General Administrative Regulations, Administrative Remedies for Non-Compliance; Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations; Common Crop Insurance Policy, Basic Provisions; Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Sunflower Seed Crop Insurance Provisions; Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions; and Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Dry Bean Crop Insurance Provisions, 67831-67839 [2021-25925]
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67831
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 227
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
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.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
7 CFR Parts 400, 407, and 457
[Docket ID FCIC–21–0008]
RIN 0563–AC76
General Administrative Regulations,
Administrative Remedies for NonCompliance; Area Risk Protection
Insurance Regulations; Common Crop
Insurance Policy, Basic Provisions;
Common Crop Insurance Regulations,
Sunflower Seed Crop Insurance
Provisions; Common Crop Insurance
Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop
Insurance Provisions; and Common
Crop Insurance Regulations, Dry Bean
Crop Insurance Provisions
Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation, U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Final rule with request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation (FCIC) is amending its
regulations to revise organic
terminology to be consistent with
USDA’s National Organic Program,
provide cover crop relief for prevented
planting situations, add flexibility to the
prevented planting provisions, provide
an option for rice producers to delay
measurement of farm-stored production,
allow enterprise units by type for
sunflowers, add earlage and snaplage as
an acceptable method of harvest for
corn, clarify that in a loss situation
when a producer changes their planned
method of harvest they must notify
insurance providers before harvest
begins, and clarify enterprise and
optional unit insurance choices for
contract seed bean producers. The
changes to the policy made in this rule
are applicable for the 2022 and
succeeding crop years for crops with a
contract change date on or after
November 30, 2021. For all other crops,
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SUMMARY:
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the changes to the policy made in this
rule are applicable for the 2023 and
succeeding crop years.
DATES:
Effective date: This final rule is
effective November 30, 2021.
Comment date: We will consider
comments that we receive by the close
of business January 31, 2022. FCIC may
consider the comments received and
may conduct additional rulemaking
based on the comments.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit
comments on this rule. You may submit
comments by either of the following
methods, although FCIC prefers that you
submit comments electronically through
the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID FCIC–21–0008. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Director, Product
Administration and Standards Division,
Risk Management Agency (RMA), US
Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box
419205, Kansas City, MO 64133–6205.
In your comment, specify docket ID
FCIC–21–0008.
• Comments will be available for
viewing online at www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Francie Tolle; telephone (816) 926–
7829; or email francie.tolle@usda.gov.
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication
should contact the USDA Target Center
at (202) 720–2600 (voice).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FCIC serves America’s
agricultural producers through effective,
market-based risk management tools to
strengthen the economic stability of
agricultural producers and rural
communities. FCIC is committed to
increasing the availability and
effectiveness of Federal crop insurance
as a risk management tool. Approved
Insurance Providers (AIPs) sell and
service Federal crop insurance policies
in every state through a public-private
partnership. FCIC reinsures the AIPs
who share the risks associated with
catastrophic losses due to major weather
events. FCIC’s vision is to secure the
future of agriculture by providing world
class risk management tools to rural
America.
Federal crop insurance policies
typically consist of the Basic Provisions,
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the Crop Provisions, the Special
Provisions, the Commodity Exchange
Price Provisions, if applicable, other
applicable endorsements or options, the
actuarial documents for the insured
agricultural commodity, the
Catastrophic Risk Protection
Endorsement, if applicable, and the
applicable regulations published in 7
CFR chapter IV.
FCIC amends the Subpart R (7 CFR
part 400), ARPI Basic Provisions (7 CFR
part 407), CCIP Basic Provisions (7 CFR
457.8), Sunflower Seed Crop Provisions
(7 CFR 457.108), Coarse Grains Crop
Provisions (7 CFR 457.113); and Dry
Bean Crop Provisions (7 CFR 457.150).
The changes to the policy made in this
rule are applicable for the 2022 and
succeeding crop years for crops with a
contract change date on or after
November 30, 2021. For all other crops,
the changes to the policy made in this
rule are applicable for the 2023 and
succeeding crop years.
Comments Related to 85 FR 38749–
38760 Published June 29, 2020
The first final rule with request for
comment was published in the Federal
Register on June 29, 2020, (85 FR
38749–38760) amending the ARPI
Regulations; CCIP Basic Provisions; and
the Common Crop Insurance
Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop
Insurance Provisions (Coarse Grains
Crop Provisions). Comments were
received from five commenters. Three
comments were from individuals,
whose comments were unrelated to the
rule. One comment was from an
insurance company. The last comment
was from a trade association. FCIC
addressed editorial comments in the
final rule with request for comment
published in the Federal Register on
November 30, 2020, (85 FR 76420–
76428). FCIC addressed the noneditorial public comments related to the
ARPI Basic Provisions and CCIP Basic
Provisions in a final rule with request
for comment published in the Federal
Register on June 30, 2021, (86 FR
34606–34611). The comments received
regarding the June 29, 2020, final rule
with request for comment regarding the
Coarse Grains Crop Provisions and
FCIC’s responses are as follows:
Following Another Crop (FAC) and Not
Following Another Crop (NFAC)
Comment: A commenter
recommended replacing the term
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‘‘defined’’ with ‘‘specified’’ in the
definition of ‘‘Following another crop
(FAC)’’ and ‘‘Not following another crop
(NFAC)’’ Unless the Special Provisions
actually contain ‘‘definitions’’ of the
FAC and NFAC cropping practices (the
same or different from these in the Crop
Provisions?), it would be more accurate
to change ‘‘defined’’ to ‘‘specified.’’ This
phrasing is commonly used in policies
and procedures.
Response: FCIC agrees and is
replacing the term ‘‘defined’’ with
‘‘specified’’ in the definition of
‘‘Following another crop (FAC)’’ and
‘‘Not following another crop (NFAC).’’
Comment: A commenter
recommended adding the phrase, ‘‘in
the same crop year’’ at the end of the
definition of ‘‘Following another crop
(FAC)’’ and ‘‘Not following another crop
(NFAC)’’ as a clarification. While the
reference to ‘‘. . . in the same crop
year’’ might not be strictly necessary, it
might a helpful clarification. For
example, if a 2021 crop year spring crop
is planted in spring of 2021, followed by
a 2022 crop year fall crop planted on the
same acreage in fall 2021, that fall crop
is not considered ‘‘FAC’’ because those
are two different crop years even though
in the same calendar year.
Response: The FAC and NFAC
Special Provisions (SP) statements refer
to calendar year and adding the
reference to crop year in the Crop
Provisions is conflicting and may cause
even more confusion. No change will be
made.
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Earlage
Comment: A commenter stated that
FCIC has expanded the term silage to
include various usages such as earlage.
It would provide clarity to either
include reference to earlage, etc., usages
in the definition of ‘‘Silage’’ or revise
the definition of ‘‘Harvest’’ to state:
‘‘Combining, threshing, or picking the
insured crop for grain, or cutting for
hay, silage (including earlage, etc.), or
fodder.’’
Response: FCIC is revising the
definition of ‘‘harvest’’ to include
earlage and snaplage to treat earlage and
snaplage consistent with grain, hay, or
fodder.
Appraisals When Crop Is Harvested in
a Manner Other Than Reported
Comment: A commenter suggested
adding the bolded language in section
11(c), Duties in the Event of Damage or
Loss: ‘‘(c) If you will harvest any acreage
in a manner other than as you reported
it for coverage (e.g., you reported
planting it to harvest as grain but will
harvest the acreage for silage, hay or
fodder; or you reported planting it to
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harvest as silage but will harvest the
acreage for grain), you must notify us
before harvest begins so the acreage can
be appraised as the type insured. Failure
to timely provide notice will result in
production to count determined in
accordance with section 12(c)(1)(i)(E).’’
Response: FCIC agrees and will clarify
in section 11(c) that notice is required
before harvest begins if a producer
decides to harvest in a manner other
than reported on their acreage report
(such as harvesting grain as silage or
vice versa) so the adjuster can appraise
the acreage to determine production to
count used for claim purposes.
Minor Editorial and Clarification
Suggestions
Comment: A commenter noted in
section 2, Unit Division, if the producer
elects separate ‘‘EC,’’ enterprise units by
cropping practice for both FAC and
NFAC cropping practices but then does
not qualify for EC on one of the
cropping practices (and that is
discovered on or before the acreage
reporting date), the new option allows
the insured to keep EC on the one that
qualifies and have Basic Unit and/or
Optional Unit on the other. With three
options for unit structure in this
situation, it is not necessary to have
‘‘or’’ at the end of 2(a)(4)(i)(A).
Response: FCIC agrees and is
removing the ‘‘or’’ from the end of the
phrase in section 2(a)(4)(i)(A).
Comment: A commenter noted in
section 6(e), Insured Crop, that this
provision states, in part, that ‘‘. . . the
soybean crop insured will be all of the
soybeans in the county that are planted
for harvest as beans.’’ [emphasis added].
Since the term ‘‘beans’’ is not included
in the definition of ‘‘harvest’’ nor
elsewhere in the provisions, the
commenter suggested either changing
‘‘beans’’ to ‘‘soybeans,’’ or by adding a
definition of ‘‘beans’’ in section 1 to
provide useful clarity.
Response: FCIC agrees and is
replacing the term ‘‘beans’’ with
‘‘soybeans’’ for clarity.
In addition to the changes described
above, FCIC has made the following
changes:
Subpart R
In the General Administrative
Regulations Subpart R—Administrative
Remedies for Non-Compliance, FCIC is
revising the cap on civil fines to
reference the maximum amount
specified in 7 CFR 3.91(b)(7). Prior to
this rule, the provisions list a fixed
dollar amount of $10,000; however, this
fine should be updated in accordance
with 7 CFR 3.91(b)(7) which is routinely
adjusted for inflation.
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ARPI Basic Provisions and CCIP Basic
Provisions
For both ARPI Basic Provisions (7
CFR part 407) and CCIP Basic
Provisions (7 CFR 457.8), in section 1,
FCIC is:
Revising the definitions of ‘‘buffer
zone,’’ ‘‘certified organic acreage,’’
‘‘organic farming practice,’’ and
‘‘transitional acreage’’ to be consistent
with the National Organic Program
definitions. This will ensure terms are
clear, descriptive, and consistent across
USDA.
