Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Partial Recommended Decision and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders, 11062-11066 [E8-3846]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 41 / Friday, February 29, 2008 / Proposed Rules
by dividing the total recommended
budget by the quantity of assessable
onions, estimated at 5,775,000 fiftypound equivalents for the 2007–08
fiscal period. The assessment rate
should generate $173,250 in income.
Considering income from interest and
assessments, total income should be
approximately $24,065 below the
anticipated expenses, which the
Committee determined to be acceptable.
A review of historical information and
preliminary information pertaining to
the upcoming fiscal period indicates
that the grower price for the 2007–08
fiscal period could range between
$10.00 and $28.00 per 50-pound
equivalent of onions. Therefore, the
estimated assessment revenue for the
2007–08 fiscal period as a percentage of
total grower revenue could range
between .11 and .30 percent.
This action would increase the
assessment obligation imposed on
handlers. While assessments impose
some additional costs on handlers, the
costs are minimal and uniform on all
handlers. Some of the additional costs
may be passed on to producers.
However, these costs would be offset by
the benefits derived by the operation of
the marketing order. In addition, 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 on all issues. Like all
Committee meetings, the November 16,
2007, meeting was a public meeting and
all entities, both large and small, were
able to express views on this issue.
Finally, interested persons are invited to
submit comments on this proposed rule,
including the regulatory and
informational impacts of this action on
small businesses.
This proposed rule would impose no
additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large
South Texas onion handlers. 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.
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.
USDA has not identified any relevant
Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with this rule.
A small business guide on complying
with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
marketing agreements and orders may
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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.
A 15-day comment period is provided
to allow interested persons to respond
to this proposed rule. Fifteen days is
deemed appropriate because: (1) The
2007–08 fiscal period began on August
1, 2007, and the marketing order
requires that the rate of assessment for
each fiscal period apply to all assessable
onions handled during such fiscal
period; (2) the Committee needs to have
sufficient funds to pay its expenses
which are incurred on a continuous
basis; and (3) handlers are aware of this
action which was unanimously
recommended by the Committee at a
public meeting and is similar to other
assessment rate actions issued in past
years.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 959
Marketing agreements, Onions,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, 7 CFR part 959 is proposed to
be amended as follows:
PART 959—ONIONS GROWN IN
SOUTH TEXAS
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
part 959 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
2. Section 959.237 is revised to read
as follows:
§ 959.237
Assessment rate.
On and after August 1, 2007, an
assessment rate of $0.03 per 50-pound
equivalent is established for South
Texas onions.
Dated: February 26, 2008.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 08–898 Filed 2–26–08; 3:31 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Parts 1005, 1006 and 1007
[AMS–DA–07–0059; AO–388–A22, AO–356–
A43 and AO–366–A51; Docket No. DA–07–
03–B]
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and
Southeast Marketing Areas; Partial
Recommended Decision and
Opportunity To File Written Exceptions
on Proposed Amendments to Tentative
Marketing Agreements and Orders
7 CFR part
Marketing
area
1005 ........
1006 ........
1007 ........
Appalachian ..
Florida ...........
Southeast ......
AO No.
AO–388–A22
AO–356–A43
AO–366–A51
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule, Partial
recommended decision.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This decision recommends
adoption of proposals that would
increase the maximum administrative
assessment rate in the Appalachian,
Florida and Southeast Federal milk
marketing orders.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before April 29, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Comments (six copies)
should be filed with the Hearing Clerk,
United States Department of
Agriculture, STOP 9200–Room 1031,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–1031. You may
send your comments by the electronic
process available at the Federal
eRulemaking portal: https://
www.regulations.gov or by submitting
comments to
amsdairycomments@usda.gov.
Reference should be made to the title of
the action and docket number.
FOR FURRTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gino M. Tosi, Associate Deputy
Administrator, Order formulation and
Enforcement Branch, USDA/AMS/Dairy
Programs, STOP 0231–Room 2971, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., Washington,
DC 20250–0231, (202) 690–1366, e-mail
address: gino.tosi@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
decision recommends adoption of
amendments that would allow the
market administrator in the
Appalachian, Florida and Southeast
marketing areas to increase the
maximum administrative assessment
rate up to 8 cents per cwt on all pooled
milk, if necessary, to maintain the
mandated reserve fund level.
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This administrative action is governed
by the provisions of sections 556 and
557 of Title 5 of the United States Code
and, therefore, is excluded from the
requirements of Executive Order 12866.
The amendments to the rules
proposed herein have been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. They are not intended to
have a retroactive effect. If adopted, the
proposed amendments would not
preempt any state or local laws,
regulations, or policies, unless they
present an irreconcilable conflict with
this rule.
The Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7
U.S.C. 601–674) (the Act), provides that
administrative proceedings must be
exhausted before parties may file suit in
court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the
Act, any handler subject to an order may
request modification or exemption from
such order by filing with the
Department a petition stating that the
order, any provision of the order, or any
obligation imposed in connection with
the order is not in accordance with the
law. A handler is afforded the
opportunity for a hearing on the
petition. After a hearing, the Department
would rule on the petition. The Act
provides that the district court of the
United States in any district in which
the handler is an inhabitant, or has its
principal place of business, has
jurisdiction in equity to review the
Department ruling on the petition,
provided a bill in equity is filed not
later than 20 days after the date of the
entry of the ruling.
Regulatory Flexibility Act and
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612), the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
has considered the economic impact of
this action on small entities and has
certified that this proposed rule will not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
For the purpose of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, a dairy farm is
considered a ‘‘small business’’ if it has
an annual gross revenue of less than
$750,000, and a dairy products
manufacturer is a ‘‘small business’’ if it
has fewer than 500 employees. For the
purposes of determining which dairy
farms are ‘‘small businesses,’’ the
$750,000 per year criterion was used to
establish a production guideline of
500,000 pounds per month. Although
this guideline does not factor in
additional monies that may be received
by dairy producers, it should be an
inclusive standard for most ‘‘small’’
dairy farmers. For purposes of
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determining a handler’s size, if the plant
is part of a larger company operating
multiple plants that collectively exceed
the 500-employee limit, the plant will
be considered a large business even if
the local plant has fewer than 500
employees.
