Increase in Fees for Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Services, 38541-38544 [2013-15331]

Download as PDF 38541 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 78, No. 124 Thursday, June 27, 2013 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 58 RIN 0581–AD25 [Doc. No. AMS–DA–10–0002] Increase in Fees for Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Services Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This final rule increases the fees for voluntary Federal dairy grading and inspection services. The fees will increase 10 percent effective August 2013 and an additional 10 percent effective February 2014. The fees applicable to European Union Health Certification Program derogation requests are unchanged. Dairy grading and inspection services are voluntary and are financed in their entirety through user fees assessed to participants using the program. Despite the adoption of technologies that have improved services, additional changes in operations that enhanced efficiencies, and reduced employee numbers, increases in salaries, technology investments, and general inflation have more than offset savings resulting in the need to increase fees. AMS estimates the fee increase will result in an overall cost increase to the industry of less than $0.0004 per pound of dairy product graded. DATES: Effective: August 1, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Lewis, Director, Grading and Standards Division, Dairy Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0225, Room 2968—South, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– 0225, or call (202) 720–4392. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 This rule has been determined to be ‘‘not significant’’ for purposes of Executive Order 12866, and therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This action is not retroactive. There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of this rule. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Pursuant to the requirement set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612), AMS has considered the economic impact of this action on small entities. It has been determined that its provisions would not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. For the purpose of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, a dairy products manufacturer is a ‘‘small business’’ if it has fewer than 500 employees. If a 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. Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, (AMA) (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), the Dairy Grading and Inspection Branch, AMS, provides voluntary Federal inspection and dairy product grading services to about 360 plants. An estimated 345 of these users are small businesses under the criteria established by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.201). This rule will raise the fees charged to businesses for voluntary plant inspections, grading services for dairy, and related products. This rule will not raise fees applicable to the European Union Health Certification Program derogation process. These actions will equally affect all businesses that use these services. Dairy processing plants participating in the voluntary plant inspection program have their facility inspected against established USDA ‘‘General Specifications for Dairy Plants Approved for USDA Inspection and Grading Service’’ construction and sanitation requirements. Businesses are under no obligation to use these voluntary user-fee based services and any decision on their part to PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 discontinue the use of the services would not prevent them from marketing their products. It is estimated that the fee increases will result in an increase to plants of $0.0004 per pound of graded product. Therefore, AMS has determined that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on small businesses. A review of reporting requirements was completed under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The review determined that this rule would have no impact on reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements for entities currently using voluntary Federal dairy inspection and grading services because they would remain identical to the current requirements. This action does not request additional information collection that requires clearance by OMB. The primary sources of data used to complete the forms are routinely used in most business transactions. 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 small. Requiring the same information from all participating dairy plants does not significantly disadvantage any plant that is smaller than the industry average. Description of Program Plants participating in the voluntary AMS Dairy Grading and Inspection Program process milk into dairy foods that enter commerce as retail products, ingredients for further processing, purchases for Federal food assistance programs, or exports to other countries. Services provided by the program enhance the marketability and add value to dairy and dairy-containing foods. Dairy products manufactured in facilities complying with the USDA inspection requirements are eligible to be graded against official quality standards and specifications established by AMS and certain contract provisions between buyer and seller. Dairy products tested and graded by AMS have certificates issued describing the product’s quality and condition. AMS continually reviews cost structures to assure it is operating efficiently while maintaining the resources necessary to meet the dairy industry’s demand for services. E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1 TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 38542 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 124 / Thursday, June 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Periodically, fees must be adjusted to ensure that the program remains financially self-supporting. The AMS Dairy Grading and Inspection Program has made great efforts to reduce the costs associated with providing grading and inspection services since the last fee increase in 2006 (71 FR 60805). Costsaving initiatives to date have resulted in substantial gains in the efficiency of service delivery. In 2006, total costs for the program were $5.2 million to grade and certify 1.5 billion pounds of dairy products—a per pound cost of $0.0035. In 2011, the program’s total