Revising the definition of ‘‘cover
crop’’ to add a reference to the Special
Provisions. A Special Provisions
statement prohibits corn from being
considered a cover crop if it was planted
on acreage that has been prevented from
being planted. Potential abuse was
reported for the 2019 crop year
regarding corn being planted on the
same acreage after a prevented planting
payment has been made and claimed as
a cover crop when the corn was not
planted for conservation purposes but
rather the benefit of corn cut for silage.
Adding a definition of ‘‘NAP’’ for
Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance
Program. The term is used more than
once throughout the policy.
Revising the definition of ‘‘Second
crop’’ to remove the reference to a cover
crop covered by FSA’s Noninsured Crop
Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
because cover crops are not insurable
under NAP.
Adding a definition of ‘‘volunteer
crop’’ to define the term used in the
policy and Crop Provisions. Throughout
the policy the terms cover crop and
volunteer crop are often in the same
phrase. Cover crop is defined in the
policy and it is appropriate to also
define volunteer crop.
ARPI Basic Provisions
A change applicable only to the ARPI
Basic Provisions (7 CFR part 407) is the
removal of the Preamble language which
references the crop year insurance is in
effect. The crop year in effect for the
crops covered under the ARPI Basic
Provisions varies depending on the
contract change date. The changes to the
policy made in this rule are applicable
for the 2022 and succeeding crop years
for crops with a contract change date on
or after November 30, 2021. For all other
crops, the changes to the policy made in
this rule are applicable for the 2023 and
succeeding crop years. Therefore, FCIC
is removing the sentence in the
Preamble.
CCIP Basic Provisions
Other changes applicable only to the
CCIP Basic Provisions (7 CFR 457.8) are:
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Section 14, Duties in the Event of
Damage, Loss, Abandonment,
Destruction, or Alternative Use of Crop
or Acreage, of the CCIP Basic
Provisions, revise section 14(e)(1)(ii) to
allow the option to delay measurement
of farm-stored production (180-day
extension) if allowed by the Special
Provisions. Previously, the option was
only allowed for grain crops. A Special
Provisions statement will be created,
and the extension will apply on a crop
basis for crops that can easily and safely
be stored and do not naturally
deteriorate easily during farm storage,
and therefore, are low risk for delaying
measurements for loss adjustment.
Section 15, Production Included in
Determining an Indemnity and Payment
Reductions, discontinue reducing
prevented planting payments on acreage
that has been prevented from planting
that is later cash rented. Prior to this
rule, policy and procedure stated that if
a producer receives cash rent for acreage
that had been prevented from planting
a first insured crop, the producer was
limited to 35 percent of the prevented
planting payment on the acreage
regardless of the subsequent person’s
use of the rented acreage. With the
removal of the November 1 date, as
mentioned in the section 17 changes
below, a producer with acreage claimed
as prevented planting could plant a
cover crop and hay, graze, or cut the
cover crop for silage, haylage, or baleage
without a reduction in their prevented
planting payment. FCIC considers the
benefits of using a cover crop as animal
feed similar to the benefit of cash
renting the acreage. Therefore, FCIC will
no longer reduce prevented planting
payments when acreage that has been
prevented from planting is cash rented
as long as it is not harvested for grain
or seed.
Section 17, Prevented Planting, of the
CCIP Basic Provisions, revise the policy
provisions in response to a Prevented
Planting Workgroup that included RMA
and industry representatives. Prevented
planting is a feature of many crop
insurance plans that provides a partial
payment to cover certain pre-plant costs
for a crop that was prevented from being
planted due to an insurable cause of
loss. The workgroup reviewed the
current policy related to cover crops,
volunteer crops, discussed impacts to
the prevented planting program, and
explored policy improvements. The
workgroup also reviewed the
requirement that acreage must be
physically available for planting to be
eligible for a prevented planting
payment (added November 30, 2020).
The ‘‘1 in 4’’ requirement is a part of the
requirement that the acreage must be
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physically available for planting. The ‘‘1
in 4’’ requirement states that the acreage
must have been planted to a crop,
insured, and harvested (or adjusted for
a loss excluding flood, excess moisture,
or drought or other cause of loss
specified in the Special Provisions) in at
least 1 out of the previous 4 crop years.
The following lists the changes to
section 17(f):
Incorporate RMA Manager’s Bulletin
MGR–21–004 by revising section
17(f)(5) to allow a cover crop planted on
acreage claimed as prevented from being
planted to be hayed, grazed, or cut for
silage, haylage, or baleage at any time
without a reduction to the prevented
planting payment, provided the
producer meets all other policy
provisions. Prior to this rule, throughout
FCIC-approved procedures for cover
crops and prevented planting,
November 1 is used as a reference point
for when a cover crop may be hayed,
grazed, or cut for silage, haylage, or
baleage. For example, a cover crop
planted after the late planting period for
a crop that was prevented from being
planted may be hayed, grazed, or cut for
silage, haylage, or baleage on or after
November 1, and the producer could
still receive a full prevented planting
payment. If the cover crop was hayed,
grazed, or cut for silage, haylage, or
baleage before November 1, or harvested
for grain or seed at any time, the cover
crop was considered a second crop and
the producer’s prevented planting
payment was reduced by 65 percent.
As defined in the CCIP Basic
Provisions, a cover crop is a crop
generally recognized by agricultural
experts as agronomically sound for the
area for erosion control or other
purposes related to conservation or soil
improvement. FCIC rescinded the
November 1 standard, as it relates to
haying, grazing, or cutting for silage,
haylage, or baleage of a cover crop from
procedure for the 2021 and succeeding
crop years. However, a cover crop
harvested for grain or seed at any time
will continue to result in a prevented
planting payment reduction in
accordance with section 15(f)(2) of the
CCIP Basic Provisions. Similar revisions
were made for language consistency
regarding double cropping eligibility
determination in section 15(g),
Production Included in Determining an
Indemnity and Payment Reductions, of
the CCIP Basic Provisions.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) to
incorporate RMA Manager’s Bulletin
MGR–21–002 which allows the annual
regrowth for the crop year of an insured
perennial Category B crop, such as
alfalfa, red clover, or mint, to be
considered planted when determining if
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the land is available for planting. In
addition, the annual regrowth for the
crop year of a perennial planted forage
insured under Pasture, Rangeland, and
Forage (PRF) reported with the intended
use of haying is considered planted for
the purpose of determining if the land
is available for planting. Provided the
land was planted (including the
clarifications stated above), insured, and
harvested (or adjusted for a loss
excluding flood, excess moisture, or
drought or other cause of loss specified
in the Special Provisions) within the
same crop year in 1 of the last 4 crop
years, the land would meet the current
prevented planting available for
planting ‘‘1 in 4’’ requirement.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) to
include another test to determine if the
land was available for planting if it was
not previously insured. If the land does
not meet the current ‘‘1 in 4’’
requirement because crop insurance for
a single crop or NAP coverage was not
available, the land may qualify for
prevented planting if the producer can
prove the land was planted and
harvested using good farming practices
for the crop in at least 2 consecutive
years out of the 4 previous crop years.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) that
will allow changes to the eligible for
planting language through the Special
Provisions, for the ‘‘1 in 4’’ requirement.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) to
allow for NAP coverage to qualify as
‘‘insured’’ for the ‘‘1 in 4’’ requirement.
Sunflower Seed Crop Provisions
Add a new section 2, Unit Division,
to allow enterprise and optional units
by type for sunflower seed. Allowing
separate enterprise and optional units
enables producers to be indemnified
separately by type. The benefit for
producers is that a gain on one type
(e.g., confectionery type) does not offset
the loss payment on another type (e.g.,
oil type). Enterprise units are attractive
to producers because additional
premium discounts are available as the
risk is diversified across the county.
Since FCIC is adding a new section 2,
all subsequent sections and references
to subsequent sections will be
renumbered accordingly.
FCIC is also updating the example in
redesignated section 12 to reflect
current market prices for a more
accurate portrayal of the prices that
producers are experiencing.
Coarse Grains Crop Provisions
The Coarse Grains Crop Provisions
were revised on June 29, 2020, with a
final rule with request for comment.
FCIC is making the following revisions
in response to comments received:
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Section 1, Definitions, of the Coarse
Grains Crop Provisions, revise the
definition of ‘‘harvest’’ to include
earlage and snaplage as a harvested
crop. FCIC received questions in the
past to identify earlage and snaplage in
the policy. Questions were raised in
response to the 2020 Derecho on
whether FCIC considers earlage as
harvested. FCIC will revise the
definition of ‘‘harvest’’ to include
earlage and snaplage to treat earlage and
snaplage consistent with grain, hay, or
fodder. This change is in response to a
comment made to the June 29, 2020,
final rule.
Section 11, Duties in the Event of
Damage or Loss, of the Coarse Grains
Crop Provisions, revise section 11(c) to
include ‘‘hay or fodder’’ to be consistent
with the definition of ‘‘harvest.’’ FCIC is
clarifying that notice is required before
harvest begins if a producer decides to
harvest in a manner other than reported
on the producer’s acreage report (such
as harvesting grain for silage or vice
versa) so the adjuster can appraise the
acreage to determine production to
count that is used for claim purposes.
This change is in response to a comment
made to the June 29, 2020, final rule.
Section 12(e)(2), Settlement of Claim,
remove the word ‘‘may’’ and replace
with ‘‘will.’’ Prior to this rule, the policy
stated for silage appraisals made after
the normal harvest period, the insurance
companies ‘‘may’’ increase production
to count to a 65 percent moisture
equivalent. The word ‘‘may’’ is
misleading because procedure requires
this adjustment; there is no other option
for increasing production to count in
these situations. Changing the language
to state, ‘‘will’’ is more transparent and
consistent with existing FCIC issued
procedures.