During May 2007, the time of the
hearing, there were 2,744 dairy farmers
pooled on the Appalachian order. In the
Southeast order, 2,924 dairy farmers
were pooled and 283 dairy farmers were
pooled on the Florida order. Of these,
2,612 dairy farmers in the Appalachian
order (or 95.2 percent), 2,739 dairy
farmers in the Southeast order (or 94
percent) and 153 dairy farmers in the
Florida order (or 54 percent) were
considered small businesses.
During May 2007, there were a total
of 36 plants associated with the
Appalachian order (22 fully regulated
plants, 10 partially regulated plants, 2
producer-handlers and 2 exempt
plants). A total of 55 plants were
associated with the Southeast order (33
fully regulated plants, 9 partially
regulated plants, 2 producer-handlers
and 11 exempt plants). A total of 25
were plants associated with the Florida
order (13 fully regulated plants, 9
partially regulated plants, 1 producerhandler and 2 exempt plants). The
number of plants meeting the small
business criteria under the Appalachian,
Southeast and Florida orders were 8 (or
22.2 percent), 18 (or 32.7 percent) and
11 (or 44 percent), respectively.
Administrative assessments are
charged without regard to the size of
any dairy industry or entity. Therefore
the proposed amendments will not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The Agricultural Marketing Service
(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.
A review of reporting requirements
was completed under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35). It was determined that
these proposed amendments would
have no impact on reporting,
recordkeeping, or other compliance
requirements because they would
remain identical to the current
requirements. No new forms are
proposed and no additional reporting
requirements would be necessary.
This recommended decision does not
require additional information
collection that requires clearance by the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) beyond currently approved
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information collection. The primary
sources of data used to complete the
approved forms are routinely used in
most business transactions. The forms
require only a minimal amount of
information which can be supplied
without data processing equipment or a
trained statistical staff. Thus, the
information collection and reporting
burden is relatively small. Requiring the
same reports for all handlers does not
significantly disadvantage any handler
that is smaller than the industry
average.
No other burdens are expected to fall
on the dairy industry as a result of
overlapping Federal rules.
Interested parties were invited to
submit comments on the probable
regulatory and informational impact of
this proposed rule on small entities.
Prior Documents in This Proceeding
Notice of Hearing: Issued May 3,
2007; published May 8, 2007 (72 FR
25986).
Preliminary Statement
Notice is hereby given of the filing
with the Hearing Clerk of this
recommended decision with respect to
proposed amendments to the tentative
marketing agreements and the orders
regulating the handling of milk in the
Appalachian, Southeast and Florida
marketing areas. This notice is issued
pursuant to the provisions of the
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act
and the applicable rules of practice and
procedure governing the formulation of
marketing agreements and marketing
orders (7 CFR Part 900).
Interested parties may file written
exceptions to this decision with the
Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, STOP 9200–Room 1031,
1400 Independence Ave., SW.,
Washington DC 20250–9200, by April
29, 2008. Six copies of the exceptions
should be filed. All written submissions
made pursuant to this notice will be
made available for public inspection at
the Office of the Hearing Clerk during
regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27(b)).
The hearing notice specifically invited
interested persons to present evidence
concerning the probable regulatory and
informational impact of the proposals
on small businesses. Some evidence was
received that specifically addressed
these issues and some of the evidence
encompassed entities of various sizes.
A public hearing was held upon
proposed amendments to the marketing
agreements and the orders regulating the
handling of milk in the Appalachian,
Southeast and Florida marketing areas.
The hearing was held pursuant to the
provisions of the Agricultural Marketing
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Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA), as
amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674), and the
applicable rules of practice and
procedure governing the formulation of
marketing agreements and marketing
orders (7 CFR Part 900).
The proposed amendments set forth
below are based on the record of a
public hearing held in Tampa, Florida,
on May 21–23, 2007, pursuant to a
notice of hearing issued May 3, 2007.
The material issues on the record of
hearing relate to:
1. Administrative Assessment Rate
Increases
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Findings and Conclusions
Three proposals published in the
hearing notice as Proposals 4, 5 and 6
seeking to increase the maximum
administrative assessment rates of the
Appalachian, Southeast and Florida
orders should be adopted. Specifically,
the maximum administrative
assessment rates collected on pooled
producer milk in the Appalachian,
Southeast and Florida orders should be
increased from the current maximum
administrative assessment rate of 5
cents per cwt to 8 cents per cwt.
Proposal 4 was submitted by the
Appalachian Market Administrator and
Proposals 5 and 6 were submitted by the
Market Administrator for the Southeast
and Florida orders.
According to the Assistant Market
Administrator for the Appalachian
order, Proposal 4 was offered to ensure
that sufficient funds are available for
administering the Appalachian order.
The witness added that Proposal 4
would amend Section 1005.85 (7 CFR
1005.85) to provide for all of the
administrative assessment language
pertinent to the Appalachian provisions
and would discontinue the reference to
Section 1000.85 (7 CFR 1000.85). The
witness explained that administration
and operating costs include
administrative, accounting human
resources, economic, pooling and audit
staff expenses.
The Assistant Market Administrator
for the Appalachian order stated that the
Market Administrator is required to
maintain a specific level of operating
reserves. The reserve level, the witness
said, must be maintained in the event
that an order is terminated and would
fund the necessary costs for closing out
an order; completing pools and audits
and paying severance and leases. The
reserve level is detailed in the MA
Instruction 207 that is issued by the
Deputy Administrator of Dairy
Programs, said the witness.
The Assistant Market Administrator
for the Appalachian order said that the
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majority of the administrative
assessment revenue comes from pooled
producer milk. Additionally, the
witness said, assessments are also
collected on other source receipts
assigned to Class I and certain route
disposition in the marketing area by
partially regulated distributing plants.
The witness stated that although the
maximum administrative assessment
rate allowable on pooled producer milk
is 5 cents per cwt, the rate currently
collected each month is 4 cents per cwt,
which has remained unchanged since
January 2000.
