Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Guava Fruit From Taiwan Into the Continental United States, 64314-64315 [2018-27053]

Download as PDF 64314 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2018 / Notices (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code, for the purpose of disease control and international trade. On July 12, 2016, we published a notice 2 in the Federal Register (81 FR 45121–45122, Docket No. APHIS–2016– 0013) advising the public that we had prepared updates to the NPIP Program Standards. Specifically, we proposed to add provisions for compartmentalization of primary poultry breeding establishments and approval of compartment components, such as farms, feedmills, hatcheries, and egg depots. These proposed provisions included requirements for applying for compartmentalization of facilities and for facility design and management, as well as an outline of the auditing system APHIS proposed to use to evaluate compartments and their component operations. We solicited comments for 30 days ending on August 11, 2016. We received six comments by that date. They were from poultry breeders and suppliers of breeding stock, egg producers, and veterinarians. All the commenters supported our proposed updates. We are making one minor editorial change to the compartmentalization provisions that we are adding to the NPIP Program Standards. Specifically, we are clarifying that visitors to farms, feedmills, hatcheries, and egg depots must agree in writing to follow company-established protocols regarding personal items and food. Therefore, we are updating the NPIP Program Standards as described in our previous notice and in this document. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the information collection activities included in this notice will be approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579–0007. E-Government Act Compliance The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is committed to compliance 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. For information pertinent to E-Government Act compliance related to this notice, please contact Ms. Kimberly Hardy, APHIS’ Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 851– 2483. 2 To view the notice and comments we received, go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docket Detail;D=APHIS-2016-0013. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Dec 13, 2018 Jkt 247001 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301–8317; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4. Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of December 2018. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2018–27068 Filed 12–13–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2018–0073] Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Guava Fruit From Taiwan Into the Continental United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with importation of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan into the continental United States. Based on the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 12, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docket Detail;D=APHIS-2018-0073. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2018–0073, 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/#!docket Detail;D=APHIS-2018-0073 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Mr. Tony Roma´n, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1231; (301) 851–2242. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the regulations in ‘‘Subpart–Fruits and Vegetables’’ (7 CFR 319.56–1 through 319.56–12, referred to below as the regulations), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the importation of fruits and vegetables into the United States from certain parts of the world to prevent plant pests from being introduced into or disseminated within the United States. Section 319.56–4 contains a performance-based process for approving the importation of certain fruits and vegetables that, based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, can be safely imported subject to one or more of the five designated phytosanitary measures listed in paragraph (b) of that section. APHIS received a request from the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of Taiwan to allow the importation of fresh guava fruit (Psidium guajava) into the continental United States. As part of our evaluation of Taiwan’s request, we have prepared a pest risk assessment (PRA) to identify pests of quarantine significance that could follow the pathway of importation of fresh guava fruit into the continental United States from Taiwan. Based on the PRA, a risk management document (RMD) was prepared to identify phytosanitary measures that could be applied to the fresh guava fruit to mitigate the pest risk. We have concluded that fresh guava fruit can be safely imported from Taiwan into the continental United States using one or more of the five designated phytosanitary measures listed in § 319.56–4(b). The NPPO of Taiwan would have to enter into an operational workplan with APHIS that spells out the daily procedures the NPPO will take to implement the measures identified in the RMD. These measures are summarized below: • Importation in commercial shipments only, • Registration of places of production and packinghouses with the NPPO of Taiwan, • Regular inspections of places of production by the NPPO, • Grove sanitation and trapping for fruit flies in places of production, • Safeguarding and identification of the lot throughout the growing, packing and export process, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM 14DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2018 / Notices • Phytosanitary treatment (cold treatment or irradiation), • Pre-export inspection by the NPPO and issuance of a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration, and • Port of entry inspections. Each of the pest risk mitigation measures that would be required, along with evidence of their efficacy in removing pests of concern from the pathway, are described in detail in the RMD. Therefore, in accordance with § 319.56–4(c)(3), we are announcing the availability of our PRA and RMD for public review and comment. Those documents, as well as a description of the economic considerations associated with the importation of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan and a treatment evaluation document that supports the addition of new cold treatment schedules for Bactrocera spp. fruit flies in guava from Taiwan, may be viewed on the Regulations.gov website or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may request paper copies of these documents by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the subject of the analysis you wish to review when requesting copies. After reviewing any comments we receive, we will announce our decision regarding the import status of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan in a subsequent notice. If the overall conclusions of our analysis and the Administrator’s determination of risk remain unchanged following our consideration of the comments, then we will authorize the importation of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan into the continental United States subject to the requirements specified in the RMD. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 7701–7772, and 7781–7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of December 2018. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2018–27053 Filed 12–13–18; 8:45 am] amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Broadband Pilot Program Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Dec 13, 2018 Jkt 247001 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and solicitation of applications. ACTION: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its general policy and application procedures for funding under the broadband pilot program established pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 which provides loans, grants, and loan/ grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the pilot will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America. One of those opportunities is precision agriculture. The use of this technology requires a robust broadband connection. The awards made under this program will bring high speed broadband to the farms which will allow them to increase productivity. Please note that the application process is designed so that an applicant must demonstrate financial and technical feasibility of the project and the entire operation of the applicant. Applicants that do not demonstrate financial or technical feasibility will not be considered for an award. DATES: The Agency will finalize the application window by notice in the Federal Register and Grants.gov on February 22, 2019. Please note there are three funding categories with each category having different application windows. Please refer to the specific funding category for the appropriate application deadline. ADDRESSES: Application Submission: The application system for electronic submissions will be available at https:// reconnect.usda.gov. Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions of applications will allow for the expeditious review of an Applicant’s proposal. As a result, all Applicants must file their application electronically. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general inquiries, contact Chad Parker, Assistant Administrator Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), email: chad.parker@wdc.usda.gov, telephone (202) 720–9554. You may obtain additional information regarding applications at https:// reconnect.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Authority: This solicitation is issued pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Pub. L. 115–141, and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64315 Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Funding Opportunity Title: Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program). Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and solicitation of applications. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program)—10.752. Items in Supplementary Information I. Overview II. Definitions III. Substantially Underserved Trust Areas IV. Funding Opportunity Description V. Eligibility Information VI. Application and Submission Information VII. Application Evaluation Criteria VIII. Notice of Proposed Funded Service Areas IX. Evaluation and Processing Procedures X. Award Administration Information XI. Other Information I. Overview On March 23, 2018, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the FY2018 Appropriations), which established a broadband loan and grant pilot program, the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (hereinafter the ReConnect Program). One of the essential goals of the ReConnect Program is to expand broadband service to rural areas without sufficient access to broadband, defined as 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. For this purpose, Congress provided RUS with $600 million and expanded its existing authority to make loans and grants. Additionally, the FY2018 Appropriations specifically authorized technical assistance to assist the Agency in expanding needed service to the most rural communities where 90 percent of the households are without sufficient access to broadband service. To promote broadband in rural America, RUS encourages state and local jurisdictions to waive any fees associated with granting rights-of-ways and to assist applicants and awardees with satisfying any environmental requirements such as approval from the State Historical Preservation Office. II. Definitions The terms and conditions provided in this FOA are applicable to and for purposes of this FOA only. Unless otherwise provided in the award documents, all financial terms not defined herein shall have the meaning as defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM 14DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 240 (Friday, December 14, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64314-64315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27053]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2018-0073]


Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the 
Importation of Fresh Guava Fruit From Taiwan Into the Continental 
United States

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk 
analysis that evaluates the risks associated with importation of fresh 
guava fruit from Taiwan into the continental United States. Based on 
the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more 
phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of 
introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the 
importation of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan. We are making the pest 
risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before 
February 12, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2018-0073.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2018-0073, 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-2018-
0073 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Tony Rom[aacute]n, Senior 
Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, 
PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 
851-2242.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the regulations in ``Subpart-Fruits 
and Vegetables'' (7 CFR 319.56-1 through 319.56-12, referred to below 
as the regulations), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
(APHIS) prohibits or restricts the importation of fruits and vegetables 
into the United States from certain parts of the world to prevent plant 
pests from being introduced into or disseminated within the United 
States.
    Section 319.56-4 contains a performance-based process for approving 
the importation of certain fruits and vegetables that, based on the 
findings of a pest risk analysis, can be safely imported subject to one 
or more of the five designated phytosanitary measures listed in 
paragraph (b) of that section.
    APHIS received a request from the national plant protection 
organization (NPPO) of Taiwan to allow the importation of fresh guava 
fruit (Psidium guajava) into the continental United States. As part of 
our evaluation of Taiwan's request, we have prepared a pest risk 
assessment (PRA) to identify pests of quarantine significance that 
could follow the pathway of importation of fresh guava fruit into the 
continental United States from Taiwan. Based on the PRA, a risk 
management document (RMD) was prepared to identify phytosanitary 
measures that could be applied to the fresh guava fruit to mitigate the 
pest risk.
    We have concluded that fresh guava fruit can be safely imported 
from Taiwan into the continental United States using one or more of the 
five designated phytosanitary measures listed in Sec.  319.56-4(b). The 
NPPO of Taiwan would have to enter into an operational workplan with 
APHIS that spells out the daily procedures the NPPO will take to 
implement the measures identified in the RMD. These measures are 
summarized below:
     Importation in commercial shipments only,
     Registration of places of production and packinghouses 
with the NPPO of Taiwan,
     Regular inspections of places of production by the NPPO,
     Grove sanitation and trapping for fruit flies in places of 
production,
     Safeguarding and identification of the lot throughout the 
growing, packing and export process,

[[Page 64315]]

     Phytosanitary treatment (cold treatment or irradiation),
     Pre-export inspection by the NPPO and issuance of a 
phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration, and
     Port of entry inspections.
    Each of the pest risk mitigation measures that would be required, 
along with evidence of their efficacy in removing pests of concern from 
the pathway, are described in detail in the RMD.
    Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  319.56-4(c)(3), we are 
announcing the availability of our PRA and RMD for public review and 
comment. Those documents, as well as a description of the economic 
considerations associated with the importation of fresh guava fruit 
from Taiwan and a treatment evaluation document that supports the 
addition of new cold treatment schedules for Bactrocera spp. fruit 
flies in guava from Taiwan, may be viewed on the Regulations.gov 
website or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to 
Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the 
reading room). You may request paper copies of these documents by 
calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT. Please refer to the subject of the analysis you wish to review 
when requesting copies.
    After reviewing any comments we receive, we will announce our 
decision regarding the import status of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan 
in a subsequent notice. If the overall conclusions of our analysis and 
the Administrator's determination of risk remain unchanged following 
our consideration of the comments, then we will authorize the 
importation of fresh guava fruit from Taiwan into the continental 
United States subject to the requirements specified in the RMD.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1633, 7701-7772, and 7781-7786; 21 U.S.C. 
136 and 136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of December 2018.
 Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-27053 Filed 12-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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