBs and the general
public upon request to the Board and are distributed to Board members.
The Board, by representation of producers nominated by State boards
and appointed by the Secretary, is responsible for decisions that
impact the entire soybean industry. Therefore, AMS understands the
value of transparency of the Board's decisions and actions. In fiscal
year 2006, Beyond the Bean magazine was distributed quarterly to
producers to communicate educational, action-oriented checkoff
activities of the Board. Additionally, Board and committee meetings are
open to the public. The public, which includes QSSB representatives and
producers, are afforded the opportunity to participate in Board and
committee meetings and are encouraged to provide input in the decision-
making process.
Fifteen comments made recommendations that include changes to the
Act, such as: Doubling the assessment rate, changing how Board members
are selected, the removal of legislation authorizing the Coordinating
Committee, allowing for the payment of membership dues with checkoff
dollars, and allowing checkoff funds generated in States to remain
under the sole discretion and control of the each respective State.
However, implementation of these suggestions would require changes to
language in the Act itself, which would require congressional action.
Fourteen comments recommended changes to the Order, including
suggestions on how referendums are conducted and a request to correct
an erroneously eliminated section that allows State checkoff programs
to pay refunds and mandate that producers requesting a refund direct
their total assessment to the Board. The Order was amended in January
2007 to add the eliminated section back into the Order. The Order
currently allows for soybean producers to petition for a referendum
every five years. Suggestions received from the public on how the Order
can be revised concerning change the referendum process have been
forwarded to the Board for further consideration.
Five comments addressed the Board's decision to establish the
United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC). AMS has reviewed all
agreements and contracts to ensure that all activities were performed
and permissible under the Act and Order. Preliminary information
pertaining to the creation of USSEC and impact upon ASA are anticipated
and will be distributed to Board members. Such information will also be
made available to the public upon request.
Five comments addressed the method used for calculating eligible
soybean producers. According to the Act, the term ``producer'' is
defined as ``any person engaged in the growing of soybeans in the
United States, who owns or shares the ownership and risk of loss of
such soybeans.'' USDA periodically reviews data available from the Farm
Service Agency to determine the total number of producers eligible to
participate in a request for referendum.
Two comments indicated that the period used for Minimum Assessment
Provision by the Board should begin either September or October instead
of the beginning of the calendar year. The calendar year is used in
order to provide consistency among the various accounting periods used
by the QSSBs.
Based upon this review, the USDA has determined that the Order is
not unduly complex. The USDA has not identified any relevant Federal
rules or State and local regulations that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with the Order's requirements. While there are organizations
that exist to conduct soybean research, the Board works with these
organizations complementarily. In many cases, the work being done by
[[Page 37997]]
these research institutions is either fully or partially funded by the
Board.
There are State programs that promote generic soybeans and soybean
products. These State programs are, in most cases, affiliated with the
Board as the QSSBs in their respective States or geographic units.
Assessments are collected by QSSBs, portions of which are retained by
their respective geographic units for local generic soybean promotion,
research, and information.
Additionally, these are some organizations that exist solely to
represent soybean producers. These organizations are voluntary in
nature and serve different functions. The activities of these
organizations concentrate in areas not covered by the Order, and
therefore do not duplicate or conflict with the Order
Based upon the review, AMS has determined that the Order should
continue without change. AMS plans to continue working with the soybean
industry in maintaining an effective Program.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6301-6311.
Dated: July 9, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E7-13548 Filed 7-11-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