The Assistant Market Administrator
for the Appalachian order said that
during 2000–2002, producer milk
pooled on the Appalachian order
averaged 547 million pounds per
month. According to the witness, the 4
cent per cwt assessment rate at this
volume of milk created enough revenue
to fund Appalachian order operations
and maintain the mandated operating
reserve. The witness stated that from
2003–2005, producer milk pooled on
the order averaged 525 million pounds
per month and in 2006, producer milk
pooled on the order averaged 520
million pounds per month. The witness
also compared the first 4 months of
2007 to the first 4 months of 2006 and
stated that producer milk pooled on the
order was down 3.45 percent.
The Assistant Market Administrator
for the Appalachian order explained
that about $215,000 is needed each
month to cover basic operating
expenses. By keeping the assessment
rate of 4 cents per cwt, the witness said
538 million pounds of producer milk
would be needed each month to cover
monthly order expenses. The witness
further explained that the Appalachian
order was in an operating deficit in
2003, 2004 and 2006 and had a balanced
budget in 2005. During 2003–2006, the
witness said, the volumes of pooled
producer milk did not generate
sufficient revenue to fund order
operations and lowered the mandated
operating reserves.
According to the Assistant Market
Administrator for the Appalachian
order, a decision effective December 1,
2006 (71 FR 62377), established a zero
diversion limit on Class I milk receiving
transportation credits. The decision, the
witness said, reduced the amount of
milk that could be pooled on the order
and reduced the amount of assessment
revenue collected during the period of
July through December, when those
volumes of milk would be pooled. In
addition, the witness said that Proposal
1, if adopted, would add January and
February as additional transportation
credit payout months, further reducing
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the amount of milk that could be pooled
on the Appalachian order. The witness
stressed that tightening pooling
provisions of the order impacts the
amount of producer milk pooled on the
order. The witness expressed concern
that less milk pooled on the order
would reduce administrative assessment
revenue and the ability to fund order
operations while maintaining the
mandated reserve level.
The Assistant Market Administrator
for the Appalachian order said that
efforts are made by the Market
Administrator to control costs of
carrying out order operations.
According to the witness, cost control
efforts include a reduction of office staff
by 29 percent through attrition since
January 2003, contracting with outside
computer services, negotiating a
telecommunications contract,
consolidating a field office and reducing
travel and mail expenses. The witness
stressed that regardless of the Market
Administrator’s efforts to control costs
and efficiently administer the order,
gains in efficiency cannot make up for
revenue lost due to a reduction in milk
volumes.
The Assistant Market Administrator
for the Appalachian order concluded by
emphasizing that increasing the
maximum administrative assessment
rate to 8 cents per cwt would only be
the maximum rate allowable and not
necessarily the rate assessed. The
witness said the actual rate assessed
would only be as high as determined by
the Market Administrator with approval
by the Dairy Programs Deputy
Administrator.
According to the Market
Administrator for the Southeast and
Florida orders, Proposals 5 and 6 were
offered to ensure that there are sufficient
funds to carry out administration of the
orders. The witness said the proposals
would amend sections 1006.85 (7 CFR
1006.85) and 1007.85 (7 CFR 1007.85) to
provide for all of the administrative
assessment language pertinent to the
Southeast and Florida orders, and
would discontinue the reference to
section 1000.85 (7 CFR 1000.85). The
witness explained that administration
and operating expenses of the order
include pooling, auditing and providing
market information.
The Market Administrator explained
that the order is required to maintain a
specified level of operating reserves.
The reserve level, the witness said, is
detailed in the MA Instruction 207, that
is issued by the Deputy Administrator of
Dairy Programs. The witness said the
reserve level is kept to cover necessary
costs of closing out an order, such as
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completing pools, audits and paying
severance and lease payments.
The Market Administrator for the
Southeast and Florida orders explained
that the majority of the monthly
administrative assessment is collected
from pooled producer milk. The witness
added that additional assessments are
also collected from other source receipts
associated with Class I and certain route
disposition in the marketing area by
partially regulated distributing plants.
The witness stated that the market
administrator is largely dependent on
the administrative assessment revenue
to fund the operations of the orders. The
witness noted that since 2000, the
administrative assessment for both
orders has contributed over 80 percent
of the total income of the market
administrator office.
According to the Market
Administrator for the Southeast and
Florida orders, the combined monthly
average of pooled producer milk for the
two orders in 2000 was 862.8 million
pounds. In 2001, the witness said, the
combined monthly average of producer
milk pooled in both orders was 878.4
million pounds and in 2002, the
combined monthly average was 885.0
million pounds. The witness said that
during 2000–2002, the assessment rates
charged in the Southeast and Florida
orders of 3.5 and 3 cents per cwt,
respectively, along with the volume of
producer milk, were sufficient to fund
order operations and maintain the
mandated reserve funds.
The Market Administrator for the
Southeast and Florida orders said that
in 2003, although producer milk in the
Florida order increased by 5 percent,
producer milk in the Southeast order
decreased 11 percent, resulting in a
considerable decrease in assessment
collections. According to the witness,
during 2003, funds were drawn from the
operating reserves, reducing the reserve
level near the mandated minimum. The
witness said that as a result, effective
with January 2004 milk deliveries, the
administrative assessment rates
increased by 1 cent to 4.5 and 4 cents
per cwt for the Southeast and Florida
orders, respectively.
The Market Administrator for the
Southeast and Florida orders stated that
in 2004, the monthly average pounds of
producer milk pooled increased over
2003 by 1 percent and 5 percent in the
Southeast and Florida orders,
respectively. The witness added that in
2005, producer milk increased over
2004 by 5 percent and 8.8 percent in the
Southeast and Florida orders
respectively, and in 2006, producer milk
increased over 2005 by 6.8 percent and
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stayed the same in the Southeast and
Florida orders, respectively.
According to the Market
Administrator for the Southeast and
Florida orders, the administrative
assessments implemented in 2004, with
the increase in producer milk during
2004–2006 and efforts to control costs,
have been sufficient to cover operating
expenses and build an adequate reserve
level. The witness added that the
Market Administrator continues to take
measures to control costs. The witness
said that from 2000–2006, cost control
measures included a 15 percent
reduction in staff through attrition,
increased use of technology to hold
meetings and conduct audits, a
reduction in travel expenses and a
decrease in communication costs.