costs were $5.3 million to grade and certify 2.0 billion pounds of dairy products—a per pound cost of product certified of $0.0026, a 25 percent improvement in efficiency. Further enhancements will continue to improve the efficiency, quality, and timeliness of providing inspection and grading services. In an effort to minimize the costs associated with managing its workforce, the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program has restructured. The number of administrative personnel has been reduced from 14 full time employees to 5 resulting in annual savings of over $400,000. The National Field Office, located in the suburbs of Chicago, colocated with other USDA offices in Lisle, Illinois, saving about $32,000 annually. One supervisor and one training position were eliminated allowing about $170,000 to be redirected to cover cost increases for additional grading staff needed to provide requested services. In addition, system automation has resulted in improved customer service with less staff involvement, especially in the delivery of export certificates. Advances in electronic submissions and deliveries allowed nearly 20,000 export certificates to be issued with only 2 staff positions during FY 2011. Although significant effort has been directed at reducing expenses, savings from these efforts have not offset increasing operating expenses incurred over the past 6 years. Consequently, existing fee rates are no longer adequate to cover current obligations. The program is depleting reserve funds at a rate that jeopardizes its ability to ensure effective delivery of services to meet industry needs. Fees must be adjusted to cover current and projected operating costs. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized by the AMA to provide voluntary Federal dairy inspection and grading services to facilitate the orderly marketing of dairy products and to enable consumers to obtain the quality of dairy products they desire. The AMA also provides for the collection of VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 reasonable fees from users of the Federal dairy inspection and grading services to cover the cost of providing these services. AMS establishes hourly fees by distributing the program’s projected operating costs over the estimated service-revenue hours provided to users. AMS continually reviews its cost structure to assure it is operating efficiently while maintaining the resources necessary to meet the dairy industry’s demand for services. Periodically, fees must be adjusted to ensure that the program remains financially self-supporting. As part of its financially selfsupporting status, agency requirements necessitate that the program maintain a reserve trust fund with a minimum of 4 months of operating funds to account for program closure or an unexpected decrease in revenues. Since revenues have not covered program costs for several years, the trust fund has gradually been depleted. The fund first dipped below its mandated 4-month reserve level in FY 2010. Without a fee increase, the AMS Dairy Grading and Inspection Branch will be put in an unstable financial position that will adversely affect the ability to provide dairy inspection and grading services. In an effort to reduce costs and delay depletion of reserve funds, AMS has continued to automate its business practices, consolidate facilities, limit personnel, and implement other efficiencies. As detailed earlier, progress to date for the AMS Dairy Grading and Inspection Program has been significant and has resulted in decreasing costs per pound of graded product from $0.0035 to $0.0026. This is equivalent to a savings of approximately $816,000 on every one billion pounds of product graded. Further enhancements in automated business practices will continue to improve the efficiency and timeliness of providing inspection and grading services as well as information to users of these services. Discussion of Comments On January 17, 2013, the USDA published a Proposed Rule (78 FR 3851) to increase the user fees for voluntary Federal plant inspections and dairy product grading services. The Proposed Rule included a 15 percent increase in user-fees for dairy grading beginning in February 2013, and an additional 5 percent increase beginning in October 2013. Comments were due on or before February 19, 2013. Six comments were received: One from a federation of dairy cooperative associations, two from dairy manufacturer associations, one from a PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 non-profit trade organization and two from individuals. One of the comments received from an individual expressed opposition to the proposed fee increase. The comment explained how adoption of the proposed fee increase would increase prices to consumers, increase employee workload, and exempt larger plants from the grading program. The Dairy Grading and Inspection Program is voluntary. Plants who utilize the program do so in order to prove to their customers and to consumers that their product has been certified by the USDA to meet certain standards. The program is utilized by both small and large businesses. USDA estimates that the increased costs to dairy manufacturing plants resulting from the proposed fee increase for grading and inspection services to be negligible $0.0004 per pound of product graded. Two of the comments supported the fee increase as proposed by USDA. Both comments stated that a fee increase is justified since the program has not increased fees since 2006. They also expressed how a decline in grading services from insufficient revenue would be harmful to the dairy industry, and ultimately to consumers. Three comments supported a fee increase for the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program, but proposed a more gradual phase in. The comments stated that it is reasonable that the feefor-service program occasionally increase its fees to cover costs in order to avoid service reductions. They also acknowledged the increased efficiencies that the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program has already achieved. Two of these comments described how the proposed increase to grading and inspection fees would be a significant burden on dairy product manufacturers since it would increase grading fees by 20 percent in less than one year. The comments explained that grading and inspection fees are usually negotiated into sales contracts, and that these contracts are typically negotiated