Organization; Eligibility and Scope of Financing; Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and Operations, and Funding Operations; Definitions; and Disclosure to Shareholders; Director Elections, 23961-23962 [E9-12013]

Download as PDF erowe on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS-1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 98 / Friday, May 22, 2009 / Proposed Rules designation reduced the minimum potato size, as determined in the United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, to 3⁄4 inches diameter. The Committee reported that smaller size potatoes of good quality receive premium prices. While USDA Market News does not report on round type potatoes or on small size, long type potatoes in the Idaho-E. Oregon area, but does report on activity in other regions producing both round types and smaller sizes of potatoes, reports from other areas do show that the higher grade, small size round type potatoes consistently command higher prices than larger potatoes. It would be reasonable to expect price trends between production areas to move together, given that the regions would compete with each other for sales in the domestic market. Relaxing the size requirement would allow producers and handlers of potatoes under the order to ship a greater percentage of their crop to the fresh market. In addition, shipments of the smaller size potatoes that would be allowed after this change should command higher prices, which would be expected to increase total net returns for those firms who chose to ship. The benefits derived from this rule change are not expected to be disproportionately more or less for small handlers or producers than for larger entities. Additionally, this rule would allow potato importers to respond to the changing demand of the domestic consumers. The market’s increasing preference for small size potatoes applies to imported potatoes as well as domestic potatoes. Thus, importers would benefit by increasing sales to an emerging domestic market segment. The Committee discussed alternatives to this proposed change. One alternative included making no change at all to the current regulation. The Committee did not believe that maintaining the current requirements would serve to meet the needs of consumers or buyers, and would not ultimately be of any benefit to the industry. Another alternative discussed was to allow smaller size potatoes to continue to be handled exempt from regulation under the special purpose shipment provisions provided within the order. This option was also rejected because it could potentially allow lower quality potatoes to be shipped into the fresh market. Lastly, the Committee considered further relaxing the size requirement for potatoes beyond what is proposed in this rule. The discussion centered on whether to extend the relaxation to U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes as well. The VerDate Nov<24>2008 12:11 May 21, 2009 Jkt 217001 Committee believed that the proposed relaxation is sufficient to adequately supply the growing market demand for smaller size potatoes while still maintaining high quality standards for such potatoes. After consideration of all the alternatives, the Committee believes that the proposed changes contained herein would provide the greatest amount of benefit to the industry with the least amount of cost. 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. This rule would not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on either small or large potato handlers and importers. 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, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this proposed rule. Further, the Committee’s meeting was widely publicized throughout the potato industry, and all interested persons were invited to attend the meeting and participate in Committee deliberations. Like all Committee meetings, the June 9, 2008, meeting was a public meeting and all entities, both large and small, were able to express their 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. 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/ AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do? template=TemplateN&page=Marketing OrdersSmallBusinessGuide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Jay Guerber at the previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. In accordance with section 8e of the Act, the United States Trade Representative has concurred with the issuance of this proposed rule. A 60-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to respond to this proposal. All written comments timely received will be considered before a final determination is made on this matter. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 23961 List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 945 Marketing agreements, Potatoes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons set forth above, 7 CFR part 945 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 945—IRISH POTATOES GROWN IN CERTAIN DESIGNATED COUNTIES IN IDAHO, AND MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 945 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. 2. In § 945.341, paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(iii) are revised to read as follows: § 945.341 Handling regulation. * * * * * (a) * * * * * * * * (2) * * * (i) Round varieties. 17⁄8 inches minimum diameter, unless otherwise specified on the container in connection with the grade. (ii) * * * (iii) All varieties, U.S. No. 1 grade or better. (A) Size B (11⁄2 to 21⁄4 inches diameter). (B) Creamer (3⁄4 to 15⁄8 inches diameter). * * * * * Dated: May 18, 2009. Robert C. Keeney, Acting Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. E9–11968 Filed 5–21–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION 12 CFR Parts 611, 613, 615, 619, and 620 RIN 3052–AC43 Organization; Eligibility and Scope of Financing; Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and Operations, and Funding Operations; Definitions; and Disclosure to Shareholders; Director Elections Farm Credit Administration. Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Farm Credit Administration (FCA, Agency or we) is extending the comment period on the proposed rulemaking that seeks comments on proposed changes to the rules on Farm Credit System (System) bank and association director elections E:\FR\FM\22MYP1.SGM 22MYP1 erowe on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS-1 23962 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 98 / Friday, May 22, 2009 / Proposed Rules and other voting procedures to clarify the director elections process, and to update the rules to incorporate interpretations made through recent bookletters to System institutions. We are extending the comment period so all interested parties will have additional time to provide comments. DATES: You may send comments on or before August 14, 2009. ADDRESSES: We offer a variety of methods for you to submit your comments. For accuracy and efficiency reasons, commenters are encouraged to submit comments by e-mail or through the FCA’s Web site. As facsimiles (fax) are difficult for us to process and achieve compliance with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we are no longer accepting comments submitted by fax. Regardless of the method you use, please do not submit your comment multiple times via different methods. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: Send us an e-mail at regcomm@fca.gov. • FCA Web site: https://www.fca.gov. Select ‘‘Public Commenters,’’ then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow the directions for ‘‘Submitting a Comment.’’ • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Gary K. Van Meter, Deputy Director, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, VA 22102–5090. You may review copies of all comments we receive at our office in McLean, Virginia, or from our Web site at https:// www.fca.gov. Once you are in the Web site, select ‘‘Public Commenters,’’ then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow the directions for ‘‘Reading Submitted Public Comments.’’ We will show your comments as submitted, but for technical reasons we may omit items such as logos and special characters. Identifying information you provide, such as phone numbers and addresses, will be publicly available. However, we will attempt to remove e-mail addresses to help reduce Internet spam. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elna Luopa, Senior Corporate Analyst, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102–5090, (703) 883–4498, TTY (703) 883–4434; or Laura D. McFarland, Senior Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Farm Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102–5090, (703) 883–4020, TTY (703) 883–4020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 16, 2009, FCA published a notice in the VerDate Nov<24>2008 12:11 May 21, 2009 Jkt 217001 Federal Register seeking public comment on proposed changes to the rules governing director elections for System banks and associations and the related director elections process. See 74 FR 17612. The comment period is scheduled to expire on June 15, 2009. In a letter dated May 1, 2009, the Farm Credit Council, on behalf of System banks and associations, requested that the Agency extend the comment period for another 60 days to allow more time for the boards of directors of System banks and associations to consider the proposed rule and submit their comments. Several System associations submitted separate requests to extend the public comment period for an additional 60 days, noting that they will have only one board meeting at which to consider and discuss the issues before the comment period expires. Due to the wide-ranging effect of the proposed rule on directors, director candidates, nominating committees, and the voting shareholders of System institutions, we have granted this request. The FCA supports public involvement and participation in its regulatory process and invites all interested parties to review and provide comments on our proposed rule. Dated: May 19, 2009. Roland E. Smith, Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board. [FR Doc. E9–12013 Filed 5–21–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6705–01–P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Parts 1 and 30 RIN 3038–AC79 Investment of Customer Funds and Funds Held in an Account for Foreign Futures and Foreign Options Transactions Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for public comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commission) is seeking public comment on possible changes to its regulations regarding the investment of customer funds segregated pursuant to Section 4d of the Commodity Exchange Act (customer segregated funds) and funds held in an account subject to Commission Regulation 30.7 (30.7 funds). Commission Regulation 1.25 provides that a derivatives clearing organization PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (DCO) or a futures commission merchant (FCM) holding customer segregated funds may invest those funds in certain permitted investments subject to specified requirements that are designed to minimize exposure to credit, liquidity, and market risks. The Commission is considering significantly revising the scope and character of these permitted investments and is seeking public comment before issuing proposed rule amendments. Additionally, in conjunction with its consideration of possible amendments to Regulation 1.25, the Commission is considering applying the investment requirements of Regulation 1.25, including any prospective amendments, to investments of 30.7 funds. The Commission is seeking public comment on this action before issuing proposed rule amendments. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 21, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov/https:// frwebgate.access.gpo/cgi-bin/leaving. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: secretary@cftc.gov. Include ‘‘Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Regulations 1.25 and 30.7’’ in the subject line of the message. • Fax: 202–418–5521. • Mail: Send to David A. Stawick, Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. • Courier: Same as mail above. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.CFTC.gov/. Reference should be made to ‘‘Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Regulations 1.25 and 30.7.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah E. Josephson, Special Counsel, 202–418–5684, sjosephson@cftc.gov, or Phyllis P. Dietz, Associate Director, 202–418–5449, pdietz@cftc.gov, Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1151 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background A. Regulation 1.25 Under Section 4d(a)(2) of the Commodity Exchange Act (Act),1 the 17 U.S.C. 6d(a)(2). E:\FR\FM\22MYP1.SGM 22MYP1