The Market Administrator for the
Southeast and Florida orders explained
that Proposal 2 seeks to limit an average
of 12.3 percent of allowable diversions
in the Southeast order, which would
reduce the amount of milk pooled on
the order, as well as the value of
administrative assessments used to fund
order operations. The witness also noted
a decision effective December 1, 2006
(71 FR 62337), that reduced allowable
diversions by the volume of
transportation credit claims. The
witness also expressed concern that the
downward trend in southeast milk
production and marketing decisions
made by handlers provides an increased
potential for variability in the revenue
available for order operations.
The Market Administrator for the
Southeast and Florida orders concluded
that while the proposals seek to increase
the maximum assessment rate from 5
cents per cwt to 8 cents per cwt, the 8
cents per cwt would not necessarily be
the rate charged. The witness stressed
that the assessed rate would only be
high enough to cover operating
expenses and maintain the mandated
reserve level as approved by the Deputy
Administrator for Dairy Programs.
A post-hearing brief submitted on
behalf of Dairy Cooperative Marketing
Association (DCMA) expressed support
for the market administrator assessment
increase for the Appalachian, Southeast
and Florida milk orders in Proposals 4,
5 and 6, respectively.
The hearing record reveals that
fluctuations in the volumes of milk
pooled on the Appalachian, Southeast
and Florida orders can be attributed to
a combination of declining milk supply
and the tightening of diversion limits in
all three marketing areas. This
combination can reduce Market
Administrator revenues to a level too
low for the proper administration of the
orders while maintaining the mandated
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reserve level. The recommended
adoption of Proposals 4, 5 and 6 will
create a more stable revenue stream for
the administration of the three southeast
orders.
It is reasonable to increase the
maximum administrative assessment
rate to 8 cents per cwt in the
Appalachian, Southeast and Florida
orders to ensure that the Market
Administrators have the proper funds to
carry out all of the services provided by
the three marketing areas. While the
maximum administrative assessment
rate should be increased to 8 cents per
cwt in the Appalachian, Southeast and
Florida orders, the actual rate charged
should only be as high as necessary to
properly administer the orders and
provide necessary services to market
participants.
Rulings on Proposed Findings and
Conclusions
Briefs and proposed findings and
conclusions were filed on behalf of
certain interested parties. These briefs,
proposed findings and conclusions and
the evidence in the record were
considered in making the findings and
conclusions set forth above. To the
extent that the suggested findings and
conclusions filed by interested parties
are inconsistent with the findings and
conclusions set forth herein, the
requests to make such findings or reach
such conclusions are denied for the
reasons previously stated in this
decision.
General Findings
The findings and determinations
hereinafter set forth supplement those
that were made when the Appalachian,
Southeast and Florida orders were first
issued and when they were amended.
The previous findings and
determinations are hereby ratified and
confirmed, except where they may
conflict with those set forth herein.
(a) The tentative marketing agreement
and the order, as hereby proposed to be
amended, and all of the terms and
conditions thereof, will tend to
effectuate the declared policy of the Act;
(b) The parity prices of milk as
determined pursuant to section 2 of the
Act are not reasonable in view of the
price of feeds, available supplies of
feeds, and other economic conditions
which affect market supply and demand
for the milk in the marketing area, and
the minimum prices specified in the
tentative marketing agreement and the
order, as hereby proposed to be
amended, are such prices as will reflect
the aforesaid factors, insure a sufficient
quantity of pure and wholesome milk,
and be in the public interest; and
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(c) The tentative marketing agreement
and the order, as hereby proposed to be
amended, will regulate the handling of
milk in the same manner as, and will be
applicable only to persons in the
respective classes of industrial and
commercial activity specified in, the
marketing agreement upon which a
hearing has been held.
Recommended Marketing Agreements
and Order Amending the Orders
The recommended marketing
agreement is not included in this
decision because the regulatory
provisions thereof would be the same as
those contained in the order, as hereby
proposed to be amended. The following
order amending the order, as amended,
regulating the handling of milk in the
Appalachian, Southeast and Florida
marketing areas is recommended as the
detailed and appropriate means by
which the foregoing conclusions by be
carried out.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1005,
1006 and 1007
Milk marketing orders.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, 7 CFR Parts 1005, 1006 and
1007, are proposed to be amended as
follows:
PARTS 1005, 1006 AND 1007—MILK IN
THE APPALACHIAN, SOUTHEAST
AND FLORIDA MARKETING AREAS
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
part 1005 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
2. Section 1005.85 is revised, to read
as follows:
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§ 1005.85 Assessment for order
administration.
On or before the payment receipt date
specified under § 1005.71, each handler
shall pay to the market administrator its
pro rata share of the expense of
administration to the order at a rate
specified by the market administrator
that is no more than 8 cents per cwt
with respect to:
(a) Receipts of producer milk
(including the handler’s own
production) other than such receipts by
a handler described in § 1000.9(c) that
were delivered to pool plants of other
handlers;
(b) Receipts from a handler described
in § 1000.9(c);
(c) Receipts of concentrated fluid milk
products from unregulated supply
plants and receipts of nonfluid milk
products assigned to Class I use
pursuant to § 1000.43(d) and other
source milk allocated to Class I pursuant
to § 1000.43(a)(3) and (8) and the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:20 Feb 28, 2008
Jkt 214001
corresponding steps of § 1000.44(b),
except other source milk that is
excluded from the computations
pursuant to § 1005.60(h) and (i); and
(d) Route disposition in the marketing
area from a partially regulated
distributing plant that exceeds the skim
milk and butterfat subtracted pursuant
to § 1000.76(a)(1)(i) and (ii).
3. Section 1006.85 is revised to read
as follows:
§ 1006.85 Assessment for order
administration.
On or before the payment receipt date
specified under § 1006.71, each handler
shall pay to the market administrator its
pro rata share of the expense of
administration of the order at a rate
specified by the market administrator
that is no more than 8 cents per
hundredweight with respect to:
(a) Receipts of producer milk
(including the handler’s own
production) other than such receipts by
a handler described in § 1000.9(c) that
were delivered to pool plants of other
handlers;
(b) Receipts from a handler described
in § 1000.9(c);
(c) Receipts of concentrated fluid milk
products from unregulated supply
plants and receipts of nonfluid milk
products assigned to Class I use
pursuant to § 1000.43(d) and other
source milk allocated to Class I pursuant
to § 1000.44(a)(3) and (8) and the
corresponding steps of § 1000.44(b),
except other source milk that is
excluded from the computations
pursuant to § 1007.60(h) and (i); and
(d) Route disposition in the marketing
area from a partially regulated
distributing plant that exceeds the skim
milk and butterfat subtracted pursuant
to § 1000.76(a)(1)(i) and (ii).