months in advance, thus manufacturers would have to renegotiate contracts to reflect the higher grading fee. The comments argued that this would place an undue financial burden on dairy product manufacturers who utilize the grading program. Alternatively, the comments proposed a three-part fee increase of 8 percent starting October 2013, an additional 6 percent in October 2014, and an additional 6 percent in October 2015. The additional comment proposed that the fee increase not be implemented until October 2014, and at a lower level of 5 percent in the first year. The E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 124 / Thursday, June 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations comment described how a longer phasein of smaller increments would be less disruptive to the industry and consumers. The comment explained that Federal grading and inspection of dairy products can be required as part of sales agreements with customers. The comment also stated that many dairy manufacturers have no mechanism for recouping the increased grading fee from customers. The suggested revisions to the fee increase schedule and implementation date provided by commenters led the USDA to further review the fee structure, taking into consideration the commenters concerns, as well as the budgetary realities faced by the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program. As a result of the analysis, this final rule adopts provisions that are modified from those in the proposed rule. The proposed rule provided for a 15 percent fee increase beginning in February 2013, and an additional 5 percent fee increase beginning in October 2013. This would have applied to all grading services, including EU health certification program derogation requests. This final rule, however, includes a two-part incremental fee increase consisting of a 10 percent increase beginning in August 2013, which is seven months later than initially proposed, with an additional 10 percent increase beginning in February 2014. Two of the comments also stated that the fee increase should not apply to the standard two-hours of non-resident service per European Union (EU) Health Certification Program derogation for somatic cell count and standard plate count. They explained how users of the EU Health Certification Program have invested significant resources to streamline the application process by creating electronic transfer programs to apply for derogations as a group. The comments explained how these systems should have already reduced USDA’s processing time to less than two-hours per derogation, and requested that USDA examine its current cost structure for derogations to see if the rate could be reduced. Beginning January 1, 2012, the U.S. dairy industry began transitioning to a farm level milk sampling program to verify somatic cell count and standard plate count compliance with EU regulations for products exported to the EU. Currently, the EU maximum SCC level is 400,000 and the U.S. SCC standard is 750,000. In an effort to facilitate trade, AMS implemented a derogation program to provide a level of flexibility for farms that exceed EU SCC requirements. Milk from farms granted a derogation can still be manufactured into products that are exported to the EU. The commenters stated the USDA processing time for derogations has been reduced as a result of the industry developing an electronic transfer program to simultaneously submit a group of derogation applications. While this development may reduce time for the submitter, USDA must unbundle the group submission and individually review each application, resulting in no reduced staff time. Furthermore, now Service (all rates in dollars per hour) that the derogation program is in its second year applications must be compared with previously submitted applications to ensure that farms are working towards compliance with the EU standard. Upon further review, USDA determined that the current fee is appropriate and as a result, the fee applicable to derogations is unchanged. Currently, the fees are $63.00 per hour for continuous resident services and $68.00 per hour for non-resident services. The increases outlined in this final rule result in fees of $69.00 per hour for continuous resident services effective August 2013 and $76.00 per hour effective February 2014. The fee for non-resident services between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. is $75.00 per hour beginning August 2013 and $82.00 per hour as of February 2014. The fee for non-resident services between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is $82.40 per hour effective August 2013 and $90.20 as of February 2014. For services performed in excess of 8 hours per day and for services performed on Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays, 11⁄2 times the base fees will apply and result in increases to $104.00 per hour for resident grading beginning August 2013 and $114.00 per hour effective February 2014. Similarly, a fee of $112.40 per hour for non-resident grading services effective August 2013 and $123.00 as of February 2014 also apply. Lastly, a fee of $68.00 per hour at the standard twohour per derogation application will still apply. The following table summarizes the fee changes: Current TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Continuous resident services ...................................................................................................... Non-resident services .................................................................................................................. Non-resident services 6pm–6am (10 percent night differential) ................................................. Continuous resident services—in excess of 8 hours (11⁄2 × base) ............................................. Non-resident—in excess of 8 hours (11⁄2 × base) ....................................................................... Derogation Applications ............................................................................................................... AMS estimates that dairy grading and inspection fees, including the adopted increases, will generate the following revenue (in thousands of dollars): FY 2013 ($6,869); FY 2014 ($7,430); FY 2015 ($7,546); and FY 2016 ($7,342). Program costs are estimated as follows (in thousands of dollars): FY 2013 ($6,051); FY 2014 ($6,459); FY 2015 ($6,536); FY 2016 ($6,615). The additional cost to the industry