Plant Variety Protection Board; Renewal of the Plant Variety Protection Board Charter, 10660-10661 [2015-04086]

Download as PDF 10660 Notices Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 39 Friday, February 27, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES February 23, 2015. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250–7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 displays a currently valid OMB control number. Food and Nutrition Service Title: WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (ITFPS–2) Age 3 Extension. OMB Control Number: 0584–0580. Summary of Collection: The Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Pub. L.111–296, Sec. 305) mandates programs under its authorization, including WIC, to cooperate with USDA program research and evaluation activities. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) serves a highly-vulnerable population low-income pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children through their fifth birthday who are at nutritional risk. The program provides supplemental food packages, health referrals and nutrition education for participants. The Age 3 Extension will provide the data to answer research questions relevant to WIC program and policy as well as the nutrition and wellbeing of children up to their 3rd birthday. Need and Use of the Information: The study is needed to provide FNS with information on the factors that influence feeding practices and the nutrition and health outcomes of infants and toddlers in the first two years of their lives. The Age 3 Extension study will expand the data collection to their third year of life. Description of Respondents: Not-forprofit institutions; Individual or households; Business or other for-profit; State, Local or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 4,353. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Other (alt month). Total Burden Hours: 5,409. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–04088 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P PO 00000 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary Reestablishment of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Secretary of Agriculture intends to reestablish the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21) for a twoyear period. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be addressed to Michael Schechtman, Designated Federal Official, telephone (202) 720– 3817; fax (202) 690–4265; email michael.schechtman@ars.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Advisory Committee Purpose: USDA supports the responsible development and application of biotechnology within the global food and agricultural system. Biotechnology intersects many of the policies, programs, and functions of USDA. The charge for the AC21 is twofold: To examine the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA; and to provide guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture. The AC21 will meet in Washington, DC, up to four (4) times per year. SUMMARY: Done at Washington, DC, this 11th day of February 2015. Catherine E. Woteki, Under Secretary, REE, Chief Scientist, USDA. [FR Doc. 2015–04107 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Document No. AMS–ST–14–0083] Plant Variety Protection Board; Renewal of the Plant Variety Protection Board Charter Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 39 / Friday, February 27, 2015 / Notices In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.), this notice announces that the Secretary of Agriculture intends to renew the Plant Variety Protection Board (PVP Board). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Zankowski, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Plant Variety Protection Office; 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 4512; Washington, DC 20250 or by phone at (202) 720–1128 or by Internet: https:// www.regulations.gov or by email: Paul.Zankowski@ams.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.) provides legal protection in the form of intellectual property rights to developers of new varieties of plants, which are reproduced sexually by seed or are tuber-propagated. A Certificate of Plant Variety Protection is awarded to an owner of a crop variety after an examination shows that it is new, distinct from other varieties, and genetically uniform and stable through successive generations. The term of protection is 20 years for most crops and 25 years for trees, shrubs, and vines. The PVPA also provides for a statutory Board (7 U.S.C. 2327) to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The duties of the Board are to: (1) Advise the Secretary concerning the adoption of rules and regulations to facilitate the proper administration of the Act; (2) provide advisory counsel to the Secretary on appeals concerning decisions on applications by the PVP Office and on requests for emergency public-interest compulsory licenses; and (3) advise the Secretary on any other matters under the Regulations and Rules of Practice and on all questions under section 44 of the Act, ‘‘Public Interest in Wide Usage’’ (7 U.S.C. 2404). Renewing the PVP Board is necessary and in the public interest. The PVPA provides that ‘‘the Board shall consist of individuals who are experts in various areas of varietal development covered by this Act.’’ The Board membership ‘‘shall include farmer representation and shall be drawn approximately equally from the private or seed industry sector and from the sector of government or the public.’’ The Board consists of 14 members, each of whom is appointed for a 2-year period, with no member appointed for more than three 2-year periods. Nominations are made by farmers’ associations, trade associations in the seed industry, professional associations representing expertise in seed technology, plant breeding, and variety development, public and private mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 research and development institutions (13 members) and the USDA (one member). Equal opportunity practices, in agreement with USDA nondiscrimination policies, will be followed in all membership appointments to the Board. To ensure that the suggestions of the Board have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The Charter for the PVP Board will be available on the Web site at: https:// www.facadatabase.gov/ download.aspx?fn=Charters/1309_ 2013.09.11_PVPBCharter2.7.13_(201309-11-05-03-31).pdf or may be requested by contacting the individual identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, or audiotape) should contact USDA’s Target Center at 202–720–2600 (voice and TTY). To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call 202–720–5964 (voice and TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Dated: February 23, 2015. Rex A. Barnes, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2015–04086 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2015–0007] Notice of Availability of a Treatment Evaluation Document; Methyl Bromide Fumigation of Figs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We are advising the public that we have determined that it is necessary to immediately add to the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10661 Plant Protection and Quarantine Treatment Manual a new treatment schedule for methyl bromide fumigation of figs for external pests, including Chilean false red mite. We have prepared a treatment evaluation document that describes the new treatment schedule and explains why we have determined that it is effective at neutralizing these pests. We are making the treatment evaluation document available to the public for review and comment. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before May 28, 2015. DATES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2015-0007. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2015–0007, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2015-0007 or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. ADDRESSES: Dr. Inder P.S. Gadh, Senior Risk Manager– Treatments, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The regulations in 7 CFR chapter III are intended, among other things, to prevent the introduction or dissemination of plant pests and noxious weeds into or within the United States. Under the regulations, certain plants, fruits, vegetables, and other articles must be treated before they may be moved into the United States or interstate. The phytosanitary treatments regulations contained in 7 CFR part 305 (referred to below as the regulations) set out standards for treatments required in 7 CFR parts 301, 318, and 319 for fruits, vegetables, and other articles. In § 305.2, paragraph (b) states that approved treatment schedules are set out in the Plant Protection and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10660-10661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-04086]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Document No. AMS-ST-14-0083]