4. Section 1007.85 is revised, to read
as follows:
§ 1007.85 Assessment for order
administration.
On or before the payment receipt date
specified under § 1007.71, each handler
shall pay to the market administrator its
pro rata share of the expense of
administration of the order at a rate
specified by the market administrator
that is no more than 8 cents per
hundredweight with respect to:
(a) Receipts of producer milk
(including the handler’s own
production) other than such receipts by
a handler described in § 1000.9(c) that
were delivered to pool plants of other
handlers;
(b) Receipts from a handler described
in § 1000.9(c);
(c) Receipts of concentrated fluid milk
products from unregulated supply
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
plants and receipts of nonfluid milk
products assigned to Class I use
pursuant to § 1000.43(d) and other
source milk allocated to Class I pursuant
to § 1000.44(a)(3) and (8) and the
corresponding steps of § 1000.44(b),
except other source milk that is
excluded from the computations
pursuant to § 1007.60(h) and (i); and
(d) Route disposition in the marketing
area from a partially regulated
distributing plant that exceeds the skim
milk and butterfat subtracted pursuant
to § 1000.76(a)(1)(i) and (ii).
Dated: February 25, 2008.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E8–3846 Filed 2–28–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 216
48 CFR Parts 911 and 952
RIN 1991–AB69
Defense Priorities and Allocations
System
Department of Energy.
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: This notice of proposed
rulemaking (NOPR) amends Department
of Energy (DOE) regulations at 10 CFR
part 216 which implement DOE’s
delegated authority under section 101(c)
of the Defense Production Actof 1950
(DPA). Section 101(c) of the DPA
provides authority to the President of
the United States (President) to require
the allocation of, or priority
performance under contracts or orders
relating to, materials and equipment,
services, or facilities, in order to
maximize domestic energy supplies, if
the President makes certain findings.
The President’s authority under section
101(c) was delegated to the Secretary of
Commerce and the Secretary of Energy.
The rulemaking would make a number
of changes to part 216 to reflect a 1991
amendment of the DPA which broadens
the scope of authority in section 101(c).
Because DOE does not expect to receive
any significant adverse comments, this
regulatory action is also being issued as
a direct final rule in today’s issue of the
Federal Register.
DATES: Public comments on the
amendment proposed herein will be
accepted until March 31, 2008.
ADDRESSES: This notice of proposed
rulemaking is available and comments
may be submitted online at https://
E:\FR\FM\29FEP1.SGM
29FEP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 41 (Friday, February 29, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11062-11066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3846]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Parts 1005, 1006 and 1007
[AMS-DA-07-0059; AO-388-A22, AO-356-A43 and AO-366-A51; Docket No. DA-
07-03-B]
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas;
Partial Recommended Decision and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions
on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 CFR part Marketing area AO No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1005............................ Appalachian.......... AO-388-A22
1006............................ Florida.............. AO-356-A43
1007............................ Southeast............ AO-366-A51
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule, Partial recommended decision.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This decision recommends adoption of proposals that would
increase the maximum administrative assessment rate in the Appalachian,
Florida and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before April 29, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Comments (six copies) should be filed with the Hearing
Clerk, United States Department of Agriculture, STOP 9200-Room 1031,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1031. You may send
your comments by the electronic process available at the Federal
eRulemaking portal: https://www.regulations.gov or by submitting
comments to amsdairycomments@usda.gov. Reference should be made to the
title of the action and docket number.
FOR FURRTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gino M. Tosi, Associate Deputy
Administrator, Order formulation and Enforcement Branch, USDA/AMS/Dairy
Programs, STOP 0231-Room 2971, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington,
DC 20250-0231, (202) 690-1366, e-mail address: gino.tosi@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This decision recommends adoption of
amendments that would allow the market administrator in the
Appalachian, Florida and Southeast marketing areas to increase the
maximum administrative assessment rate up to 8 cents per cwt on all
pooled milk, if necessary, to maintain the mandated reserve fund level.
[[Page 11063]]
This administrative action is governed by the provisions of
sections 556 and 557 of Title 5 of the United States Code and,
therefore, is excluded from the requirements of Executive Order 12866.
The amendments to the rules proposed herein have been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. They are not
intended to have a retroactive effect. If adopted, the proposed
amendments would not preempt any state or local laws, regulations, or
policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this
rule.
The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7
U.S.C. 601-674) (the Act), provides that administrative proceedings
must be exhausted before parties may file suit in court. Under section
608c(15)(A) of the Act, any handler subject to an order may request
modification or exemption from such order by filing with the Department
a petition stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any
obligation imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance
with the law. A handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on
the petition. After a hearing, the Department would rule on the
petition. The Act provides that the district court of the United States
in any district in which the handler is an inhabitant, or has its
principal place of business, has jurisdiction in equity to review the
Department ruling on the petition, provided a bill in equity is filed
not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of the ruling.
Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-
612), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has considered the
economic impact of this action on small entities and has certified that
this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
For the purpose of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, a dairy farm is
considered a ``small business'' if it has an annual gross revenue of
less than $750,000, and a dairy products manufacturer is a ``small
business'' if it has fewer than 500 employees. For the purposes of
determining which dairy farms are ``small businesses,'' the $750,000
per year criterion was used to establish a production guideline of
500,000 pounds per month. Although this guideline does not factor in
additional monies that may be received by dairy producers, it should be
an inclusive standard for most ``small'' dairy farmers. For purposes of
determining a handler's size, if the plant is part of a larger company
operating multiple plants that collectively exceed the 500-employee
limit, the plant will be considered a large business even if the local
plant has fewer than 500 employees.