will still represent less than $0.0004 per pound of product certified as described in the proposed rule. At this increased rate, program analysis estimates that required minimum trust fund reserves will be VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 38543 $63.00 68.00 74.80 94.50 102.00 68.00 August 2013 $69.00 75.00 82.40 104.00 112.40 68.00 February 2014 $76.00 82.00 90.20 114.00 123.00 68.00 reached by FY 2015. Based on the above assumption, trust fund reserves are estimated as follows (in thousands of dollars): FY 2013 ($1,385); FY 2014 ($2,356); FY 2015 ($3,366); FY 2016 ($4,093). PART 58—GRADING AND INSPECTION, GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR APPROVED PLANTS AND STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF DAIRY PRODUCTS List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 58 ■ Dairy products, Food grades and standards, Food labeling, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reason set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 58 is amended as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 58 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Subpart A [Amended] ■ 2. Revise § 58.43 to read as follows: E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1 38544 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 124 / Thursday, June 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations § 58.43 Fees for inspection, grading, sampling, and certification. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Except as otherwise provided in §§ 58.38 through 58.46 and through the last day of January 2014 inclusive, charges shall be made for inspection, grading, and sampling service at the hourly rate of $75.00 for services performed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and at $82.40 for services performed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for service preformed for the time required to perform the service calculated to the nearest 15-minute period, including the time required for preparation of certificates and reports and the travel time of the inspector or grader in connection with the performance of the service. Starting the first day of February 2014, the hourly rate will be equal to $82.00 for service performed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and $90.20 for services performed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. calculated in the same manner. A minimum charge of one-half hour shall be made for service pursuant to each request or certificate issued. Charges for service performed in excess of the assigned tour of duty shall be made at a rate of 11⁄2 times the rate stated in this section. The hourly rate for work regarding compliance with European Union Health Certification Program derogation applications and/or review shall be assessed at $68.00. Federal Aviation Administration ■ 3. Revise § 58.45 to read as follows: § 58.45 Fees for continuous resident services. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Irrespective of the fees and charges provided in §§ 58.39 and 58.43, charges for the inspector(s) and grader(s) assigned to a continuous resident program shall be made at the rate of $69.00 per hour for services performed during the assigned tour of duty until the last day of January 2013. Starting the first day of February 2014, the hourly rate shall be assessed at $76.00 for services calculated in the same manner. Charges for service performed in excess of the assigned tour of duty shall be made at a rate of 11⁄2 times the rate stated in this section. Dated: June 21, 2013 Rex A. Barnes, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2013–15331 Filed 6–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:51 Jun 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0314; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–004–AD; Amendment 39–17490; AD 2013–13–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; B–N Group Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all B–N Group Ltd. Models BN–2, BN–2A, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III–2, BN2A MK. III–3, BN–2A–2, BN–2A–20, BN– 2A–21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2A– 3, BN–2A–6, BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN– 2B–20, BN–2B–21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B– 27, BN–2T, and BN–2T–4R airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as inadequate sealing of the fuel filler cap (fuel tank cap) and the fuel filler receptacle (fuel tank opening), which could lead to contaminated fuel and result in in-flight shutdown of the engine. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective August 1, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 1, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. For service information identified in this AD, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 01983 872511; fax: +44 01983 873246; email: info@bnaircraft.com; Internet: www.britten-norman.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4138; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: taylor.martin@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2013 (78 FR 21072). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Preliminary investigations into a recent engine failure on a BN2 aeroplane have attributed the event to water contaminated fuel. The contamination is suspected to have occurred due to inadequate sealing between a post-mod NB–M–477 fuel filler cap and a pre-mod NB–M–477 fuel filler receptacle. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to fuel water contamination, possibly resulting in in-flight shut down of the engine. For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the fuel filler cap and fuel filler receptacle to determine whether they are at the same modification state and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). To mitigate the risk of water contamination pending the installation of matching fuel filler cap and receptacle, this AD also requires daily pre-flight water contamination checks. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 21072, April 9, 2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 21072, April 9, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 21072, April 9, 2013). E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 124 (Thursday, June 27, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38541-38544]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15331]