Plant Variety Protection Board; Renewal of the Plant Variety 
Protection Board Charter

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

[[Page 10661]]

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) 
(5 U.S.C. App.), this notice announces that the Secretary of 
Agriculture intends to renew the Plant Variety Protection Board (PVP 
Board).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Zankowski, USDA, Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS), Plant Variety Protection Office; 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Room 4512; Washington, DC 20250 or by phone at 
(202) 720-1128 or by Internet: https://www.regulations.gov or by email: 
Paul.Zankowski@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) (7 
U.S.C. 2321 et seq.) provides legal protection in the form of 
intellectual property rights to developers of new varieties of plants, 
which are reproduced sexually by seed or are tuber-propagated. A 
Certificate of Plant Variety Protection is awarded to an owner of a 
crop variety after an examination shows that it is new, distinct from 
other varieties, and genetically uniform and stable through successive 
generations. The term of protection is 20 years for most crops and 25 
years for trees, shrubs, and vines.
    The PVPA also provides for a statutory Board (7 U.S.C. 2327) to be 
appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The duties of the Board are 
to: (1) Advise the Secretary concerning the adoption of rules and 
regulations to facilitate the proper administration of the Act; (2) 
provide advisory counsel to the Secretary on appeals concerning 
decisions on applications by the PVP Office and on requests for 
emergency public-interest compulsory licenses; and (3) advise the 
Secretary on any other matters under the Regulations and Rules of 
Practice and on all questions under section 44 of the Act, ``Public 
Interest in Wide Usage'' (7 U.S.C. 2404). Renewing the PVP Board is 
necessary and in the public interest.
    The PVPA provides that ``the Board shall consist of individuals who 
are experts in various areas of varietal development covered by this 
Act.'' The Board membership ``shall include farmer representation and 
shall be drawn approximately equally from the private or seed industry 
sector and from the sector of government or the public.'' The Board 
consists of 14 members, each of whom is appointed for a 2-year period, 
with no member appointed for more than three 2-year periods. 
Nominations are made by farmers' associations, trade associations in 
the seed industry, professional associations representing expertise in 
seed technology, plant breeding, and variety development, public and 
private research and development institutions (13 members) and the USDA 
(one member).
    Equal opportunity practices, in agreement with USDA 
nondiscrimination policies, will be followed in all membership 
appointments to the Board. To ensure that the suggestions of the Board 
have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, 
membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with 
demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with 
disabilities.
    The Charter for the PVP Board will be available on the Web site at: 
https://www.facadatabase.gov/download.aspx?fn=Charters/1309_2013.09.11_PVPBCharter2.7.13_(2013-09-11-05-03-31).pdf or may be 
requested by contacting the individual identified in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.
    USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on 
the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, 
disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or 
family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means 
for communication of program information (Braille, large print, or 
audiotape) should contact USDA's Target Center at 202-720-2600 (voice 
and TTY).
    To file a written complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TTY). 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

    Dated: February 23, 2015.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-04086 Filed 2-26-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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