Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, 21304-21305 [E8-8473]

Download as PDF rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES 21304 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 77 / Monday, April 21, 2008 / Notices will apply to individuals or groups granted approval to use the facilities and grounds. In order to administer the use of the USNA facilities and to determine if the requested use is consistent with the mission of the USNA, it is necessary for the USNA to obtain information from the requestor. Each request will require the completion of an application and submission of an application fee. The application is simple and requires only information readily available to the requestor. The requestor is asked to indicate by whom and for what purpose the USNA facilities are to be used. Applications are available in hard copy format as well as electronic format on the USNA Web site (https:// www.usna.usda.gov). Completed permit requests are received in person, by mail, and by facsimile. Paperwork Reduction Act: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations (5 CFR part 1320) implementing the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will be imposed will be submitted to OMB for approval. These requirements will not become effective prior to OMB approval. Estimate of Burden: Estimated Number of Responses: The USNA estimates 420 requests for the use of facilities and 25 for photography and cinematography on an annual basis. Estimated Burden per Responses: The estimated completion time for the application is less than 15 minutes. Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for responding is $2,507 for 109 hours of time at $23 per hour. Obtaining Permit Requests: In addition to the current process of obtaining the permit requests in person, by mail, and by facsimile (and receiving them back in a like manner), the application for photography and cinematography is available on the USNA Web site (https:// www.usna.usda.gov/Information/ facilitiesuse/photographyapp.pdf). The application for the use of facilities will be available on the Web site by the end of the calendar year. Completed permit requests can be submitted to the Administrative Group, USDA, ARS, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002. Comments: Comments are invited on whether the proposed collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Apr 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of collection on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technology. Done at Washington, DC, this 14th day of April, 2008. Edward B. Knipling, Administrator, Agricultural Research Service. [FR Doc. E8–8552 Filed 4–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2008–0012] Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA. ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), USDA, are sponsoring a public meeting on April 25, 2008. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 14th Session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Mexico City, Mexico, from May 12–17, 2008. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and AMS recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 14th Session of the CCFFV and to address items on the agenda. DATES: The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008, at 10 a.m. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held in Room 2068, USDA South Building, at 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. Documents related to the 14th Session of the CCFFV will be accessible via the World Wide Web at the following address: https:// www.codexalimentarius.net/ current.asp. The U.S. Delegate to the 14th Session of the CCFFV, Mr. Dorian LaFond, AMS, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 invites interested U.S. parties to submit their comments electronically to the following e-mail address: dorian.lafond@usda.gov. Registration: You may register electronically to dorian.lafond@usda.gov. Early registration is encouraged because it will expedite entry into the building. Because the meeting will be held in a Federal building, you should also bring photo identification and plan for adequate time to pass through security screening systems. For Further Information About the 14th CCFFV Session Contact: Mr. Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Stop 0235, 1400 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690–4944, email: dorian.lafond@usda.gov. For Further Information About the Public Meeting Contact: Syed Ali, Staff Officer, U.S. Codex Office, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Room 4861, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720–0574, Fax: (202) 720–3157, e-mail: syed.ali@fsis.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) was established in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. Through adoption of food standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by its committees, and by promoting their adoption and implementation by governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers and ensure that fair practices are used in trade. The CCFFV elaborates world wide standards and codes of practice for fresh fruits and vegetables. The CCFFV is hosted by Mexico. Issues To Be Discussed at the Public Meeting The following items on the agenda for the 14th CCFFV Session will be discussed during the public meeting: • Matters referred to the CCFFV from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other Codex bodies. • Matters arising from other international organizations on the Standardization of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. • Proposed Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. • Draft Codex Standard for Tomatoes. E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 77 / Monday, April 21, 2008 / Notices provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ news_and_events/email_subscription/. Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and they have the option to password protect their accounts. Public Meeting At the April 25, 2008, public meeting, draft U.S. positions on the agenda items will be described and discussed, and attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions and offer comments. Written comments may be sent electronically to the U.S. Delegate for the 14th CCFFV Session, Dorian LaFond, at dorian.lafond@usda.gov. Written comments should state that they relate to activities of the 14th CCFFV Session. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES • Draft Sections 3—Provisions Concerning Sizing (Draft Standard for Tomatoes). • Draft Codex Standard for Bitter Cassava. • Draft Codex Guidelines for the Inspection and Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Conformity to Quality Standards. • Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Apples. • Proposals for Amendments to the Priority List for the Standardization of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Each issue listed will be fully described in documents distributed, or to be distributed, by the Secretariat prior to the meeting. Members of the public may access or request copies of these documents via the World Wide Web at the following address: https:// www.codexalimentarius.net/ current.asp. Notice of Funds Availability Section 538 Multi-Family Housing Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP)—Demonstration Program for Fiscal Year 2008 Additional Public Notification Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure that minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are aware of this notice, FSIS will announce it online through the FSIS Web page located at (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/ 2008_Notices_Index/. FSIS will also make copies of this Federal Register publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals who have asked to be included. The Update is also available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Listserv and Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader and more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:59 Apr 18, 2008 Jkt 214001 Done at Washington, DC, on: April 15, 2008. Paulo M. Almeida, Acting U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius. [FR Doc. E8–8473 Filed 4–18–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Housing Service Rural Housing Service, USDA. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: Through this Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), in conjunction with the GRRHP 2007 Notice, published February 26, 2007, Volume 72 FR, 8339–8346 and the GRRHP 2008 Notice, published February 4, 2008, Volume 73 FR, 6469–6477, the Agency announces the implementation of a demonstration program under the section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) pursuant to 7 CFR 3565.4 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 and 7 CFR 3565.17 demonstration programs. The Demonstration Program’s purpose is to test the viability and efficacy of the concept of a continuous loan note guarantee through the construction and permanent loan financing phases of a project. Those applications that meet the Demonstration Program’s qualifying criteria and are selected to participate will be offered one loan note guarantee upon closing of the construction loan that will be in effect throughout both of the project’s construction and permanent phases without interruption. The funding for the Demonstration Program will be approximately 10 percent of the FY 2008 appropriation. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s risk. The following paragraphs outline the timeframes, eligibility requirements, lender responsibilities, and the overall response and application processes. Eligible Lenders wishing to have their FY 2008 obligations considered for the PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21305 Demonstration Program must send a signed request on its letterhead with the proposed project details as outlined in the ‘‘Demonstration Program Response Submission Address’’ section of this Notice. Demonstration Program Guidelines The following guidelines are being provided to facilitate a structured implementation of the program: 1. Demonstration guarantee. The Demonstration guarantee is a guarantee that will be offered to lenders who submit applications in response to the 2008 Demonstration Notice’s demonstration program’s qualifying criteria. The Demonstration guarantee will consist of one loan note guarantee that will be issued upon closing of the construction loan and will be in effect throughout both of the project’s construction and permanent financing phases without interruption. 2. Upon approval of an application from an approved lender, the Agency will commit to providing a demonstration guarantee for the construction and permanent financing phases of the project, subject to the availability of funds. 3. Guarantee percentage and payment. Both construction loan advances and permanent loans are eligible for a guarantee subject to the following limitations: Construction loan advances and permanent loans. The Agency may guarantee a construction contract which has credit enhancements to protect the Government’s interest. The Agency can guarantee the ‘‘construction and permanent’’ financing phases of a project. The Agency cannot, however, guarantee only the ‘‘construction’’ financing phase of a project. Guarantees under the demonstration guarantee will cover construction loan advances and the subsequent permanent loan. The maximum guarantee of construction advances will not at any time exceed the lesser of 90 percent of the amount of principal and interest up to default advanced for eligible uses of loan proceeds or 90 percent of the original principal amount and interest up to default of a loan. Penalties incurred as a result of default are not covered by the guarantee. The Agency may provide a lesser guarantee based upon its evaluation of the credit quality of the loan. 4. A lender making a construction loan must demonstrate an ability to originate and service construction loans. 5. Guarantee during construction. The Agency will issue a demonstration guarantee only to an approved lender. 6. Demonstration guarantee program compliance requirement. For a demonstration guarantee, the following items will have to be submitted in order to remain compliant with program E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 77 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21304-21305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8473]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2008-0012]


Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on 
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS), USDA, are sponsoring a public meeting on April 25, 2008. The 
objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive 
public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that 
will be discussed at the 14th Session of the Codex Committee on Fresh 
Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
(Codex), which will be held in Mexico City, Mexico, from May 12-17, 
2008. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and AMS recognize the 
importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain 
background information on the 14th Session of the CCFFV and to address 
items on the agenda.