========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 124 / Thursday, June 27, 2013 / Rules
and Regulations

[[Page 38541]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 58

RIN 0581-AD25
[Doc. No. AMS-DA-10-0002]

Increase in Fees for Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and
Inspection Services

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule increases the fees for voluntary Federal dairy
grading and inspection services. The fees will increase 10 percent
effective August 2013 and an additional 10 percent effective February
2014. The fees applicable to European Union Health Certification
Program derogation requests are unchanged. Dairy grading and inspection
services are voluntary and are financed in their entirety through user
fees assessed to participants using the program. Despite the adoption
of technologies that have improved services, additional changes in
operations that enhanced efficiencies, and reduced employee numbers,
increases in salaries, technology investments, and general inflation
have more than offset savings resulting in the need to increase fees.
AMS estimates the fee increase will result in an overall cost increase
to the industry of less than $0.0004 per pound of dairy product graded.

DATES: Effective: August 1, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Lewis, Director, Grading and
Standards Division, Dairy Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0225, Room 2968--South, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0225, or call (202) 720-
4392.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Orders 12866 and 12988

This rule has been determined to be ``not significant'' for
purposes of Executive Order 12866, and therefore, has not been reviewed
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This action is not retroactive. There are no
administrative procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial
challenge to the provisions of this rule.

Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act

Pursuant to the requirement set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), AMS has considered the economic impact of this
action on small entities. It has been determined that its provisions
would not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of
small entities. For the purpose of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, a
dairy products manufacturer is a ``small business'' if it has fewer
than 500 employees. If a 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.
Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, (AMA) (7
U.S.C. 1621-1627), the Dairy Grading and Inspection Branch, AMS,
provides voluntary Federal inspection and dairy product grading
services to about 360 plants. An estimated 345 of these users are small
businesses under the criteria established by the Small Business
Administration (13 CFR 121.201).
This rule will raise the fees charged to businesses for voluntary
plant inspections, grading services for dairy, and related products.
This rule will not raise fees applicable to the European Union Health
Certification Program derogation process. These actions will equally
affect all businesses that use these services. Dairy processing plants
participating in the voluntary plant inspection program have their
facility inspected against established USDA ``General Specifications
for Dairy Plants Approved for USDA Inspection and Grading Service''
construction and sanitation requirements. Businesses are under no
obligation to use these voluntary user-fee based services and any
decision on their part to discontinue the use of the services would not
prevent them from marketing their products. It is estimated that the
fee increases will result in an increase to plants of $0.0004 per pound
of graded product. Therefore, AMS has determined that this rule will
not have a significant economic impact on small businesses.
A review of reporting requirements was completed under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The review
determined that this rule would have no impact on reporting,
recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements for entities currently
using voluntary Federal dairy inspection and grading services because
they would remain identical to the current requirements.
This action does not request additional information collection that
requires clearance by OMB. The primary sources of data used to complete
the forms are routinely used in most business transactions. 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 small. Requiring the
same information from all participating dairy plants does not
significantly disadvantage any plant that is smaller than the industry
average.

Description of Program

Plants participating in the voluntary AMS Dairy Grading and
Inspection Program process milk into dairy foods that enter commerce as
retail products, ingredients for further processing, purchases for
Federal food assistance programs, or exports to other countries.
Services provided by the program enhance the marketability and add
value to dairy and dairy-containing foods. Dairy products manufactured
in facilities complying with the USDA inspection requirements are
eligible to be graded against official quality standards and
specifications established by AMS and certain contract provisions
between buyer and seller. Dairy products tested and graded by AMS have
certificates issued describing the product's quality and condition.
AMS continually reviews cost structures to assure it is operating
efficiently while maintaining the resources necessary to meet the dairy
industry's demand for services.