FCIC is also making non-substantive
changes to the regulation. Examples
include making stylistic changes,
making grammatical corrections,
updating prices, and clarifying word
changes. These revisions are editorial in
nature and are intended to provide
clarity to the regulation.
Dry Bean Crop Provisions
The Dry Bean Crop Provisions were
revised June 24, 2021, with a final rule
with request for comment. FCIC is
making the following clarifications in
response to questions received after the
close of the comment period about how
to implement the new provisions.
Section 2, Unit Division, of the Dry
Bean Crop Provisions, clarifies that a
separate enterprise or optional unit for
contract seed beans is allowed where
contract seed beans are listed as an
insurable type in the county actuarial
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documents. This clarifies a change
issued as a Final Rule in June 2021,
allowing separate enterprise units by
type. Some dry bean varieties (e.g.,
Pinto, Navy) are listed as insurable
types but could also be produced under
a contract as seed. This has caused
confusion because ‘‘Contract Seed
Beans’’ are also an insurable type in
some counties. Insurance providers
have questioned how to interpret the
June Final Rule allowing separate
enterprise units by type for these
varieties.
FCIC will also be removing language
in section 2 that restricts seed bean
contracts based on both acreage and
production from being eligible for a
separate enterprise or optional unit.
Many seed bean contracts include an
estimated or typical yield that is in
addition to actual production. These
yields have often been included in seed
bean contracts so the seed company can
track production inventory estimates
and help the grower with expected crop
value when lending institutions are
involved. The withdrawal of these
combination style contracts from this
section will avoid making them
ineligible for optional or enterprise
units and move the focus on whether
the seed bean contracts meet the
requirements stated in the Special
Provisions.
FCIC is also making a grammatical
change to the introductory text for
subject-verb agreement.
Effective Date, Notice and Comment,
and Exemptions
The Administrative Procedure Act
(APA, 5 U.S.C. 553) provides that the
notice and comment and 30-day delay
in the effective date provisions do not
apply when the rule involves specified
actions, including matters relating to
contracts. This rule governs contracts
for crop insurance policies and therefore
falls within that exemption.
This rule is exempt from the
regulatory analysis requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.
601–612), as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996.
For major rules, the Congressional
Review Act requires a delay the
effective date of 60 days after
publication to allow for Congressional
review. This rule is not a major rule
under the Congressional Review Act, as
defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Therefore,
this final rule is effective on the date of
publication in the Federal Register.
Although not required by APA or any
other law, FCIC has chosen to request
comments on this rule.
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Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory
Planning and Review,’’ and Executive
Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation
and Regulatory Review,’’ direct agencies
to assess all costs and benefits of
available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select
regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, public health
and safety effects, distributive impacts,
and equity). Executive Order 13563
emphasized the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits, of
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,
and of promoting flexibility. The
requirements in Executive Orders 12866
and 13563 for the analysis of costs and
benefits apply to rules that are
determined to be significant.
The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) designated this rule as not
significant under Executive Order
12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and
Review,’’ and therefore, OMB has not
reviewed this rule and analysis of the
costs and benefits is not required under
either Executive Order 12866 or 13563.
Clarity of the Regulation
Executive Order 12866, as
supplemented by Executive Order
13563, requires each agency to write all
rules in plain language. In addition to
your substantive comments on this rule,
we invite your comments on how to
make the rule easier to understand. For
example:
• Are the requirements in the rule
clearly stated? Are the scope and intent
of the rule clear?
• Does the rule contain technical
language or jargon that is not clear?
• Is the material logically organized?
• Would changing the grouping or
order of sections or adding headings
make the rule easier to understand?
• Could we improve clarity by adding
tables, lists, or diagrams?
• Would more, but shorter, sections
be better? Are there specific sections
that are too long or confusing?
• What else could we do to make the
rule easier to understand?
Environmental Review
In general, the environmental impacts
of rules are to be considered in a
manner consistent with the provisions
of the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321–4347) and
the regulations of the Council on
Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts
1500–1508). FCIC conducts programs
and activities that have been determined
to have no individual or cumulative
effect on the human environment. As
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specified in 7 CFR 1b.4, FCIC is
categorically excluded from the
preparation of an Environmental
Analysis or Environmental Impact
Statement unless the FCIC Manager
(agency head) determines that an action
may have a significant environmental
effect. The FCIC Manager has
determined this rule will not have a
significant environmental effect.
Therefore, FCIC will not prepare an
environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement for this
action and this rule serves as
documentation of the programmatic
environmental compliance decision.
Executive Order 12988
This rule has been reviewed under
Executive Order 12988, ‘‘Civil Justice
Reform.’’ This rule will not preempt
State or local laws, regulations, or
policies unless they represent an
irreconcilable conflict with this rule.
Before any judicial actions may be
brought regarding the provisions of this
rule, the administrative appeal
provisions of 7 CFR part 11 are to be
exhausted.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Executive Order 13175
This rule has been reviewed in
accordance with the requirements of
Executive Order 13175, ‘‘Consultation
and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments.’’ Executive Order 13175
requires Federal agencies to consult and
coordinate with Tribes on a
government-to-government basis on
policies that have Tribal implications,
including regulations, legislative
comments or proposed legislation, and
other policy statements or actions that
have substantial direct effects on one or
more Indian Tribes, on the relationship
between the Federal Government and
Indian Tribes or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities between the
Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
RMA has assessed the impact of this
rule on Indian Tribes and determined
that this rule does not, to our
knowledge, have Tribal implications
that require Tribal consultation under
E.O. 13175. The regulation changes do
not have Tribal implications that
preempt Tribal law and are not expected
have a substantial direct effect on one or
more Indian Tribes. If a Tribe requests
consultation, RMA will work with the
USDA Office of Tribal Relations to
ensure meaningful consultation is
provided where changes, additions and
modifications identified in this rule are
not expressly mandated by Congress.
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The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of
1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L.
104–4) requires Federal agencies to
assess the effects of their regulatory
actions of State, local, and Tribal
governments, or the private sector.
Agencies generally must prepare a
written statement, including cost
benefits analysis, for proposed and final
rules with Federal mandates that may
result in expenditures of $100 million or
more in any 1 year for State, local or
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or
to the private sector. UMRA generally
requires agencies to consider
alternatives and adopt the more cost
effective or least burdensome alternative
that achieves the objectives of the rule.
This rule contains no Federal mandates,
as defined in Title II of UMRA, for State,
local, and Tribal governments, or the
private sector. Therefore, this rule is not
subject to the requirements of sections
202 and 205 of UMRA.
67835
2774 (toll-free nationwide).
Additionally, program information may
be made available in languages other
than English. To file a program
discrimination complaint, complete the
USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, AD–3027, found
online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/
how-to-file-a-program-discriminationcomplaint and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and
provide in the letter all the information
requested in the form. To request a copy
of the complaint form, call (866) 632–
9992. Submit your completed form or
letter to USDA by mail to: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250–9410 or email:
OAC@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
List of Subjects
Federal Assistance Program
The title and number of the Federal
Domestic Assistance Program listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance to which this rule applies is
No. 10.450—Crop Insurance.
7 CFR Part 400
Acreage allotments, Administrative
practice and procedure, Claims, Crop
insurance, Drug traffic control, Fraud,
Government employees, Income taxes,
Intergovernmental relations, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Wages.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
In accordance with the provisions of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. chapter 35, subchapter I), the
rule does not change the information
collection approved by OMB under
control numbers 0563–0053.
7 CFR Part 407
Acreage allotments, Administrative
practice and procedure, Barley, Corn,
Cotton, Crop insurance, Peanuts,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sorghum, Soybeans,
Wheat.
USDA Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and USDA civil rights
regulations and policies, USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family or
parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication for
program information (for example,
braille, large print, audiotape, American
Sign Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA TARGET
Center at (202) 720–2600 or 844–433–
7 CFR Part 457
Acreage allotments, Crop insurance,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
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Final Rule
For the reasons discussed above, FCIC
amends 7 CFR parts 400, 407, and 457,
effective for the 2022 and succeeding
crop years for crops with a contract
change date on or after November 30,
2021, and for the 2023 and succeeding
crop years for all other crops, as follows:
PART 400—GENERAL
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
1. The authority citation for part 400
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l), 1506(o), and 7
U.S.C. 1515(h).
2. Amend § 400.545 by revising
paragraph (f)(2) to read as follows:
■
§ 400.454
*
Disqualification and civil fines.
*
*
(f) * * *
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(2) The amount of such civil fine shall
not exceed the maximum amount
specified in 7 CFR 3.91 (b)(7).
*
*
*
*
*
PART 407—AREA RISK PROTECTION
INSURANCE REGULATIONS
3. The authority citation for part 407
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l) and 1506(o).
4. Amend § 407.9 as follows:
a. In the introductory text, remove the
sentence ‘‘This insurance is available for
the 2022 and succeeding years.’’;
■ b. In section 1:
■ i. Revise the definitions of ‘‘buffer
zone’’, ‘‘certified organic acreage’’, and
‘‘cover crop’’;
■ ii. Add a definition for ‘‘NAP’’ in
alphabetical order;
■ iii. Revise the definitions of ‘‘organic
farming practice’’, ‘‘second crop’’, and
‘‘transitional acreage’’; and
■ iv. Add a definition for ‘‘volunteer
crop’’ in alphabetical order.
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
■
■
§ 407.9
policy.
Area risk protection insurance
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*
*
*
*
*
1. Definitions
*
*
*
*
*
Buffer zone. Acreage designated in
your organic plan that separates
agricultural commodities grown under
organic farming practices from those
grown under non-organic farming
practices. A buffer zone must be
sufficient in size or other features, as
stated in the National Organic Program
published in 7 CFR part 205, to prevent
or minimize the possibility of
unintended contact by prohibited
substances or organisms applied to
adjacent land acres with an area that is
part of the certified organic farming
operation.
*
*
*
*
*
Certified organic acreage. Acreage in
the certified organic farming operation
that has been certified by a certifying
agent as conforming to organic
standards in accordance with the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990
(7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and 7 CFR part
205.