During May 2007, the time of the hearing, there were 2,744 dairy
farmers pooled on the Appalachian order. In the Southeast order, 2,924
dairy farmers were pooled and 283 dairy farmers were pooled on the
Florida order. Of these, 2,612 dairy farmers in the Appalachian order
(or 95.2 percent), 2,739 dairy farmers in the Southeast order (or 94
percent) and 153 dairy farmers in the Florida order (or 54 percent)
were considered small businesses.
During May 2007, there were a total of 36 plants associated with
the Appalachian order (22 fully regulated plants, 10 partially
regulated plants, 2 producer-handlers and 2 exempt plants). A total of
55 plants were associated with the Southeast order (33 fully regulated
plants, 9 partially regulated plants, 2 producer-handlers and 11 exempt
plants). A total of 25 were plants associated with the Florida order
(13 fully regulated plants, 9 partially regulated plants, 1 producer-
handler and 2 exempt plants). The number of plants meeting the small
business criteria under the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida orders
were 8 (or 22.2 percent), 18 (or 32.7 percent) and 11 (or 44 percent),
respectively.
Administrative assessments are charged without regard to the size
of any dairy industry or entity. Therefore the proposed amendments will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (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.
A review of reporting requirements was completed under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). It was
determined that these proposed amendments would have no impact on
reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements because they
would remain identical to the current requirements. No new forms are
proposed and no additional reporting requirements would be necessary.
This recommended decision does not require additional information
collection that requires clearance by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) beyond currently approved information collection. The
primary sources of data used to complete the approved forms are
routinely used in most business transactions. The forms require only a
minimal amount of information which can be supplied without data
processing equipment or a trained statistical staff. Thus, the
information collection and reporting burden is relatively small.
Requiring the same reports for all handlers does not significantly
disadvantage any handler that is smaller than the industry average.
No other burdens are expected to fall on the dairy industry as a
result of overlapping Federal rules.
Interested parties were invited to submit comments on the probable
regulatory and informational impact of this proposed rule on small
entities.
Prior Documents in This Proceeding
Notice of Hearing: Issued May 3, 2007; published May 8, 2007 (72 FR
25986).
Preliminary Statement
Notice is hereby given of the filing with the Hearing Clerk of this
recommended decision with respect to proposed amendments to the
tentative marketing agreements and the orders regulating the handling
of milk in the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida marketing areas. This
notice is issued pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act and the applicable rules of practice and
procedure governing the formulation of marketing agreements and
marketing orders (7 CFR Part 900).
Interested parties may file written exceptions to this decision
with the Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 9200-Room
1031, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington DC 20250-9200, by April
29, 2008. Six copies of the exceptions should be filed. All written
submissions made pursuant to this notice will be made available for
public inspection at the Office of the Hearing Clerk during regular
business hours (7 CFR 1.27(b)). The hearing notice specifically invited
interested persons to present evidence concerning the probable
regulatory and informational impact of the proposals on small
businesses. Some evidence was received that specifically addressed
these issues and some of the evidence encompassed entities of various
sizes.
A public hearing was held upon proposed amendments to the marketing
agreements and the orders regulating the handling of milk in the
Appalachian, Southeast and Florida marketing areas. The hearing was
held pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing
[[Page 11064]]
Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), and the
applicable rules of practice and procedure governing the formulation of
marketing agreements and marketing orders (7 CFR Part 900).
The proposed amendments set forth below are based on the record of
a public hearing held in Tampa, Florida, on May 21-23, 2007, pursuant
to a notice of hearing issued May 3, 2007.
The material issues on the record of hearing relate to:
1. Administrative Assessment Rate Increases
Findings and Conclusions
Three proposals published in the hearing notice as Proposals 4, 5
and 6 seeking to increase the maximum administrative assessment rates
of the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida orders should be adopted.
Specifically, the maximum administrative assessment rates collected on
pooled producer milk in the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida orders
should be increased from the current maximum administrative assessment
rate of 5 cents per cwt to 8 cents per cwt. Proposal 4 was submitted by
the Appalachian Market Administrator and Proposals 5 and 6 were
submitted by the Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida
orders.
According to the Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian
order, Proposal 4 was offered to ensure that sufficient funds are
available for administering the Appalachian order. The witness added
that Proposal 4 would amend Section 1005.85 (7 CFR 1005.85) to provide
for all of the administrative assessment language pertinent to the
Appalachian provisions and would discontinue the reference to Section
1000.85 (7 CFR 1000.85). The witness explained that administration and
operating costs include administrative, accounting human resources,
economic, pooling and audit staff expenses.
The Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian order stated
that the Market Administrator is required to maintain a specific level
of operating reserves. The reserve level, the witness said, must be
maintained in the event that an order is terminated and would fund the
necessary costs for closing out an order; completing pools and audits
and paying severance and leases. The reserve level is detailed in the
MA Instruction 207 that is issued by the Deputy Administrator of Dairy
Programs, said the witness.
The Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian order said
that the majority of the administrative assessment revenue comes from
pooled producer milk. Additionally, the witness said, assessments are
also collected on other source receipts assigned to Class I and certain
route disposition in the marketing area by partially regulated
distributing plants. The witness stated that although the maximum
administrative assessment rate allowable on pooled producer milk is 5
cents per cwt, the rate currently collected each month is 4 cents per
cwt, which has remained unchanged since January 2000.
The Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian order said
that during 2000-2002, producer milk pooled on the Appalachian order
averaged 547 million pounds per month. According to the witness, the 4
cent per cwt assessment rate at this volume of milk created enough
revenue to fund Appalachian order operations and maintain the mandated
operating reserve. The witness stated that from 2003-2005, producer
milk pooled on the order averaged 525 million pounds per month and in
2006, producer milk pooled on the order averaged 520 million pounds per
month. The witness also compared the first 4 months of 2007 to the
first 4 months of 2006 and stated that producer milk pooled on the
order was down 3.45 percent.
The Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian order
explained that about $215,000 is needed each month to cover basic
operating expenses. By keeping the assessment rate of 4 cents per cwt,
the witness said 538 million pounds of producer milk would be needed
each month to cover monthly order expenses. The witness further
explained that the Appalachian order was in an operating deficit in
2003, 2004 and 2006 and had a balanced budget in 2005. During 2003-
2006, the witness said, the volumes of pooled producer milk did not
generate sufficient revenue to fund order operations and lowered the
mandated operating reserves.