[[Page 38542]]

Periodically, fees must be adjusted to ensure that the program remains
financially self-supporting. The AMS Dairy Grading and Inspection
Program has made great efforts to reduce the costs associated with
providing grading and inspection services since the last fee increase
in 2006 (71 FR 60805). Cost-saving initiatives to date have resulted in
substantial gains in the efficiency of service delivery. In 2006, total
costs for the program were $5.2 million to grade and certify 1.5
billion pounds of dairy products--a per pound cost of $0.0035. In 2011,
the program's total costs were $5.3 million to grade and certify 2.0
billion pounds of dairy products--a per pound cost of product certified
of $0.0026, a 25 percent improvement in efficiency. Further
enhancements will continue to improve the efficiency, quality, and
timeliness of providing inspection and grading services.
In an effort to minimize the costs associated with managing its
workforce, the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program has restructured.
The number of administrative personnel has been reduced from 14 full
time employees to 5 resulting in annual savings of over $400,000. The
National Field Office, located in the suburbs of Chicago, co-located
with other USDA offices in Lisle, Illinois, saving about $32,000
annually. One supervisor and one training position were eliminated
allowing about $170,000 to be redirected to cover cost increases for
additional grading staff needed to provide requested services. In
addition, system automation has resulted in improved customer service
with less staff involvement, especially in the delivery of export
certificates. Advances in electronic submissions and deliveries allowed
nearly 20,000 export certificates to be issued with only 2 staff
positions during FY 2011.
Although significant effort has been directed at reducing expenses,
savings from these efforts have not offset increasing operating
expenses incurred over the past 6 years. Consequently, existing fee
rates are no longer adequate to cover current obligations. The program
is depleting reserve funds at a rate that jeopardizes its ability to
ensure effective delivery of services to meet industry needs. Fees must
be adjusted to cover current and projected operating costs.
The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized by the AMA to provide
voluntary Federal dairy inspection and grading services to facilitate
the orderly marketing of dairy products and to enable consumers to
obtain the quality of dairy products they desire. The AMA also provides
for the collection of reasonable fees from users of the Federal dairy
inspection and grading services to cover the cost of providing these
services. AMS establishes hourly fees by distributing the program's
projected operating costs over the estimated service-revenue hours
provided to users. AMS continually reviews its cost structure to assure
it is operating efficiently while maintaining the resources necessary
to meet the dairy industry's demand for services. Periodically, fees
must be adjusted to ensure that the program remains financially self-
supporting.
As part of its financially self-supporting status, agency
requirements necessitate that the program maintain a reserve trust fund
with a minimum of 4 months of operating funds to account for program
closure or an unexpected decrease in revenues. Since revenues have not
covered program costs for several years, the trust fund has gradually
been depleted. The fund first dipped below its mandated 4-month reserve
level in FY 2010. Without a fee increase, the AMS Dairy Grading and
Inspection Branch will be put in an unstable financial position that
will adversely affect the ability to provide dairy inspection and
grading services.
In an effort to reduce costs and delay depletion of reserve funds,
AMS has continued to automate its business practices, consolidate
facilities, limit personnel, and implement other efficiencies. As
detailed earlier, progress to date for the AMS Dairy Grading and
Inspection Program has been significant and has resulted in decreasing
costs per pound of graded product from $0.0035 to $0.0026. This is
equivalent to a savings of approximately $816,000 on every one billion
pounds of product graded. Further enhancements in automated business
practices will continue to improve the efficiency and timeliness of
providing inspection and grading services as well as information to
users of these services.