*
*
*
*
*
Cover crop. A crop generally
recognized by agricultural experts as
agronomically sound for the area for
erosion control or other purposes
related to conservation or soil
improvement, unless otherwise
specified in the Special Provisions. A
cover crop may be considered a second
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crop (see the definition of ‘‘second
crop’’).
*
*
*
*
*
NAP. Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program published in 7 CFR
part 1437, administered by FSA.
*
*
*
*
*
Organic farming practice. A system of
plant production practices used on
organic acreage and transitional acreage
to produce an organic crop that is
approved by a certifying agent in
accordance with 7 CFR part 205.
*
*
*
*
*
Second crop. With respect to a single
crop year, the next occurrence of
planting any agricultural commodity for
harvest following a first insured crop on
the same acreage. The second crop may
be the same or a different agricultural
commodity as the first insured crop,
except the term does not include a
replanted crop. If following a first
insured crop, a cover crop that is
planted on the same acreage and
harvested for grain or seed, is
considered a second crop. A crop that
is covered by NAP or receives other
USDA benefits associated with forage
crops is considered a second crop. A
crop meeting the conditions in this
definition is considered a second crop
regardless of whether it is insured.
*
*
*
*
*
Transitional acreage. Acreage in
transition to organic where organic
farming practices are being followed,
but the acreage does not yet qualify as
certified organic acreage.
*
*
*
*
*
Volunteer crop. A crop that was
planted in a previous crop year on the
applicable acreage or drifted from other
acreage, successfully self-seeded, and is
growing this crop year on the applicable
acreage without being intentionally
sown or managed.
*
*
*
*
*
PART 457—COMMON CROP
INSURANCE REGULATIONS
5. The authority citation for part 457
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l), 1506(o).
6. Amend § 457.8 in the ‘‘Common
Crop Insurance Policy’’ as follows:
■ a. In section 1:
■ i. Revise the definitions of ‘‘buffer
zone’’, ‘‘certified organic acreage’’, and
‘‘cover crop’’;
■ ii. Add a definition for ‘‘NAP’’ in
alphabetical order;
■ iii. Revise the definitions of ‘‘organic
farming practice’’, ‘‘second crop’’, and
‘‘transitional acreage’’; and
■ iv. Add a definition for ‘‘volunteer
crop’’ in alphabetical order.
■
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b. In section 14, revise paragraph
(e)(1)(ii) introductory text;
■ c. In section 15, revise paragraph
(g)(3);
■ d. In section 17:
■ i. In paragraph (f)(5)(i)(C), remove the
word ‘‘or’’ at the end;
■ ii. Revise paragraphs (f)(5)(ii) and (iii);
■ iii. Add paragraph (f)(5)(iv);
■ iv. In paragraph (f)(8) introductory
text, remove the semicolon at the end of
the paragraph and add a period in its
place;
■ v. Revise paragraphs (f)(8)(i)(E) and
(f)(8)(ii); and
■ vi. Add paragraph (f)(8)(iii);
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
■
§ 457.8
*
*
The application and policy.
*
*
*
Common Crop Insurance Policy
*
*
*
*
*
1. Definitions
*
*
*
*
*
Buffer zone. Acreage designated in
your organic plan that separates
agricultural commodities grown under
organic farming practices from those
grown under non-organic farming
practices. A buffer zone must be
sufficient in size or other features, as
stated in the National Organic Program
published in 7 CFR part 205, to prevent
or minimize the possibility of
unintended contact by prohibited
substances or organisms applied to
adjacent land acres with an area that is
part of the certified organic farming
operation.
*
*
*
*
*
Certified organic acreage. Acreage in
the certified organic farming operation
that has been certified by a certifying
agent as conforming to organic
standards in accordance with the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990
(7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and 7 CFR part
205.
*
*
*
*
*
Cover crop. A crop generally
recognized by agricultural experts as
agronomically sound for the area for
erosion control or other purposes
related to conservation or soil
improvement, unless otherwise
specified in the Special Provisions. A
cover crop may be considered a second
crop (see the definition of ‘‘second
crop’’).
*
*
*
*
*
NAP. Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program published in 7 CFR
part 1437, administered by FSA.
*
*
*
*
*
Organic farming practice. A system of
plant production practices used on
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organic acreage and transitional acreage
to produce an organic crop that is
approved by a certifying agent in
accordance with 7 CFR part 205.
*
*
*
*
*
Second crop. With respect to a single
crop year, the next occurrence of
planting any agricultural commodity for
harvest following a first insured crop on
the same acreage. The second crop may
be the same or a different agricultural
commodity as the first insured crop,
except the term does not include a
replanted crop. If following a first
insured crop, a cover crop that is
planted on the same acreage and
harvested for grain or seed is considered
a second crop. A crop that is covered by
NAP or receives other USDA benefits
associated with forage crops is
considered a second crop. A crop
meeting the conditions stated in this
definition is considered a second crop
regardless of whether it is insured.
*
*
*
*
*
Transitional acreage. Acreage in
transition to organic where organic
farming practices are being followed,
but the acreage does not yet qualify as
certified organic acreage.
*
*
*
*
*
Volunteer crop. A crop that was
planted in a previous crop year on the
applicable acreage or drifted from other
acreage, successfully self-seeded, and is
growing this crop year on the applicable
acreage without being intentionally
sown or managed.
*
*
*
*
*
14. Duties in the Event of Damage, Loss,
Abandonment, Destruction, or
Alternative Use of Crop or Acreage
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Have harvested farm-stored
production and elect, in writing, to
delay measurement of your farm-stored
production and settlement of any
potential associated claim for indemnity
as allowed by the Special Provisions
(Extensions will be granted for this
purpose up to 180 days after the end of
the insurance period).
*
*
*
*
*
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15. Production Included in Determining
an Indemnity and Payment Reductions
*
*
*
*
*
(g) * * *
(3) To a prevented planting payment
if a cover crop that is planted after the
late planting period (or after the final
planting date if a late planting period is
not applicable) is harvested for grain or
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seed by you or another person, at any
time.
*
*
*
*
*
17. Prevented Planting
*
*
*
*
*
(f) * * *
(5) * * *
(ii) Any volunteer crop is harvested
for grain or seed at any time;
(iii) The act of haying, grazing, or
cutting for silage, haylage, or baleage a
cover crop or volunteer crop contributed
to the acreage being prevented from
being planted;
(iv) A cover crop is planted within or
prior to the late planting period or on
or prior to the final planting date if no
late planting period is applicable and is
harvested for grain or seed at any time.
*
*
*
*
*
(8) * * *
(i) * * *
(E) Unless otherwise allowed in the
Special Provisions, in at least 1 of the
4 most recent crop years immediately
preceding the current crop year, have
been planted to a crop (planted includes
annual regrowth of a perennial forage or
mint crop):
(1) Using recognized good farming
practices;
(2) Insured under the authority of the
Act or NAP; and
(3) That was harvested, or if not
harvested, was adjusted for claim
purposes under the authority of the Act
or NAP due to an insured cause of loss
(other than a cause of loss related to
flood, excess moisture, drought, or other
cause of loss specified in the Special
Provisions).
(ii) If you do not meet the
requirements of section 17(f)(8)(i)(E)
because a crop specific plan of
insurance offered under the authority of
the Act or NAP was not available for the
crops planted on the acreage in the 4
most recent crop years, the acreage may
be considered physically available for
planting if you can prove the acreage
was planted and harvested using good
farming practices in at least 2
consecutive years out of the 4 most
recent crop years immediately
preceding the current crop year.
(iii) Once any acreage does not satisfy
the requirements in section 17(f)(8)(i)(E)
or 17(f)(8)(ii), such acreage will be
considered physically unavailable for
planting until the acreage has been
planted to a crop in accordance with
17(f)(8)(i)(E) for 2 consecutive crop
years, or until such acreage meets the
requirements of 17(f)(8)(ii).
*
*
*
*
*
■ 7. Amend § 457.108 as follows:
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67837
a. In the introductory text, remove the
year ‘‘2021’’ and add ‘‘2022’’ in its
place;
■ b. Redesignate sections 2 through 12
as sections 3 through 13;
■ c. Add a new section 2;
■ d. In newly redesignated section 9, in
paragraph (h), remove the phrase
‘‘sections 8(a) through (g)’’ and add the
phrase ‘‘sections 9(a) through (g)’’ in its
place;
■ e. In newly redesignated section 10, in
paragraph (a)(2), remove the phrase
‘‘section 9(a)(1)’’ and add the phrase
‘‘section 10(a)(1)’’ in its place; and
■ f. In newly redesignated section 12:
■ i. In paragraph (b)(2), remove the
phrase ‘‘section 11(b)(1)(i) or
11(b)(1)(ii)’’ and add the phrase ‘‘section
12(b)(1)(i) or 12(b)(1)(ii)’’ in its place;
■ ii. In paragraph (b)(4), remove the
phrase ‘‘section 11(b)(3)(i) or
11(b)(3)(ii)’’ and add the phrase ‘‘section
12(b)(3)(i) or 12(b)(3)(ii)’’ in its place;
■ iii. In paragraph (b)(5), remove the
phrase ‘‘section 11(b)(4) from the result
of section 11(b)(2)’’ and add the phrase
‘‘section 12(b)(4) from the result of
section 12(b)(2)’’ in its place;
■ iv. In paragraph (b)(6), remove the
phrase ‘‘section 11(b)(5)’’ and add the
phrase ‘‘section 12(b)(5)’’ in its place;
■ v. Revise the example immediately
following paragraph (b)(6);
■ vi. In paragraph (c)(1)(iii), remove the
phrase ‘‘subsection 11(d)’’ and add the
phrase ‘‘section 12(d)’’ in its place; and
■ vii. In paragraph (d)(4), remove the
phrase ‘‘sections 11(d)(2) and (3)’’ and
add the phrase ‘‘sections 12(d)(2) and
(3)’’ in its place.
The revisions and additions reads as
follows:
■
§ 457.108 Sunflower seed crop insurance
provisions.