According to the Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian
order, a decision effective December 1, 2006 (71 FR 62377), established
a zero diversion limit on Class I milk receiving transportation
credits. The decision, the witness said, reduced the amount of milk
that could be pooled on the order and reduced the amount of assessment
revenue collected during the period of July through December, when
those volumes of milk would be pooled. In addition, the witness said
that Proposal 1, if adopted, would add January and February as
additional transportation credit payout months, further reducing the
amount of milk that could be pooled on the Appalachian order. The
witness stressed that tightening pooling provisions of the order
impacts the amount of producer milk pooled on the order. The witness
expressed concern that less milk pooled on the order would reduce
administrative assessment revenue and the ability to fund order
operations while maintaining the mandated reserve level.
The Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian order said
that efforts are made by the Market Administrator to control costs of
carrying out order operations. According to the witness, cost control
efforts include a reduction of office staff by 29 percent through
attrition since January 2003, contracting with outside computer
services, negotiating a telecommunications contract, consolidating a
field office and reducing travel and mail expenses. The witness
stressed that regardless of the Market Administrator's efforts to
control costs and efficiently administer the order, gains in efficiency
cannot make up for revenue lost due to a reduction in milk volumes.
The Assistant Market Administrator for the Appalachian order
concluded by emphasizing that increasing the maximum administrative
assessment rate to 8 cents per cwt would only be the maximum rate
allowable and not necessarily the rate assessed. The witness said the
actual rate assessed would only be as high as determined by the Market
Administrator with approval by the Dairy Programs Deputy Administrator.
According to the Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida
orders, Proposals 5 and 6 were offered to ensure that there are
sufficient funds to carry out administration of the orders. The witness
said the proposals would amend sections 1006.85 (7 CFR 1006.85) and
1007.85 (7 CFR 1007.85) to provide for all of the administrative
assessment language pertinent to the Southeast and Florida orders, and
would discontinue the reference to section 1000.85 (7 CFR 1000.85). The
witness explained that administration and operating expenses of the
order include pooling, auditing and providing market information.
The Market Administrator explained that the order is required to
maintain a specified level of operating reserves. The reserve level,
the witness said, is detailed in the MA Instruction 207, that is issued
by the Deputy Administrator of Dairy Programs. The witness said the
reserve level is kept to cover necessary costs of closing out an order,
such as
[[Page 11065]]
completing pools, audits and paying severance and lease payments.
The Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida orders
explained that the majority of the monthly administrative assessment is
collected from pooled producer milk. The witness added that additional
assessments are also collected from other source receipts associated
with Class I and certain route disposition in the marketing area by
partially regulated distributing plants. The witness stated that the
market administrator is largely dependent on the administrative
assessment revenue to fund the operations of the orders. The witness
noted that since 2000, the administrative assessment for both orders
has contributed over 80 percent of the total income of the market
administrator office.
According to the Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida
orders, the combined monthly average of pooled producer milk for the
two orders in 2000 was 862.8 million pounds. In 2001, the witness said,
the combined monthly average of producer milk pooled in both orders was
878.4 million pounds and in 2002, the combined monthly average was
885.0 million pounds. The witness said that during 2000-2002, the
assessment rates charged in the Southeast and Florida orders of 3.5 and
3 cents per cwt, respectively, along with the volume of producer milk,
were sufficient to fund order operations and maintain the mandated
reserve funds.
The Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida orders said
that in 2003, although producer milk in the Florida order increased by
5 percent, producer milk in the Southeast order decreased 11 percent,
resulting in a considerable decrease in assessment collections.
According to the witness, during 2003, funds were drawn from the
operating reserves, reducing the reserve level near the mandated
minimum. The witness said that as a result, effective with January 2004
milk deliveries, the administrative assessment rates increased by 1
cent to 4.5 and 4 cents per cwt for the Southeast and Florida orders,
respectively.
The Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida orders
stated that in 2004, the monthly average pounds of producer milk pooled
increased over 2003 by 1 percent and 5 percent in the Southeast and
Florida orders, respectively. The witness added that in 2005, producer
milk increased over 2004 by 5 percent and 8.8 percent in the Southeast
and Florida orders respectively, and in 2006, producer milk increased
over 2005 by 6.8 percent and stayed the same in the Southeast and
Florida orders, respectively.
According to the Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida
orders, the administrative assessments implemented in 2004, with the
increase in producer milk during 2004-2006 and efforts to control
costs, have been sufficient to cover operating expenses and build an
adequate reserve level. The witness added that the Market Administrator
continues to take measures to control costs. The witness said that from
2000-2006, cost control measures included a 15 percent reduction in
staff through attrition, increased use of technology to hold meetings
and conduct audits, a reduction in travel expenses and a decrease in
communication costs.
The Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida orders
explained that Proposal 2 seeks to limit an average of 12.3 percent of
allowable diversions in the Southeast order, which would reduce the
amount of milk pooled on the order, as well as the value of
administrative assessments used to fund order operations. The witness
also noted a decision effective December 1, 2006 (71 FR 62337), that
reduced allowable diversions by the volume of transportation credit
claims. The witness also expressed concern that the downward trend in
southeast milk production and marketing decisions made by handlers
provides an increased potential for variability in the revenue
available for order operations.
The Market Administrator for the Southeast and Florida orders
concluded that while the proposals seek to increase the maximum
assessment rate from 5 cents per cwt to 8 cents per cwt, the 8 cents
per cwt would not necessarily be the rate charged. The witness stressed
that the assessed rate would only be high enough to cover operating
expenses and maintain the mandated reserve level as approved by the
Deputy Administrator for Dairy Programs.
A post-hearing brief submitted on behalf of Dairy Cooperative
Marketing Association (DCMA) expressed support for the market
administrator assessment increase for the Appalachian, Southeast and
Florida milk orders in Proposals 4, 5 and 6, respectively.