Discussion of Comments

On January 17, 2013, the USDA published a Proposed Rule (78 FR
3851) to increase the user fees for voluntary Federal plant inspections
and dairy product grading services. The Proposed Rule included a 15
percent increase in user-fees for dairy grading beginning in February
2013, and an additional 5 percent increase beginning in October 2013.
Comments were due on or before February 19, 2013.
Six comments were received: One from a federation of dairy
cooperative associations, two from dairy manufacturer associations, one
from a non-profit trade organization and two from individuals.
One of the comments received from an individual expressed
opposition to the proposed fee increase. The comment explained how
adoption of the proposed fee increase would increase prices to
consumers, increase employee workload, and exempt larger plants from
the grading program.
The Dairy Grading and Inspection Program is voluntary. Plants who
utilize the program do so in order to prove to their customers and to
consumers that their product has been certified by the USDA to meet
certain standards. The program is utilized by both small and large
businesses. USDA estimates that the increased costs to dairy
manufacturing plants resulting from the proposed fee increase for
grading and inspection services to be negligible $0.0004 per pound of
product graded.
Two of the comments supported the fee increase as proposed by USDA.
Both comments stated that a fee increase is justified since the program
has not increased fees since 2006. They also expressed how a decline in
grading services from insufficient revenue would be harmful to the
dairy industry, and ultimately to consumers.
Three comments supported a fee increase for the Dairy Grading and
Inspection Program, but proposed a more gradual phase in. The comments
stated that it is reasonable that the fee-for-service program
occasionally increase its fees to cover costs in order to avoid service
reductions. They also acknowledged the increased efficiencies that the
Dairy Grading and Inspection Program has already achieved.
Two of these comments described how the proposed increase to
grading and inspection fees would be a significant burden on dairy
product manufacturers since it would increase grading fees by 20
percent in less than one year. The comments explained that grading and
inspection fees are usually negotiated into sales contracts, and that
these contracts are typically negotiated months in advance, thus
manufacturers would have to renegotiate contracts to reflect the higher
grading fee. The comments argued that this would place an undue
financial burden on dairy product manufacturers who utilize the grading
program. Alternatively, the comments proposed a three-part fee increase
of 8 percent starting October 2013, an additional 6 percent in October
2014, and an additional 6 percent in October 2015.
The additional comment proposed that the fee increase not be
implemented until October 2014, and at a lower level of 5 percent in
the first year. The

[[Page 38543]]

comment described how a longer phase-in of smaller increments would be
less disruptive to the industry and consumers. The comment explained
that Federal grading and inspection of dairy products can be required
as part of sales agreements with customers. The comment also stated
that many dairy manufacturers have no mechanism for recouping the
increased grading fee from customers.
The suggested revisions to the fee increase schedule and
implementation date provided by commenters led the USDA to further
review the fee structure, taking into consideration the commenters
concerns, as well as the budgetary realities faced by the Dairy Grading
and Inspection Program. As a result of the analysis, this final rule
adopts provisions that are modified from those in the proposed rule.
The proposed rule provided for a 15 percent fee increase beginning in
February 2013, and an additional 5 percent fee increase beginning in
October 2013. This would have applied to all grading services,
including EU health certification program derogation requests. This
final rule, however, includes a two-part incremental fee increase
consisting of a 10 percent increase beginning in August 2013, which is
seven months later than initially proposed, with an additional 10
percent increase beginning in February 2014.
Two of the comments also stated that the fee increase should not
apply to the standard two-hours of non-resident service per European
Union (EU) Health Certification Program derogation for somatic cell
count and standard plate count. They explained how users of the EU
Health Certification Program have invested significant resources to
streamline the application process by creating electronic transfer
programs to apply for derogations as a group. The comments explained
how these systems should have already reduced USDA's processing time to
less than two-hours per derogation, and requested that USDA examine its
current cost structure for derogations to see if the rate could be
reduced.
Beginning January 1, 2012, the U.S. dairy industry began
transitioning to a farm level milk sampling program to verify somatic
cell count and standard plate count compliance with EU regulations for
products exported to the EU. Currently, the EU maximum SCC level is
400,000 and the U.S. SCC standard is 750,000. In an effort to
facilitate trade, AMS implemented a derogation program to provide a
level of flexibility for farms that exceed EU SCC requirements. Milk
from farms granted a derogation can still be manufactured into products
that are exported to the EU.
The commenters stated the USDA processing time for derogations has
been reduced as a result of the industry developing an electronic
transfer program to simultaneously submit a group of derogation
applications. While this development may reduce time for the submitter,
USDA must unbundle the group submission and individually review each
application, resulting in no reduced staff time. Furthermore, now that
the derogation program is in its second year applications must be
compared with previously submitted applications to ensure that farms
are working towards compliance with the EU standard. Upon further
review, USDA determined that the current fee is appropriate and as a
result, the fee applicable to derogations is unchanged.
Currently, the fees are $63.00 per hour for continuous resident
services and $68.00 per hour for non-resident services. The increases
outlined in this final rule result in fees of $69.00 per hour for
continuous resident services effective August 2013 and $76.00 per hour
effective February 2014. The fee for non-resident services between the
hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. is $75.00 per hour beginning August 2013 and
$82.00 per hour as of February 2014. The fee for non-resident services
between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is $82.40 per hour effective
August 2013 and $90.20 as of February 2014. For services performed in
excess of 8 hours per day and for services performed on Saturday,
Sunday, and legal holidays, 1\1/2\ times the base fees will apply and
result in increases to $104.00 per hour for resident grading beginning
August 2013 and $114.00 per hour effective February 2014. Similarly, a
fee of $112.40 per hour for non-resident grading services effective
August 2013 and $123.00 as of February 2014 also apply. Lastly, a fee
of $68.00 per hour at the standard two-hour per derogation application
will still apply. The following table summarizes the fee changes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service (all rates in dollars per hour) Current August 2013 February 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuous resident services.................................... $63.00 $69.00 $76.00
Non-resident services........................................... 68.00 75.00 82.00
Non-resident services 6pm-6am (10 percent night differential)... 74.80 82.40 90.20
Continuous resident services--in excess of 8 hours (1\1/2\ x 94.50 104.00 114.00
base)..........................................................
Non-resident--in excess of 8 hours (1\1/2\ x base).............. 102.00 112.40 123.00
Derogation Applications......................................... 68.00 68.00 68.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMS estimates that dairy grading and inspection fees, including the
adopted increases, will generate the following revenue (in thousands of
dollars): FY 2013 ($6,869); FY 2014 ($7,430); FY 2015 ($7,546); and FY
2016 ($7,342). Program costs are estimated as follows (in thousands of
dollars): FY 2013 ($6,051); FY 2014 ($6,459); FY 2015 ($6,536); FY 2016
($6,615). The additional cost to the industry will still represent less
than $0.0004 per pound of product certified as described in the
proposed rule. At this increased rate, program analysis estimates that
required minimum trust fund reserves will be reached by FY 2015. Based
on the above assumption, trust fund reserves are estimated as follows
(in thousands of dollars): FY 2013 ($1,385); FY 2014 ($2,356); FY 2015
($3,366); FY 2016 ($4,093).