*
*
*
*
*
2. Unit Division
(a) In addition to the requirements of
section 34(a) of the Basic Provisions,
you may elect separate enterprise units
for confectionery or oil types if these
types are allowed by the actuarial
documents. If you elect enterprise units
for these types, you may not elect
enterprise or optional units by irrigation
practices.
(1) You may elect one enterprise unit
for the confectionery type or one
enterprise unit for the oil type, or
separate enterprise units for both types,
unless otherwise specified in the
Special Provisions. For example: You
may choose one enterprise unit for the
confectionery type acreage and basic or
optional units for the oil type acreage.
(2) You must separately meet the
requirements in section 34(a)(4) for each
enterprise unit.
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(3) If you elected separate enterprise
units for both types and we discover
you do not qualify for an enterprise unit
for one or the other type and such
discovery is made:
(i) On or before the acreage reporting
date, you may elect to insure:
(A) One enterprise unit for the
confectionery type or oil type provided
you meet the requirements in section
34(a)(4), and basic or optional units for
the other type, whichever you report on
your acreage report and qualify for;
(B) One enterprise unit for all acreage
of the crop in the county provided you
meet the requirements in section
34(a)(4); or
(C) Basic or optional units for all
acreage of the crop in the county,
whichever you report on your acreage
report and qualify for; or
(ii) At any time after the acreage
reporting date, your unit structure will
be one enterprise unit for all acreage of
the crop in the county provided you
meet the requirements in section
34(a)(4). Otherwise, we will assign the
basic unit structure.
(4) If you elected an enterprise unit
for one type and a different unit
structure on the other type and we
discover you do not qualify for an
enterprise unit for the type and such
discovery is made:
(i) On or before the acreage reporting
date, your unit division will be based on
basic or optional units, whichever you
report on your acreage report and
qualify for; or
(ii) At any time after the acreage
reporting date, we will assign the basic
unit structure.
(b) In addition to, or instead of,
establishing optional units as provided
in section 34(c) in the Basic Provisions,
a separate optional unit may be
established for each sunflower type
(designated in the actuarial documents
and including any type insured by
written agreement).
*
*
*
*
*
12. Settlement of Claim
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
For example:
You have 100 percent share in 50
acres of sunflowers in the unit with a
production guarantee (per acre) of 1,250
pounds, your projected price is $.23,
your harvest price is $.24, and your
production to count is 54,000 pounds.
If you elected yield protection:
(1) 50 acres × (1,250 pound
production guarantee × $.23 projected
price) = $14,375.00 value of the
production guarantee;
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(3) 54,000 pound production to count
× $.23 projected price = $12,420.00
value of production to count;
(5) $14,375.00¥$12,420.00 =
$1,955.00;
(6) $1,955.00 × 1.000 share =
$1,955.00 indemnity; or
If you elected revenue protection:
(1) 50 acres × (1,250 pound
production guarantee × $.24 harvest
price) = $15,000.00 revenue protection
guarantee;
(3) 54,000 pound production to count
× $.24 harvest price = $12,960.00 value
of the production to count;
(5) $15,000.00¥$12,960.00 =
$2,040.00;
(6) $2,040.00 × 1.000 share =
$2,040.00 indemnity.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 8. Amend § 457.113 as follows:
■ a. In the introductory text, remove the
year ‘‘2021’’ and add ‘‘2022’’ in its
place;
■ b. In section 1:
■ i. In the definition of ‘‘Following
another crop (FAC)’’, remove ‘‘defined’’
and add ‘‘specified’’ in its place;
■ ii. Revise the definition of ‘‘Harvest’’;
■ iii. In the definition of ‘‘Not following
another crop (NFAC)’’, remove
‘‘defined’’ and add ‘‘specified’’ in its
place;
■ c. In section 2, in paragraph
(a)(4)(i)(A), remove the word ‘‘or’’ at the
end;
■ d. In section 6:
■ i. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the
phrase ‘‘twenty percent (20%)’’ and add
‘‘20 percent’’ in its place;
■ ii. Revise paragraph (b)(2)(i);
■ iii. In paragraph (e), remove the word
‘‘beans’’ and add ‘‘soybeans’’ in its
place;
■ e. In section 11, revise paragraph (c);
and
■ f. In section 12:
■ i. Revise the example immediately
following paragraph (b)(6);
■ ii. In paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(A), remove
the phrase ‘‘production to count); or’’
and add ‘‘production to count.); or’’ in
its place;
■ iii. Revise paragraph (d)(1);
■ iv. In paragraph (d)(4), remove the
phrase ‘‘contained in’’ and add
‘‘calculated in accordance with’’ in its
place;
■ v. In paragraph (e)(1), remove ‘‘(1/10)’’
after ‘‘0.1’’; and
■ vi. In paragraph (e)(2), remove ‘‘may’’
and add ‘‘will’’ in its place.
The revisions read as follows:
§ 457.113 Coarse grains crop insurance
provisions.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1. Definitions
*
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*
*
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Harvest. Combining, threshing, or
picking the insured crop for grain, or
cutting for hay, silage, earlage, snaplage,
or fodder.
*
*
*
*
*
6. Insured Crop
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) High-amylose, high-oil, or highprotein (except as authorized in section
6(b)(2)), flint, flour, Indian, blue corn, a
variety genetically adapted to provide
forage for wildlife, or any other open
pollinated corn, unless the Special
Provisions or a written agreement
allows insurance of such excluded
crops.
*
*
*
*
*
11. Duties in the Event of Damage or
Loss
*
*
*
*
*
(c) If you will harvest any acreage in
a manner other than as you reported on
your acreage report (e.g., you reported
planting it to harvest as grain but will
harvest the acreage for hay, silage,
earlage, snaplage, or fodder, or you
reported planting it to harvest as silage
but will harvest the acreage for grain,
hay, earlage, snaplage, or fodder), you
must notify us before harvest begins so
the acreage can be appraised as the type
reported on your acreage report to
determine production to count that is
used for claim purposes. Failure to
timely provide notice will result in
production to count determined in
accordance with section 12(c)(1)(i)(E).
*
*
*
*
*
12. Settlement of Claim
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(6) * * *
For example:
You have 100 percent share in 50
acres of corn in the unit with a
production guarantee (per acre) of 115
bushels, your projected price is $4.58,
your harvest price is $4.53, and your
production to count is 5,000 bushels.
If you elected yield protection:
(1) 50 acres × (115 bushel production
guarantee × $4.58 projected price) =
$26,335.00 value of the production
guarantee
(3) 5,000 bushel production to count
× $4.58 projected price = $22,900.00
value of the production to count
(5) $26,335.00¥$22,900.00 =
$3,435.00
(6) $3,435.00 × 1.000 share =
$3,435.00 indemnity; or
If you elected revenue protection:
E:\FR\FM\30NOR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 30, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(1) 50 acres × (115 bushel production
guarantee × $4.58 projected price) =
$26,335.00 revenue protection guarantee
(3) 5,000 bushel production to count
× $4.53 harvest price = $22,650.00 value
of the production to count
(5) $26,335.00¥$22,650.00 =
$3,685.00
(6) $3,685.00 × 1.000 share =
$3,685.00 indemnity.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) * * *
(1) Production will be reduced by 0.12
percent for each 0.1 percentage point of
moisture in excess of:
(i) 15 percent for corn (If moisture
exceeds 30 percent, production will be
reduced 0.2 percent for each 0.1
percentage point above 30 percent);
(ii) 14 percent for grain sorghum; and
(iii) 13 percent for soybeans.
We may obtain samples of the
production to determine the moisture
content.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 9. Amend § 457.150 as follows:
■ a. In the introductory text, remove the
word ‘‘follow’’ and add ‘‘follows:’’ in its
place; and
■ b. In section 2, revise paragraph (d).
The revision reads as follows:
Final rule.
is making these amendments to correct
a grammatical error, punctuation, a
reference, formatting, a mathematical
formula, and spelling; clarify language;
revise contact information; and update
an authority citation and internal
procedures.
[NRC–2021–0169]
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) is amending its
regulations to make miscellaneous
corrections. These changes include
correcting a grammatical error,
punctuation, a reference, formatting, a
mathematical formula, and spelling;
clarifying language; revising contact
information; and updating an authority
citation and internal procedures. This
document is necessary to inform the
public of these non-substantive
amendments to the NRC’s regulations.
DATES: This final rule is effective on
December 30, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID
NRC–2021–0169 when contacting the
NRC about the availability of
information for this action. You may
obtain publicly-available information
related to this action by any of the
following methods:
• Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID NRC–2021–0169. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Dawn
Forder; telephone: 301–415–3407;
email: Dawn.Forder@nrc.gov.
• NRC’s Agencywide Documents
Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may obtain publiclyavailable documents online in the
ADAMS Public Documents collection at
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/
adams.html. To begin the search, select
‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For
problems with ADAMS, please contact
the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR)
reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301–
415–4737, or by email to pdr.resource@
nrc.gov.
• NRC’s PDR: You may examine and
purchase copies of public documents,
by appointment, at the PDR, Room P1
B35, One White Flint North, 11555
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland
20852. To make an appointment to visit
the PDR, please send an email to
pdr.resource@nrc.gov or call 1–800–
397–4209 or 301–415–4737, between
8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (ET), Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Angella Love Blair, Office of Nuclear
Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555–0001; telephone:
301–415–3453, email:
Angella.LoveBlair@nrc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
RIN 3150–AK70
I. Introduction
10 CFR Part 52
The NRC is amending its regulations
in parts 9, 37, 40, 50, 51, 52, 55, 71, 73,
and 110 of title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR). The NRC
Correct Reference. This final rule
amends § 52.136 by removing the
reference ‘‘10 CFR 50.33(a) through (d)
and (j)’’ and adding in its place the
§ 457.150 Dry bean crop insurance
provisions.
*
*
*
*
*
2. Unit Division
*
*
*
*
*
(d) Contract seed beans may qualify
for a separate enterprise or optional unit
only if the seed bean processor contract
specifies the number of acres under
contract and contract seed beans are
listed as a separate type in the actuarial
documents. Contract seed beans
produced under a seed bean processor
contract that specifies only an amount
of production are not eligible for a
separate enterprise or optional unit.