DATES: The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008, at 
10 a.m.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held in Room 2068, USDA South 
Building, at 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. 
Documents related to the 14th Session of the CCFFV will be accessible 
via the World Wide Web at the following address: https://
www.codexalimentarius.net/current.asp.
    The U.S. Delegate to the 14th Session of the CCFFV, Mr. Dorian 
LaFond, AMS, invites interested U.S. parties to submit their comments 
electronically to the following e-mail address: dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
    Registration: You may register electronically to 
dorian.lafond@usda.gov. Early registration is encouraged because it 
will expedite entry into the building. Because the meeting will be held 
in a Federal building, you should also bring photo identification and 
plan for adequate time to pass through security screening systems.
    For Further Information About the 14th CCFFV Session Contact: Mr. 
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, AMS, Fruit and 
Vegetable Programs, Stop 0235, 1400 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-4944, e-mail: dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
    For Further Information About the Public Meeting Contact: Syed Ali, 
Staff Officer, U.S. Codex Office, Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS), Room 4861, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-0574, Fax: (202) 720-3157, e-
mail: syed.ali@fsis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) was established in 1963 
by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agriculture 
Organization and the World Health Organization. Through adoption of 
food standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by 
its committees, and by promoting their adoption and implementation by 
governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers and ensure 
that fair practices are used in trade. The CCFFV elaborates world wide 
standards and codes of practice for fresh fruits and vegetables. The 
CCFFV is hosted by Mexico.

Issues To Be Discussed at the Public Meeting

    The following items on the agenda for the 14th CCFFV Session will 
be discussed during the public meeting:
     Matters referred to the CCFFV from the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission and other Codex bodies.
     Matters arising from other international organizations on 
the Standardization of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
     Proposed Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.
     Draft Codex Standard for Tomatoes.

[[Page 21305]]

     Draft Sections 3--Provisions Concerning Sizing (Draft 
Standard for Tomatoes).
     Draft Codex Standard for Bitter Cassava.
     Draft Codex Guidelines for the Inspection and 
Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Conformity to Quality 
Standards.
     Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Apples.
     Proposals for Amendments to the Priority List for the 
Standardization of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
    Each issue listed will be fully described in documents distributed, 
or to be distributed, by the Secretariat prior to the meeting. Members 
of the public may access or request copies of these documents via the 
World Wide Web at the following address: https://
www.codexalimentarius.net/current.asp.

Public Meeting

    At the April 25, 2008, public meeting, draft U.S. positions on the 
agenda items will be described and discussed, and attendees will have 
the opportunity to pose questions and offer comments. Written comments 
may be sent electronically to the U.S. Delegate for the 14th CCFFV 
Session, Dorian LaFond, at dorian.lafond@usda.gov. Written comments 
should state that they relate to activities of the 14th CCFFV Session.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure that 
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are aware of this 
notice, FSIS will announce it online through the FSIS Web page located 
at (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/2008_Notices_Index/. FSIS 
will also make copies of this Federal Register publication available 
through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide 
information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal 
Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information 
that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and 
stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free 
electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, 
consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals 
who have asked to be included. The Update is also available on the FSIS 
Web page. Through the Listserv and Web page, FSIS is able to provide 
information to a much broader and more diverse audience. In addition, 
FSIS offers an e-mail subscription service which provides automatic and 
customized access to selected food safety news and information. This 
service is available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_and_events/
email_subscription/. Options range from recalls to export information 
to regulations, directives and notices. Customers can add or delete 
subscriptions themselves, and they have the option to password protect 
their accounts.

    Done at Washington, DC, on: April 15, 2008.
Paulo M. Almeida,
Acting U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.
[FR Doc. E8-8473 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P

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