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 58

Dairy products, Food grades and standards, Food labeling, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
For the reason set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 58 is amended
as follows:

PART 58--GRADING AND INSPECTION, GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR
APPROVED PLANTS AND STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF DAIRY PRODUCTS

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 58 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

Subpart A [Amended]

0
2. Revise Sec. 58.43 to read as follows:

[[Page 38544]]

Sec. 58.43 Fees for inspection, grading, sampling, and certification.

Except as otherwise provided in Sec. Sec. 58.38 through 58.46 and
through the last day of January 2014 inclusive, charges shall be made
for inspection, grading, and sampling service at the hourly rate of
$75.00 for services performed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and at $82.40
for services performed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for service preformed
for the time required to perform the service calculated to the nearest
15-minute period, including the time required for preparation of
certificates and reports and the travel time of the inspector or grader
in connection with the performance of the service. Starting the first
day of February 2014, the hourly rate will be equal to $82.00 for
service performed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and $90.20 for services
performed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. calculated in the same manner. A
minimum charge of one-half hour shall be made for service pursuant to
each request or certificate issued. Charges for service performed in
excess of the assigned tour of duty shall be made at a rate of 1\1/2\
times the rate stated in this section. The hourly rate for work
regarding compliance with European Union Health Certification Program
derogation applications and/or review shall be assessed at $68.00.

0
3. Revise Sec. 58.45 to read as follows:

Sec. 58.45 Fees for continuous resident services.

Irrespective of the fees and charges provided in Sec. Sec. 58.39
and 58.43, charges for the inspector(s) and grader(s) assigned to a
continuous resident program shall be made at the rate of $69.00 per
hour for services performed during the assigned tour of duty until the
last day of January 2013. Starting the first day of February 2014, the
hourly rate shall be assessed at $76.00 for services calculated in the
same manner. Charges for service performed in excess of the assigned
tour of duty shall be made at a rate of 1\1/2\ times the rate stated in
this section.

Dated: June 21, 2013
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-15331 Filed 6-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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