*
*
*
*
*
Richard H. Flournoy,
Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2021–25925 Filed 11–29–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–08–P
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
10 CFR Chapter I
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
ACTION:
67839
Miscellaneous Corrections
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:56 Nov 29, 2021
Jkt 256001
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
II. Summary of Changes
10 CFR Part 9
Update Authority Citation. This final
rule updates the authority citation for 10
CFR part 9 to include the reference for
the Social Security Number Fraud
Prevention Act of 2017.
10 CFR Parts 37 and 110
Correct Mathematical Formula. This
final rule revises appendix A to 10 CFR
part 37 and appendix P to 10 CFR part
110 to correct a sum of fractions
formula. The correction is necessary to
make the expression mathematically
reflect that an indefinite number of
nuclides may be included in the
calculation, consistent with the
explanations in the respective rule texts.
An ellipsis and a plus sign are added at
the appropriate locations, and the
summation sign (sigma) and brackets are
deleted as unnecessary.
10 CFR Parts 40 and 73
Update Internal Procedures. This
final rule revises §§ 40.23(b)(1), 40.66(a),
40.67(a), 73.73(a)(1), and 73.74(a)(1) to
add the email address that has been
used for submitting advance notices for
shipments of radioactive material.
10 CFR Part 50
Revise Contact Information. This final
rule amends the introductory text of
§ 50.74 to refer licensees to the
appropriate contact information in
§ 55.5.
Provide Clarity. This final rule revises
section IV.F.2.j of appendix E to 10 CFR
part 50 to clarify the emergency
preparedness exercise scenarios that
must be performed within an 8-year
exercise cycle. This revision does not
change the regulations; it only clarifies
the regulations by adding paragraph
numbers and organization.
10 CFR Part 51
Correct Spelling. This final rule
amends footnote 4 to § 51.52 to correct
‘‘appiled’’ to read ‘‘applied.’’ This final
rule also amends § 51.10(b)(2) to correct
‘‘acitivity’’ to read ‘‘activity.’’
E:\FR\FM\30NOR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67831-67839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25925]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 30, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 67831]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
7 CFR Parts 400, 407, and 457
[Docket ID FCIC-21-0008]
RIN 0563-AC76
General Administrative Regulations, Administrative Remedies for
Non-Compliance; Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations; Common Crop
Insurance Policy, Basic Provisions; Common Crop Insurance Regulations,
Sunflower Seed Crop Insurance Provisions; Common Crop Insurance
Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions; and Common Crop
Insurance Regulations, Dry Bean Crop Insurance Provisions
AGENCY: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Final rule with request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is amending its
regulations to revise organic terminology to be consistent with USDA's
National Organic Program, provide cover crop relief for prevented
planting situations, add flexibility to the prevented planting
provisions, provide an option for rice producers to delay measurement
of farm-stored production, allow enterprise units by type for
sunflowers, add earlage and snaplage as an acceptable method of harvest
for corn, clarify that in a loss situation when a producer changes
their planned method of harvest they must notify insurance providers
before harvest begins, and clarify enterprise and optional unit
insurance choices for contract seed bean producers. The changes to the
policy made in this rule are applicable for the 2022 and succeeding
crop years for crops with a contract change date on or after November
30, 2021. For all other crops, the changes to the policy made in this
rule are applicable for the 2023 and succeeding crop years.
DATES:
Effective date: This final rule is effective November 30, 2021.
Comment date: We will consider comments that we receive by the
close of business January 31, 2022. FCIC may consider the comments
received and may conduct additional rulemaking based on the comments.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments on this rule. You may
submit comments by either of the following methods, although FCIC
prefers that you submit comments electronically through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID FCIC-21-0008. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Director, Product Administration and Standards
Division, Risk Management Agency (RMA), US Department of Agriculture,
P.O. Box 419205, Kansas City, MO 64133-6205. In your comment, specify
docket ID FCIC-21-0008.
Comments will be available for viewing online at
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Francie Tolle; telephone (816) 926-
7829; or email [email protected]. Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means for communication should contact the USDA
Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FCIC serves America's agricultural producers through effective,
market-based risk management tools to strengthen the economic stability
of agricultural producers and rural communities. FCIC is committed to
increasing the availability and effectiveness of Federal crop insurance
as a risk management tool. Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) sell and
service Federal crop insurance policies in every state through a
public-private partnership. FCIC reinsures the AIPs who share the risks
associated with catastrophic losses due to major weather events. FCIC's
vision is to secure the future of agriculture by providing world class
risk management tools to rural America.
Federal crop insurance policies typically consist of the Basic
Provisions, the Crop Provisions, the Special Provisions, the Commodity
Exchange Price Provisions, if applicable, other applicable endorsements
or options, the actuarial documents for the insured agricultural
commodity, the Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement, if applicable,
and the applicable regulations published in 7 CFR chapter IV.
FCIC amends the Subpart R (7 CFR part 400), ARPI Basic Provisions
(7 CFR part 407), CCIP Basic Provisions (7 CFR 457.8), Sunflower Seed
Crop Provisions (7 CFR 457.108), Coarse Grains Crop Provisions (7 CFR
457.113); and Dry Bean Crop Provisions (7 CFR 457.150). The changes to
the policy made in this rule are applicable for the 2022 and succeeding
crop years for crops with a contract change date on or after November
30, 2021. For all other crops, the changes to the policy made in this
rule are applicable for the 2023 and succeeding crop years.
Comments Related to 85 FR 38749-38760 Published June 29, 2020
The first final rule with request for comment was published in the
Federal Register on June 29, 2020, (85 FR 38749-38760) amending the
ARPI Regulations; CCIP Basic Provisions; and the Common Crop Insurance
Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions (Coarse Grains
Crop Provisions). Comments were received from five commenters. Three
comments were from individuals, whose comments were unrelated to the
rule. One comment was from an insurance company. The last comment was
from a trade association. FCIC addressed editorial comments in the
final rule with request for comment published in the Federal Register
on November 30, 2020, (85 FR 76420-76428). FCIC addressed the non-
editorial public comments related to the ARPI Basic Provisions and CCIP
Basic Provisions in a final rule with request for comment published in
the Federal Register on June 30, 2021, (86 FR 34606-34611). The
comments received regarding the June 29, 2020, final rule with request
for comment regarding the Coarse Grains Crop Provisions and FCIC's
responses are as follows:
Following Another Crop (FAC) and Not Following Another Crop (NFAC)
Comment: A commenter recommended replacing the term
[[Page 67832]]
``defined'' with ``specified'' in the definition of ``Following another
crop (FAC)'' and ``Not following another crop (NFAC)'' Unless the
Special Provisions actually contain ``definitions'' of the FAC and NFAC
cropping practices (the same or different from these in the Crop
Provisions?), it would be more accurate to change ``defined'' to
``specified.'' This phrasing is commonly used in policies and
procedures.
Response: FCIC agrees and is replacing the term ``defined'' with
``specified'' in the definition of ``Following another crop (FAC)'' and
``Not following another crop (NFAC).''
Comment: A commenter recommended adding the phrase, ``in the same
crop year'' at the end of the definition of ``Following another crop
(FAC)'' and ``Not following another crop (NFAC)'' as a clarification.
While the reference to ``. . . in the same crop year'' might not be
strictly necessary, it might a helpful clarification. For example, if a
2021 crop year spring crop is planted in spring of 2021, followed by a
2022 crop year fall crop planted on the same acreage in fall 2021, that
fall crop is not considered ``FAC'' because those are two different
crop years even though in the same calendar year.
Response: The FAC and NFAC Special Provisions (SP) statements refer
to calendar year and adding the reference to crop year in the Crop
Provisions is conflicting and may cause even more confusion. No change
will be made.
Earlage
Comment: A commenter stated that FCIC has expanded the term silage
to include various usages such as earlage. It would provide clarity to
either include reference to earlage, etc., usages in the definition of
``Silage'' or revise the definition of ``Harvest'' to state:
``Combining, threshing, or picking the insured crop for grain, or
cutting for hay, silage (including earlage, etc.), or fodder.''
Response: FCIC is revising the definition of ``harvest'' to include
earlage and snaplage to treat earlage and snaplage consistent with
grain, hay, or fodder.
Appraisals When Crop Is Harvested in a Manner Other Than Reported
Comment: A commenter suggested adding the bolded language in
section 11(c), Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss: ``(c) If you will
harvest any acreage in a manner other than as you reported it for
coverage (e.g., you reported planting it to harvest as grain but will
harvest the acreage for silage, hay or fodder; or you reported planting
it to harvest as silage but will harvest the acreage for grain), you
must notify us before harvest begins so the acreage can be appraised as
the type insured. Failure to timely provide notice will result in
production to count determined in accordance with section
12(c)(1)(i)(E).''
Response: FCIC agrees and will clarify in section 11(c) that notice
is required before harvest begins if a producer decides to harvest in a
manner other than reported on their acreage report (such as harvesting
grain as silage or vice versa) so the adjuster can appraise the acreage
to determine production to count used for claim purposes.
Minor Editorial and Clarification Suggestions
Comment: A commenter noted in section 2, Unit Division, if the
producer elects separate ``EC,'' enterprise units by cropping practice
for both FAC and NFAC cropping practices but then does not qualify for
EC on one of the cropping practices (and that is discovered on or
before the acreage reporting date), the new option allows the insured
to keep EC on the one that qualifies and have Basic Unit and/or
Optional Unit on the other. With three options for unit structure in
this situation, it is not necessary to have ``or'' at the end of
2(a)(4)(i)(A).
Response: FCIC agrees and is removing the ``or'' from the end of
the phrase in section 2(a)(4)(i)(A).
Comment: A commenter noted in section 6(e), Insured Crop, that this
provision states, in part, that ``. . . the soybean crop insured will
be all of the soybeans in the county that are planted for harvest as
beans.'' [emphasis added]. Since the term ``beans'' is not included in
the definition of ``harvest'' nor elsewhere in the provisions, the
commenter suggested either changing ``beans'' to ``soybeans,'' or by
adding a definition of ``beans'' in section 1 to provide useful
clarity.