The hearing record reveals that fluctuations in the volumes of milk
pooled on the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida orders can be
attributed to a combination of declining milk supply and the tightening
of diversion limits in all three marketing areas. This combination can
reduce Market Administrator revenues to a level too low for the proper
administration of the orders while maintaining the mandated reserve
level. The recommended adoption of Proposals 4, 5 and 6 will create a
more stable revenue stream for the administration of the three
southeast orders.
It is reasonable to increase the maximum administrative assessment
rate to 8 cents per cwt in the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida
orders to ensure that the Market Administrators have the proper funds
to carry out all of the services provided by the three marketing areas.
While the maximum administrative assessment rate should be increased to
8 cents per cwt in the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida orders, the
actual rate charged should only be as high as necessary to properly
administer the orders and provide necessary services to market
participants.
Rulings on Proposed Findings and Conclusions
Briefs and proposed findings and conclusions were filed on behalf
of certain interested parties. These briefs, proposed findings and
conclusions and the evidence in the record were considered in making
the findings and conclusions set forth above. To the extent that the
suggested findings and conclusions filed by interested parties are
inconsistent with the findings and conclusions set forth herein, the
requests to make such findings or reach such conclusions are denied for
the reasons previously stated in this decision.
General Findings
The findings and determinations hereinafter set forth supplement
those that were made when the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida orders
were first issued and when they were amended. The previous findings and
determinations are hereby ratified and confirmed, except where they may
conflict with those set forth herein.
(a) The tentative marketing agreement and the order, as hereby
proposed to be amended, and all of the terms and conditions thereof,
will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act;
(b) The parity prices of milk as determined pursuant to section 2
of the Act are not reasonable in view of the price of feeds, available
supplies of feeds, and other economic conditions which affect market
supply and demand for the milk in the marketing area, and the minimum
prices specified in the tentative marketing agreement and the order, as
hereby proposed to be amended, are such prices as will reflect the
aforesaid factors, insure a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome
milk, and be in the public interest; and
[[Page 11066]]
(c) The tentative marketing agreement and the order, as hereby
proposed to be amended, will regulate the handling of milk in the same
manner as, and will be applicable only to persons in the respective
classes of industrial and commercial activity specified in, the
marketing agreement upon which a hearing has been held.
Recommended Marketing Agreements and Order Amending the Orders
The recommended marketing agreement is not included in this
decision because the regulatory provisions thereof would be the same as
those contained in the order, as hereby proposed to be amended. The
following order amending the order, as amended, regulating the handling
of milk in the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida marketing areas is
recommended as the detailed and appropriate means by which the
foregoing conclusions by be carried out.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1005, 1006 and 1007
Milk marketing orders.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Parts 1005, 1006
and 1007, are proposed to be amended as follows:
PARTS 1005, 1006 AND 1007--MILK IN THE APPALACHIAN, SOUTHEAST AND
FLORIDA MARKETING AREAS
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1005 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.
2. Section 1005.85 is revised, to read as follows:
Sec. 1005.85 Assessment for order administration.
On or before the payment receipt date specified under Sec.
1005.71, each handler shall pay to the market administrator its pro
rata share of the expense of administration to the order at a rate
specified by the market administrator that is no more than 8 cents per
cwt with respect to:
(a) Receipts of producer milk (including the handler's own
production) other than such receipts by a handler described in Sec.
1000.9(c) that were delivered to pool plants of other handlers;
(b) Receipts from a handler described in Sec. 1000.9(c);
(c) Receipts of concentrated fluid milk products from unregulated
supply plants and receipts of nonfluid milk products assigned to Class
I use pursuant to Sec. 1000.43(d) and other source milk allocated to
Class I pursuant to Sec. 1000.43(a)(3) and (8) and the corresponding
steps of Sec. 1000.44(b), except other source milk that is excluded
from the computations pursuant to Sec. 1005.60(h) and (i); and
(d) Route disposition in the marketing area from a partially
regulated distributing plant that exceeds the skim milk and butterfat
subtracted pursuant to Sec. 1000.76(a)(1)(i) and (ii).
3. Section 1006.85 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 1006.85 Assessment for order administration.
On or before the payment receipt date specified under Sec.
1006.71, each handler shall pay to the market administrator its pro
rata share of the expense of administration of the order at a rate
specified by the market administrator that is no more than 8 cents per
hundredweight with respect to:
(a) Receipts of producer milk (including the handler's own
production) other than such receipts by a handler described in Sec.
1000.9(c) that were delivered to pool plants of other handlers;
(b) Receipts from a handler described in Sec. 1000.9(c);
(c) Receipts of concentrated fluid milk products from unregulated
supply plants and receipts of nonfluid milk products assigned to Class
I use pursuant to Sec. 1000.43(d) and other source milk allocated to
Class I pursuant to Sec. 1000.44(a)(3) and (8) and the corresponding
steps of Sec. 1000.44(b), except other source milk that is excluded
from the computations pursuant to Sec. 1007.60(h) and (i); and
(d) Route disposition in the marketing area from a partially
regulated distributing plant that exceeds the skim milk and butterfat
subtracted pursuant to Sec. 1000.76(a)(1)(i) and (ii).
4. Section 1007.85 is revised, to read as follows:
Sec. 1007.85 Assessment for order administration.
On or before the payment receipt date specified under Sec.
1007.71, each handler shall pay to the market administrator its pro
rata share of the expense of administration of the order at a rate
specified by the market administrator that is no more than 8 cents per
hundredweight with respect to:
(a) Receipts of producer milk (including the handler's own
production) other than such receipts by a handler described in Sec.
1000.9(c) that were delivered to pool plants of other handlers;
(b) Receipts from a handler described in Sec. 1000.9(c);
(c) Receipts of concentrated fluid milk products from unregulated
supply plants and receipts of nonfluid milk products assigned to Class
I use pursuant to Sec. 1000.43(d) and other source milk allocated to
Class I pursuant to Sec. 1000.44(a)(3) and (8) and the corresponding
steps of Sec. 1000.44(b), except other source milk that is excluded
from the computations pursuant to Sec. 1007.60(h) and (i); and
(d) Route disposition in the marketing area from a partially
regulated distributing plant that exceeds the skim milk and butterfat
subtracted pursuant to Sec. 1000.76(a)(1)(i) and (ii).
Dated: February 25, 2008.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E8-3846 Filed 2-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P