Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.; Availability of a Request, a Draft Plant Pest Risk Similarity Assessment, and Preliminary Determination for an Extension of Determination of Nonregulated Status for Non-Browning Apple, 34713-34714 [2021-13901]

Download as PDF 34713 Notices Federal Register Vol. 86, No. 123 Wednesday, June 30, 2021 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 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request 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 are requested regarding; 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; the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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. Comments regarding this information collection received by July 30, 2021 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. 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 17:47 Jun 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 displays a currently valid OMB control number. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Title: SNAP-Ed Toolkit Submission Form (FNS–886) and Scoring Tool (FNS–885). OMB Control Number: 0584–0639. Summary of Collection: The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended (The Act) § 28(c)(3)(A) states that State agencies ‘‘may use funds provided under this section for any evidencebased allowable use of funds’’ including ‘‘(i) individual and group-based nutrition education, health promotion, and intervention strategies’’. 7 CFR 272.2(2)(d) also states ‘‘SNAP-Ed activities must include evidence-based activities using one or more of these approaches: individual or group-based nutrition education, health promotion, and intervention strategies; comprehensive, multi-level interventions at multiple complementary organizational and institutional levels; community and public health approaches to improve nutrition’’. The Intervention Submission Form (FNS 886) and Scoring Tool (FNS 885) allows for interventions to be assessed to determine if they are both evidence-based and use one of the approaches described. Need and Use of the Information: The Intervention Submission Form will be used by intervention developers (submitters) to provide information about the intervention they are submitting for inclusion in the Toolkit. Information requested includes intervention materials, how they have been and will be used, and the evidence base which illustrates their effectiveness. Description of Respondents: (130) Business-for-profit; (16) Not-for-profit institutions; (44) State, Local or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 190. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Once, On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 550. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2021–13909 Filed 6–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [Docket No. APHIS–2021–0027] Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.; Availability of a Request, a Draft Plant Pest Risk Similarity Assessment, and Preliminary Determination for an Extension of Determination of Nonregulated Status for Non-Browning Apple Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a request from Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. (OSF) to extend our determination of nonregulated status of GD743 apple and GS784 apple to PG451 apple which has been developed using genetic engineering to resist browning. We are making the OSF extension request, the preliminary determination, and the draft plant pest risk similarity assessment available for public comment. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before July 30, 2021. SUMMARY: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2021–0027 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2021–0027, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. The OSF extension request, the preliminary determination, and the draft plant pest risk similarity assessment, and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at www.regulations.gov or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1620 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, ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 34714 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 30, 2021 / Notices please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. Supporting documents for this petition are also available on the APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/permitsnotifications-petitions/petitions/ petition-status. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Cindy Eck, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737–1236; (301) 851–3892; email: cynthia.a.eck@ usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the authority of the plant pest provisions of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.), the regulations in 7 CFR part 340, ‘‘Movement of Organisms Modified or Produced Through Genetic Engineering,’’ regulate, among other things, the importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment of organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering that are plant pests or pose a plausible plant pest risk. The extension for nonregulated status described in this notice is being evaluated under the version of the regulations effective at the time that it was received. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a final rule, published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2020 (85 FR 29790–29838, Docket No. APHIS– 2018–0034),1 revising 7 CFR part 340; however, the final rule is being implemented in phases. This extension of a determination of nonregulated status is being evaluated in accordance with the regulations at 7 CFR 340.6 (2020) as it was received by APHIS on July 31, 2020. On February 18, 2015,2 APHIS announced its determination of nonregulated status of Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.’s (OSF) GD743 and GS784 apple lines which were developed using genetic engineering to resist browning. OSF has submitted a request to extend a determination of nonregulated status of GD743 and GS784 apple lines to PG451 apple (APHIS Petition Number 20–213–01ext) which has been developed using genetic engineering to resist browning. As described in the extension request, PG451 apple was developed through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of apple leaf tissue using the binary plasmid vector pGEN–03 to suppress genes for polyphenol oxidase, which 1 To view the final rule, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2018–0034 in the Search field. 2 To view the notice, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2012–0025 in the Search field. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Jun 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 causes browning. GD743 and GS784 apple lines were developed using the same plasmid vector and the same Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. Based on the information in the request, we have concluded that PG451 apple is similar to GD743 and GS784 apple lines. PG451 apple is currently regulated under 7 CFR part 340. As part of our decision-making process regarding the regulatory status of an organism developed using genetic engineering, APHIS prepared a draft plant pest risk similarity assessment (PPRSA) to compare PG451 apple to the antecedents. Based on the similarity of PG451 apple to the antecedents GD743 and GS784 apple lines as described in the PPRSA, APHIS concludes that PG451 apple is unlikely to pose a greater plant pest risk than the unmodified organism from which it was derived and should no longer be regulated under 7 CFR part 340. APHIS has analyzed information submitted by OSF, references provided in the extension request, peer-reviewed publications, and supporting documentation prepared for the antecedent organism. Based on APHIS’ analysis of this information and the similarity of PG451 apple to the antecedents GD743 and GS784 apple lines, APHIS has determined that PG451 apple is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk. We have therefore reached a preliminary decision to approve the request to extend the determination of nonregulated status for PG451 apple line, whereby PG451 apple would no longer be subject to our regulations governing organisms developed using genetic engineering. We are therefore publishing this notice to make available our evaluation and inform the public of our preliminary decision to extend the determination of nonregulated status of PG451 apple. APHIS will accept written comments on the request for extension, PPRSA, and our preliminary determination for PG451 apple for 30 days. These documents are available for public review as indicated under ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above. Copies of these documents may also be obtained by contacting the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. After the comment period closes, APHIS will review all written comments received during the comment period and any other relevant information. All comments will be available for public review. After reviewing and evaluating the comments, if APHIS determines that no substantive information has been PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 received that would warrant APHIS altering its preliminary regulatory determination, our preliminary regulatory determination will become final and effective upon notification of the public through an announcement on our website at https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/ biotechnology/permits-notificationspetitions/petitions/petition-status. APHIS will also furnish a response to the petitioner regarding our final regulatory determination. No further Federal Register notice will be published announcing the final regulatory determination of PG451 apple. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of June 2021. Michael Watson, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2021–13901 Filed 6–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2020–0021] Bayer; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Maize Developed Using Genetic Engineering for Dicamba, Glufosinate, Quizalofop, and 2,4Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Resistance, With Tissue-Specific Glyphosate Resistance Facilitating the Production of Hybrid Maize Seed; Reopening of Comment Period Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: We are reopening the comment period for our notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding a request from Bayer seeking a determination of nonregulated status for maize developed using genetic engineering for dicamba, glufosinate, quizalofop, and 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid resistance with tissue-specific glyphosate resistance facilitating the production of hybrid maize seed. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. DATES: The comment period for the notice of intent published on April 28, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34713-34714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13901]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2021-0027]


Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.; Availability of a Request, a 
Draft Plant Pest Risk Similarity Assessment, and Preliminary 
Determination for an Extension of Determination of Nonregulated Status 
for Non-Browning Apple

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has received a request from Okanagan Specialty 
Fruits Inc. (OSF) to extend our determination of nonregulated status of 
GD743 apple and GS784 apple to PG451 apple which has been developed 
using genetic engineering to resist browning. We are making the OSF 
extension request, the preliminary determination, and the draft plant 
pest risk similarity assessment available for public comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before July 
30, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS-2021-0027 in the Search field. 
Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of 
documents.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2021-0027, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, 
APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1238.
    The OSF extension request, the preliminary determination, and the 
draft plant pest risk similarity assessment, and any comments we 
receive on this docket may be viewed at www.regulations.gov or in our 
reading room, which is located in Room 1620 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,

[[Page 34714]]

please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.
    Supporting documents for this petition are also available on the 
APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/permits-notifications-petitions/petitions/petition-status.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Cindy Eck, Biotechnology 
Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236; (301) 851-3892; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the authority of the plant pest 
provisions of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.), the 
regulations in 7 CFR part 340, ``Movement of Organisms Modified or 
Produced Through Genetic Engineering,'' regulate, among other things, 
the importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment 
of organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering that are 
plant pests or pose a plausible plant pest risk.
    The extension for nonregulated status described in this notice is 
being evaluated under the version of the regulations effective at the 
time that it was received. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) issued a final rule, published in the Federal Register 
on May 18, 2020 (85 FR 29790-29838, Docket No. APHIS-2018-0034),\1\ 
revising 7 CFR part 340; however, the final rule is being implemented 
in phases. This extension of a determination of nonregulated status is 
being evaluated in accordance with the regulations at 7 CFR 340.6 
(2020) as it was received by APHIS on July 31, 2020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view the final rule, go to www.regulations.gov and enter 
APHIS-2018-0034 in the Search field.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On February 18, 2015,\2\ APHIS announced its determination of 
nonregulated status of Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.'s (OSF) GD743 and 
GS784 apple lines which were developed using genetic engineering to 
resist browning. OSF has submitted a request to extend a determination 
of nonregulated status of GD743 and GS784 apple lines to PG451 apple 
(APHIS Petition Number 20-213-01ext) which has been developed using 
genetic engineering to resist browning.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ To view the notice, go to www.regulations.gov and enter 
APHIS-2012-0025 in the Search field.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described in the extension request, PG451 apple was developed 
through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of apple leaf tissue 
using the binary plasmid vector pGEN-03 to suppress genes for 
polyphenol oxidase, which causes browning. GD743 and GS784 apple lines 
were developed using the same plasmid vector and the same 
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method.
    Based on the information in the request, we have concluded that 
PG451 apple is similar to GD743 and GS784 apple lines. PG451 apple is 
currently regulated under 7 CFR part 340.
    As part of our decision-making process regarding the regulatory 
status of an organism developed using genetic engineering, APHIS 
prepared a draft plant pest risk similarity assessment (PPRSA) to 
compare PG451 apple to the antecedents. Based on the similarity of 
PG451 apple to the antecedents GD743 and GS784 apple lines as described 
in the PPRSA, APHIS concludes that PG451 apple is unlikely to pose a 
greater plant pest risk than the unmodified organism from which it was 
derived and should no longer be regulated under 7 CFR part 340.
    APHIS has analyzed information submitted by OSF, references 
provided in the extension request, peer-reviewed publications, and 
supporting documentation prepared for the antecedent organism. Based on 
APHIS' analysis of this information and the similarity of PG451 apple 
to the antecedents GD743 and GS784 apple lines, APHIS has determined 
that PG451 apple is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk. We have 
therefore reached a preliminary decision to approve the request to 
extend the determination of nonregulated status for PG451 apple line, 
whereby PG451 apple would no longer be subject to our regulations 
governing organisms developed using genetic engineering.
    We are therefore publishing this notice to make available our 
evaluation and inform the public of our preliminary decision to extend 
the determination of nonregulated status of PG451 apple.
    APHIS will accept written comments on the request for extension, 
PPRSA, and our preliminary determination for PG451 apple for 30 days. 
These documents are available for public review as indicated under 
ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above. Copies of these 
documents may also be obtained by contacting the person listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    After the comment period closes, APHIS will review all written 
comments received during the comment period and any other relevant 
information. All comments will be available for public review. After 
reviewing and evaluating the comments, if APHIS determines that no 
substantive information has been received that would warrant APHIS 
altering its preliminary regulatory determination, our preliminary 
regulatory determination will become final and effective upon 
notification of the public through an announcement on our website at 
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/permits-notifications-petitions/petitions/petition-status. APHIS will also 
furnish a response to the petitioner regarding our final regulatory 
determination. No further Federal Register notice will be published 
announcing the final regulatory determination of PG451 apple.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701-7772 and 7781-7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 
CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of June 2021.
Michael Watson,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13901 Filed 6-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

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