Response: FCIC agrees and is replacing the term ``beans'' with
``soybeans'' for clarity.
In addition to the changes described above, FCIC has made the
following changes:
Subpart R
In the General Administrative Regulations Subpart R--Administrative
Remedies for Non-Compliance, FCIC is revising the cap on civil fines to
reference the maximum amount specified in 7 CFR 3.91(b)(7). Prior to
this rule, the provisions list a fixed dollar amount of $10,000;
however, this fine should be updated in accordance with 7 CFR
3.91(b)(7) which is routinely adjusted for inflation.
ARPI Basic Provisions and CCIP Basic Provisions
For both ARPI Basic Provisions (7 CFR part 407) and CCIP Basic
Provisions (7 CFR 457.8), in section 1, FCIC is:
Revising the definitions of ``buffer zone,'' ``certified organic
acreage,'' ``organic farming practice,'' and ``transitional acreage''
to be consistent with the National Organic Program definitions. This
will ensure terms are clear, descriptive, and consistent across USDA.
Revising the definition of ``cover crop'' to add a reference to the
Special Provisions. A Special Provisions statement prohibits corn from
being considered a cover crop if it was planted on acreage that has
been prevented from being planted. Potential abuse was reported for the
2019 crop year regarding corn being planted on the same acreage after a
prevented planting payment has been made and claimed as a cover crop
when the corn was not planted for conservation purposes but rather the
benefit of corn cut for silage.
Adding a definition of ``NAP'' for Non-Insured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program. The term is used more than once throughout the
policy.
Revising the definition of ``Second crop'' to remove the reference
to a cover crop covered by FSA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance
Program (NAP) because cover crops are not insurable under NAP.
Adding a definition of ``volunteer crop'' to define the term used
in the policy and Crop Provisions. Throughout the policy the terms
cover crop and volunteer crop are often in the same phrase. Cover crop
is defined in the policy and it is appropriate to also define volunteer
crop.
ARPI Basic Provisions
A change applicable only to the ARPI Basic Provisions (7 CFR part
407) is the removal of the Preamble language which references the crop
year insurance is in effect. The crop year in effect for the crops
covered under the ARPI Basic Provisions varies depending on the
contract change date. The changes to the policy made in this rule are
applicable for the 2022 and succeeding crop years for crops with a
contract change date on or after November 30, 2021. For all other
crops, the changes to the policy made in this rule are applicable for
the 2023 and succeeding crop years. Therefore, FCIC is removing the
sentence in the Preamble.
CCIP Basic Provisions
Other changes applicable only to the CCIP Basic Provisions (7 CFR
457.8) are:
[[Page 67833]]
Section 14, Duties in the Event of Damage, Loss, Abandonment,
Destruction, or Alternative Use of Crop or Acreage, of the CCIP Basic
Provisions, revise section 14(e)(1)(ii) to allow the option to delay
measurement of farm-stored production (180-day extension) if allowed by
the Special Provisions. Previously, the option was only allowed for
grain crops. A Special Provisions statement will be created, and the
extension will apply on a crop basis for crops that can easily and
safely be stored and do not naturally deteriorate easily during farm
storage, and therefore, are low risk for delaying measurements for loss
adjustment.
Section 15, Production Included in Determining an Indemnity and
Payment Reductions, discontinue reducing prevented planting payments on
acreage that has been prevented from planting that is later cash
rented. Prior to this rule, policy and procedure stated that if a
producer receives cash rent for acreage that had been prevented from
planting a first insured crop, the producer was limited to 35 percent
of the prevented planting payment on the acreage regardless of the
subsequent person's use of the rented acreage. With the removal of the
November 1 date, as mentioned in the section 17 changes below, a
producer with acreage claimed as prevented planting could plant a cover
crop and hay, graze, or cut the cover crop for silage, haylage, or
baleage without a reduction in their prevented planting payment. FCIC
considers the benefits of using a cover crop as animal feed similar to
the benefit of cash renting the acreage. Therefore, FCIC will no longer
reduce prevented planting payments when acreage that has been prevented
from planting is cash rented as long as it is not harvested for grain
or seed.
Section 17, Prevented Planting, of the CCIP Basic Provisions,
revise the policy provisions in response to a Prevented Planting
Workgroup that included RMA and industry representatives. Prevented
planting is a feature of many crop insurance plans that provides a
partial payment to cover certain pre-plant costs for a crop that was
prevented from being planted due to an insurable cause of loss. The
workgroup reviewed the current policy related to cover crops, volunteer
crops, discussed impacts to the prevented planting program, and
explored policy improvements. The workgroup also reviewed the
requirement that acreage must be physically available for planting to
be eligible for a prevented planting payment (added November 30, 2020).
The ``1 in 4'' requirement is a part of the requirement that the
acreage must be physically available for planting. The ``1 in 4''
requirement states that the acreage must have been planted to a crop,
insured, and harvested (or adjusted for a loss excluding flood, excess
moisture, or drought or other cause of loss specified in the Special
Provisions) in at least 1 out of the previous 4 crop years. The
following lists the changes to section 17(f):
Incorporate RMA Manager's Bulletin MGR-21-004 by revising section
17(f)(5) to allow a cover crop planted on acreage claimed as prevented
from being planted to be hayed, grazed, or cut for silage, haylage, or
baleage at any time without a reduction to the prevented planting
payment, provided the producer meets all other policy provisions. Prior
to this rule, throughout FCIC-approved procedures for cover crops and
prevented planting, November 1 is used as a reference point for when a
cover crop may be hayed, grazed, or cut for silage, haylage, or
baleage. For example, a cover crop planted after the late planting
period for a crop that was prevented from being planted may be hayed,
grazed, or cut for silage, haylage, or baleage on or after November 1,
and the producer could still receive a full prevented planting payment.
If the cover crop was hayed, grazed, or cut for silage, haylage, or
baleage before November 1, or harvested for grain or seed at any time,
the cover crop was considered a second crop and the producer's
prevented planting payment was reduced by 65 percent.
As defined in the CCIP Basic Provisions, a cover crop is a crop
generally recognized by agricultural experts as agronomically sound for
the area for erosion control or other purposes related to conservation
or soil improvement. FCIC rescinded the November 1 standard, as it
relates to haying, grazing, or cutting for silage, haylage, or baleage
of a cover crop from procedure for the 2021 and succeeding crop years.
However, a cover crop harvested for grain or seed at any time will
continue to result in a prevented planting payment reduction in
accordance with section 15(f)(2) of the CCIP Basic Provisions. Similar
revisions were made for language consistency regarding double cropping
eligibility determination in section 15(g), Production Included in
Determining an Indemnity and Payment Reductions, of the CCIP Basic
Provisions.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) to incorporate RMA Manager's
Bulletin MGR-21-002 which allows the annual regrowth for the crop year
of an insured perennial Category B crop, such as alfalfa, red clover,
or mint, to be considered planted when determining if the land is
available for planting. In addition, the annual regrowth for the crop
year of a perennial planted forage insured under Pasture, Rangeland,
and Forage (PRF) reported with the intended use of haying is considered
planted for the purpose of determining if the land is available for
planting. Provided the land was planted (including the clarifications
stated above), insured, and harvested (or adjusted for a loss excluding
flood, excess moisture, or drought or other cause of loss specified in
the Special Provisions) within the same crop year in 1 of the last 4
crop years, the land would meet the current prevented planting
available for planting ``1 in 4'' requirement.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) to include another test to
determine if the land was available for planting if it was not
previously insured. If the land does not meet the current ``1 in 4''
requirement because crop insurance for a single crop or NAP coverage
was not available, the land may qualify for prevented planting if the
producer can prove the land was planted and harvested using good
farming practices for the crop in at least 2 consecutive years out of
the 4 previous crop years.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) that will allow changes to the
eligible for planting language through the Special Provisions, for the
``1 in 4'' requirement.
Add language in section 17(f)(8) to allow for NAP coverage to
qualify as ``insured'' for the ``1 in 4'' requirement.
Sunflower Seed Crop Provisions
Add a new section 2, Unit Division, to allow enterprise and
optional units by type for sunflower seed. Allowing separate enterprise
and optional units enables producers to be indemnified separately by
type. The benefit for producers is that a gain on one type (e.g.,
confectionery type) does not offset the loss payment on another type
(e.g., oil type). Enterprise units are attractive to producers because
additional premium discounts are available as the risk is diversified
across the county. Since FCIC is adding a new section 2, all subsequent
sections and references to subsequent sections will be renumbered
accordingly.
FCIC is also updating the example in redesignated section 12 to
reflect current market prices for a more accurate portrayal of the
prices that producers are experiencing.
Coarse Grains Crop Provisions
The Coarse Grains Crop Provisions were revised on June 29, 2020,
with a final rule with request for comment. FCIC is making the
following revisions in response to comments received:
[[Page 67834]]
Section 1, Definitions, of the Coarse Grains Crop Provisions,
revise the definition of ``harvest'' to include earlage and snaplage as
a harvested crop. FCIC received questions in the past to identify
earlage and snaplage in the policy. Questions were raised in response
to the 2020 Derecho on whether FCIC considers earlage as harvested.
FCIC will revise the definition of ``harvest'' to include earlage and
snaplage to treat earlage and snaplage consistent with grain, hay, or
fodder. This change is in response to a comment made to the June 29,
2020, final rule.
Section 11, Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss, of the Coarse
Grains Crop Provisions, revise section 11(c) to include ``hay or
fodder'' to be consistent with the definition of ``harvest.'' FCIC is
clarifying that notice is required before harvest begins if a producer
decides to harvest in a manner other than reported on the producer's
acreage report (such as harvesting grain for silage or vice versa) so
the adjuster can appraise the acreage to determine production to count
that is used for claim purposes. This change is in response to a
comment made to the June 29, 2020, final rule.