Agencies

Farm Credit Administration

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 98 (Friday, May 22, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23961-23962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12013]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION

12 CFR Parts 611, 613, 615, 619, and 620

RIN 3052-AC43


Organization; Eligibility and Scope of Financing; Funding and 
Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and Operations, and Funding Operations; 
Definitions; and Disclosure to Shareholders; Director Elections

AGENCY: Farm Credit Administration.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: The Farm Credit Administration (FCA, Agency or we) is 
extending the comment period on the proposed rulemaking that seeks 
comments on proposed changes to the rules on Farm Credit System 
(System) bank and association director elections

[[Page 23962]]

and other voting procedures to clarify the director elections process, 
and to update the rules to incorporate interpretations made through 
recent bookletters to System institutions. We are extending the comment 
period so all interested parties will have additional time to provide 
comments.

DATES: You may send comments on or before August 14, 2009.

ADDRESSES: We offer a variety of methods for you to submit your 
comments. For accuracy and efficiency reasons, commenters are 
encouraged to submit comments by e-mail or through the FCA's Web site. 
As facsimiles (fax) are difficult for us to process and achieve 
compliance with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we are no longer 
accepting comments submitted by fax. Regardless of the method you use, 
please do not submit your comment multiple times via different methods. 
You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     E-mail: Send us an e-mail at reg-comm@fca.gov.
     FCA Web site: https://www.fca.gov. Select ``Public 
Commenters,'' then ``Public Comments,'' and follow the directions for 
``Submitting a Comment.''
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Gary K. Van Meter, Deputy Director, Office of 
Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, 
McLean, VA 22102-5090.

You may review copies of all comments we receive at our office in 
McLean, Virginia, or from our Web site at https://www.fca.gov. Once you 
are in the Web site, select ``Public Commenters,'' then ``Public 
Comments,'' and follow the directions for ``Reading Submitted Public 
Comments.'' We will show your comments as submitted, but for technical 
reasons we may omit items such as logos and special characters. 
Identifying information you provide, such as phone numbers and 
addresses, will be publicly available. However, we will attempt to 
remove e-mail addresses to help reduce Internet spam.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Elna Luopa, Senior Corporate Analyst, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm 
Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102-5090, (703) 883-4498, TTY (703) 
883-4434; or
Laura D. McFarland, Senior Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Farm 
Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102-5090, (703) 883-4020, TTY (703) 
883-4020.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 16, 2009, FCA published a notice in 
the Federal Register seeking public comment on proposed changes to the 
rules governing director elections for System banks and associations 
and the related director elections process. See 74 FR 17612. The 
comment period is scheduled to expire on June 15, 2009. In a letter 
dated May 1, 2009, the Farm Credit Council, on behalf of System banks 
and associations, requested that the Agency extend the comment period 
for another 60 days to allow more time for the boards of directors of 
System banks and associations to consider the proposed rule and submit 
their comments. Several System associations submitted separate requests 
to extend the public comment period for an additional 60 days, noting 
that they will have only one board meeting at which to consider and 
discuss the issues before the comment period expires. Due to the wide-
ranging effect of the proposed rule on directors, director candidates, 
nominating committees, and the voting shareholders of System 
institutions, we have granted this request. The FCA supports public 
involvement and participation in its regulatory process and invites all 
interested parties to review and provide comments on our proposed rule.

    Dated: May 19, 2009.
Roland E. Smith,
Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board.
[FR Doc. E9-12013 Filed 5-21-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6705-01-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.