Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting, 11483-11484 [2019-05782]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 27, 2019 / Notices front working capital generated by selling shares reduces the financial risk to the farmer(s). Generally, farmers receive better prices for their crops and have reduced marketing costs. Consumers benefit by receiving a periodic (usually weekly) delivery of fresh locally-grown fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and other produce. They also benefit from the ability to collectively support the sustainability of local farmers. A food hub is a business or organization that actively manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products primarily from local and regional producers to strengthen their ability to satisfy wholesale, retail, and institutional demand. This marketing channel also allows farm operators to capture a larger share of consumers’ food dollar. On-farm markets, CSA, as well as food hubs, comprise an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. On-farm markets, CSA, and food hubs allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, enable farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers. They are also providing greater access to fresh locallygrown fruits and vegetables, as well as playing an increasing role in encouraging healthier eating. Local Food Directories and Survey— 0581–0169 Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.26 hours per response, (rounded). Respondents: Farmers market managers, farm operators that operate on-farm stores, operators of CSA, farm operations, and operators of food hubs. Estimated Number of Respondents: 66,250. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 8,025. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: .26. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,069 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:13 Mar 26, 2019 Jkt 247001 ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: March 22, 2019. Bruce Summers, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2019–05847 Filed 3–26–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Document No. AMS–ST–19–0021] Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board (Board). The meeting is being held to discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to, work and outreach plans, subcommittee activities, and program activities. The meeting is open to the public. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting. DATES: Wednesday April 24, 2019, 1 p.m. to Friday April 26, 2019, 12 noon. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare, 5615 N Cumberland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631. Telephone: (773) 693–5800. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffery Haynes, acting commissioner, Plant Variety Protection Office, USDA, AMS, Science and Technology Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720–1066; Fax: (202) 260–8976, or Email: Jeffery.Haynes@ams.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the provisions of section 10(a) of the FACA (5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), this notice informs the public that the Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is sponsoring a meeting of the Board on April 24, 2019 to April 26, 2019. The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.) provides legal SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11483 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, 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). The Board is composed of 14 individuals who are experts in various areas of development and represent the seed industry sector, academia and government. 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 FACA; (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 FACA, ‘‘Public Interest in Wide Usage’’ (7 U.S.C. 2404). Meeting Agenda: The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the PVPO 2019 program activities, 2018 Farm Bill amendment to the Plant Variety Protection Act, and cooperation with other countries. The Board plans to discuss program activities that encourage the development of new plant varieties. The meeting will be open to the public. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to preregister by April 15, 2019, by contacting Jeffery Haynes, acting commissioner, at Telephone: (202) 720–1066; Fax: (202) 260–8976, or Email: Jeffery.Haynes@ ams.usda.gov . Meeting Accommodation: The meeting at USDA will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this public meeting, please notify Jeffery Haynes at: Telephone: (202) 720–1066; Fax: (202) 260–8976, or Email: Jeffery.Haynes@ams.usda.gov . Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a caseby-case basis. Minutes of the meeting will be available for public review 30 days following the meeting on the internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ PVPO. E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1 11484 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 27, 2019 / Notices Dated: March 21, 2019. Bruce Summers, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2019–05782 Filed 3–26–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–LP–19–0028] Notice of Request for Extension Without Change of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of a currently approved information collection, ‘‘National Sheep Industry Improvement Center’’ (OMB 0581–0263). DATES: Comments must be received by May 28, 2019. Additional Information or Comments: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning this information collection document. Comments should be submitted online at www.regulations.gov. Comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided. All comments should reference docket number AMS–LP–19– 0028 and note the date of submission and the page number of this issue in the Federal Register. Comments may also be sent to Kenneth R. Payne, Director, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock and Poultry Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2610–S, STOP 0251, Washington, DC 20250–0251; by telephone (202) 720–1118, or fax (202) 720–1125. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or via the website at www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth R. Payne, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock and Poultry Program, AMS, USDA; 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2610–S, STOP 0251, Washington, DC 20250– 0251; by telephone (202) 720–1108, or fax (202) 720–1125. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:13 Mar 26, 2019 Jkt 247001 Title: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. OMB Number: 0581–0263. Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2019. Type of Request: Request for extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The information collection requirements in this request are essential to carry out the intent of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC). The NSIIC was initially authorized under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Act), whose primary objective was to assist the U.S. sheep industry by strengthening and enhancing the production and marketing of sheep and their products in the United States. The information collection requirements in the request are essential to carry out the intent of the enabling legislation. The Act, as amended, was passed as part of the 1996 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 104–127, 110 Stat. 888). The initial legislation included a provision that privatized the NSIIC 10 years after its ratification or once the full appropriation of $50 million was disbursed. Subsequently, the NSIIC was privatized on September 30, 2006, and the NSIIC’s office was closed in early 2007. In 2008, the NSIIC was re-established under Title XI of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246), also known as the 2008 Farm Bill. The 2008 Farm Bill repealed the requirement in section 375(e)(6) of the Act to privatize the NSIIC. Additionally, the 2008 Farm Bill provided for $1 million in mandatory funding for fiscal year 2008 from the Commodity Credit Corporation for the NSIIC to remain available until expended. NSIIC has expended the $1 million authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill. On October 7, 2014, as provided under the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113–79), also known as the 2014 Farm Bill, NSIIC was awarded $1.475 million under the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program. On December 20, 2018, as provided under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115–334), also know as the 2018 Farm Bill, NSIIC was awarded $2 million under the Sheep Production and Marketing Program. Currently, NSIIC awards funds annually to organizations designed to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States including the improvement of infrastructure business, resource development, and the development of innovative approaches to solve long-term needs. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 AMS accepts nominations for membership on the NSIIC Board of Directors (Board) from national organizations that (1) consist primarily of active sheep or goat producers in the United States, and (2) have the primary interest of sheep or goat production in the United States. The forms used in this collection are: Nominations for Appointments, AD–755 Background Information Form (OMB No. 0505–0001), and Nominee’s Agreement to Serve. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.21 hour per response. Respondents: National organizations submitting nominations to the Board who (1) consist primarily of active sheep or goat producers in the United States, and (2) have the primary interest of sheep or goat production in the United States. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 30. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1 per year per form. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 6.25 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: March 22, 2019. Bruce Summers, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2019–05846 Filed 3–26–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 27, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11483-11484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-05782]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Document No. AMS-ST-19-0021]


Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a meeting of the 
Plant Variety Protection Board (Board). The meeting is being held to 
discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to, work and 
outreach plans, subcommittee activities, and program activities. The 
meeting is open to the public. This notice sets forth the schedule and 
location for the meeting.

DATES: Wednesday April 24, 2019, 1 p.m. to Friday April 26, 2019, 12 
noon.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare, 
5615 N Cumberland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631. Telephone: (773) 693-5800.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffery Haynes, acting commissioner, 
Plant Variety Protection Office, USDA, AMS, Science and Technology 
Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: 
(202) 720-1066; Fax: (202) 260-8976, or Email: 
Jeffery.Haynes@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the provisions of section 10(a) 
of the FACA (5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), this notice informs the public that 
the Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is sponsoring a meeting of 
the Board on April 24, 2019 to April 26, 2019. 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, 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). The Board is composed 
of 14 individuals who are experts in various areas of development and 
represent the seed industry sector, academia and government.
    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 FACA; (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 FACA, ``Public Interest in Wide Usage'' (7 U.S.C. 2404).
    Meeting Agenda: The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the 
PVPO 2019 program activities, 2018 Farm Bill amendment to the Plant 
Variety Protection Act, and cooperation with other countries. The Board 
plans to discuss program activities that encourage the development of 
new plant varieties. The meeting will be open to the public. Those 
wishing to participate are encouraged to pre-register by April 15, 
2019, by contacting Jeffery Haynes, acting commissioner, at Telephone: 
(202) 720-1066; Fax: (202) 260-8976, or Email: 
Jeffery.Haynes@ams.usda.gov .
    Meeting Accommodation: The meeting at USDA will provide reasonable 
accommodation to individuals with disabilities where appropriate. If 
you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this public 
meeting, please notify Jeffery Haynes at: Telephone: (202) 720-1066; 
Fax: (202) 260-8976, or Email: Jeffery.Haynes@ams.usda.gov .
    Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-
by-case basis. Minutes of the meeting will be available for public 
review 30 days following the meeting on the internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO.


[[Page 11484]]


    Dated: March 21, 2019.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-05782 Filed 3-26-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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