Section 12(e)(2), Settlement of Claim, remove the word ``may'' and
replace with ``will.'' Prior to this rule, the policy stated for silage
appraisals made after the normal harvest period, the insurance
companies ``may'' increase production to count to a 65 percent moisture
equivalent. The word ``may'' is misleading because procedure requires
this adjustment; there is no other option for increasing production to
count in these situations. Changing the language to state, ``will'' is
more transparent and consistent with existing FCIC issued procedures.
FCIC is also making non-substantive changes to the regulation.
Examples include making stylistic changes, making grammatical
corrections, updating prices, and clarifying word changes. These
revisions are editorial in nature and are intended to provide clarity
to the regulation.
Dry Bean Crop Provisions
The Dry Bean Crop Provisions were revised June 24, 2021, with a
final rule with request for comment. FCIC is making the following
clarifications in response to questions received after the close of the
comment period about how to implement the new provisions.
Section 2, Unit Division, of the Dry Bean Crop Provisions,
clarifies that a separate enterprise or optional unit for contract seed
beans is allowed where contract seed beans are listed as an insurable
type in the county actuarial documents. This clarifies a change issued
as a Final Rule in June 2021, allowing separate enterprise units by
type. Some dry bean varieties (e.g., Pinto, Navy) are listed as
insurable types but could also be produced under a contract as seed.
This has caused confusion because ``Contract Seed Beans'' are also an
insurable type in some counties. Insurance providers have questioned
how to interpret the June Final Rule allowing separate enterprise units
by type for these varieties.
FCIC will also be removing language in section 2 that restricts
seed bean contracts based on both acreage and production from being
eligible for a separate enterprise or optional unit. Many seed bean
contracts include an estimated or typical yield that is in addition to
actual production. These yields have often been included in seed bean
contracts so the seed company can track production inventory estimates
and help the grower with expected crop value when lending institutions
are involved. The withdrawal of these combination style contracts from
this section will avoid making them ineligible for optional or
enterprise units and move the focus on whether the seed bean contracts
meet the requirements stated in the Special Provisions.
FCIC is also making a grammatical change to the introductory text
for subject-verb agreement.
Effective Date, Notice and Comment, and Exemptions
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA, 5 U.S.C. 553) provides that
the notice and comment and 30-day delay in the effective date
provisions do not apply when the rule involves specified actions,
including matters relating to contracts. This rule governs contracts
for crop insurance policies and therefore falls within that exemption.
This rule is exempt from the regulatory analysis requirements of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.
For major rules, the Congressional Review Act requires a delay the
effective date of 60 days after publication to allow for Congressional
review. This rule is not a major rule under the Congressional Review
Act, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Therefore, this final rule is
effective on the date of publication in the Federal Register. Although
not required by APA or any other law, FCIC has chosen to request
comments on this rule.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,''
direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive
impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasized the importance
of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. The requirements in
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 for the analysis of costs and benefits
apply to rules that are determined to be significant.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated this rule as
not significant under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and
Review,'' and therefore, OMB has not reviewed this rule and analysis of
the costs and benefits is not required under either Executive Order
12866 or 13563.
Clarity of the Regulation
Executive Order 12866, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563,
requires each agency to write all rules in plain language. In addition
to your substantive comments on this rule, we invite your comments on
how to make the rule easier to understand. For example:
Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated? Are the
scope and intent of the rule clear?
Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that is
not clear?
Is the material logically organized?
Would changing the grouping or order of sections or adding
headings make the rule easier to understand?
Could we improve clarity by adding tables, lists, or
diagrams?
Would more, but shorter, sections be better? Are there
specific sections that are too long or confusing?
What else could we do to make the rule easier to
understand?
Environmental Review
In general, the environmental impacts of rules are to be considered
in a manner consistent with the provisions of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) and the
regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508). FCIC conducts programs and activities that have been determined
to have no individual or cumulative effect on the human environment. As
[[Page 67835]]
specified in 7 CFR 1b.4, FCIC is categorically excluded from the
preparation of an Environmental Analysis or Environmental Impact
Statement unless the FCIC Manager (agency head) determines that an
action may have a significant environmental effect. The FCIC Manager
has determined this rule will not have a significant environmental
effect. Therefore, FCIC will not prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement for this action and this rule serves as
documentation of the programmatic environmental compliance decision.
Executive Order 12988
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform.'' This rule will not preempt State or local laws,
regulations, or policies unless they represent an irreconcilable
conflict with this rule. Before any judicial actions may be brought
regarding the provisions of this rule, the administrative appeal
provisions of 7 CFR part 11 are to be exhausted.
Executive Order 13175
This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies
to consult and coordinate with Tribes on a government-to-government
basis on policies that have Tribal implications, including regulations,
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or
more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government
and Indian Tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
RMA has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian Tribes and
determined that this rule does not, to our knowledge, have Tribal
implications that require Tribal consultation under E.O. 13175. The
regulation changes do not have Tribal implications that preempt Tribal
law and are not expected have a substantial direct effect on one or
more Indian Tribes. If a Tribe requests consultation, RMA will work
with the USDA Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful
consultation is provided where changes, additions and modifications
identified in this rule are not expressly mandated by Congress.
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L.
104-4) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their
regulatory actions of State, local, and Tribal governments, or the
private sector. Agencies generally must prepare a written statement,
including cost benefits analysis, for proposed and final rules with
Federal mandates that may result in expenditures of $100 million or
more in any 1 year for State, local or Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or to the private sector. UMRA generally requires agencies
to consider alternatives and adopt the more cost effective or least
burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. This
rule contains no Federal mandates, as defined in Title II of UMRA, for
State, local, and Tribal governments, or the private sector. Therefore,
this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of
UMRA.
Federal Assistance Program
The title and number of the Federal Domestic Assistance Program
listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance to which this rule
applies is No. 10.450--Crop Insurance.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
In accordance with the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35, subchapter I), the rule does not change the
information collection approved by OMB under control numbers 0563-0053.
USDA Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights
regulations and policies, USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees,
and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental
status, income derived from a public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in
any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases
apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by
program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (for example, braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 or 844-433-
2774 (toll-free nationwide). Additionally, program information may be
made available in languages other than English. To file a program
discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office
or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA
by mail to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410 or email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 400
Acreage allotments, Administrative practice and procedure, Claims,
Crop insurance, Drug traffic control, Fraud, Government employees,
Income taxes, Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Wages.
7 CFR Part 407
Acreage allotments, Administrative practice and procedure, Barley,
Corn, Cotton, Crop insurance, Peanuts, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat.
7 CFR Part 457
Acreage allotments, Crop insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Final Rule
For the reasons discussed above, FCIC amends 7 CFR parts 400, 407,
and 457, effective for the 2022 and succeeding crop years for crops
with a contract change date on or after November 30, 2021, and for the
2023 and succeeding crop years for all other crops, as follows:
PART 400--GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 400 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l), 1506(o), and 7 U.S.C. 1515(h).
0
2. Amend Sec. 400.545 by revising paragraph (f)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 400.454 Disqualification and civil fines.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
[[Page 67836]]
(2) The amount of such civil fine shall not exceed the maximum
amount specified in 7 CFR 3.91 (b)(7).
* * * * *
PART 407--AREA RISK PROTECTION INSURANCE REGULATIONS
0
3. The authority citation for part 407 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l) and 1506(o).
0
4. Amend Sec. 407.9 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text, remove the sentence ``This insurance is
available for the 2022 and succeeding years.'';
0
b. In section 1:
0
i. Revise the definitions of ``buffer zone'', ``certified organic
acreage'', and ``cover crop'';
0
ii. Add a definition for ``NAP'' in alphabetical order;
0
iii. Revise the definitions of ``organic farming practice'', ``second
crop'', and ``transitional acreage''; and
0
iv. Add a definition for ``volunteer crop'' in alphabetical order.
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 407.9 Area risk protection insurance policy.
* * * * *
1. Definitions
* * * * *
Buffer zone. Acreage designated in your organic plan that separates
agricultural commodities grown under organic farming practices from
those grown under non-organic farming practices. A buffer zone must be
sufficient in size or other features, as stated in the National Organic
Program published in 7 CFR part 205, to prevent or minimize the
possibility of unintended contact by prohibited substances or organisms
applied to adjacent land acres with an area that is part of the
certified organic farming operation.
* * * * *
Certified organic acreage. Acreage in the certified organic farming
operation that has been certified by a certifying agent as conforming
to organic standards in accordance with the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and 7 CFR part 205.
* * * * *
Cover crop. A crop generally recognized by agricultural experts as
agronomically sound for the area for erosion control or other purposes
related to conservation or soil improvement, unless otherwise specified
in the Special Provisions. A cover crop may be considered a second crop
(see the definition of ``second crop'').
* * * * *
NAP. Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program published in 7 CFR
part 1437, administered by FSA.
* * * * *
Organic farming practice. A system of plant production practices
used on organic acreage and transitional acreage to produce an organic
crop that is approved by a certifying agent in accordance with 7 CFR
part 205.
* * * * *
Second crop. With respect to a single crop year, the next
occurrence of planting any agricultural commodity for harvest following
a first insured crop on the same acreage. The second crop may be the
same or a different agricultural commodity as the first insured crop,
except the term does not include a replanted crop. If following a first
insured crop, a cover crop that is planted on the same acreage and
harvested for grain or seed, is considered a second crop. A crop that
is covered by NAP or receives other USDA benefits associated with
forage crops is considered a second crop. A crop meeting the conditions
in this definition is considered a second crop regardless of whether it
is insured.
* * * * *
Transitional acreage. Acreage in transition to organic where
organic farming practices are being followed, but the acreage does not
yet qualify as certified organic acreage.
* * * * *
Volunteer crop. A crop that was planted in a previous crop year on
the applicable acreage or drifted from other acreage, successfully
self-seeded, and is growing this crop year on the applicable acreage
without being intentionally sown or managed.
* * * * *
PART 457--COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS
0
5. The authority citation for part 457 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l), 1506(o).
0
6. Amend Sec. 457.8 in the ``Common Crop Insurance Policy'' as
follows:
0
a. In section 1:
0
i. Revise the definitions of ``buffer zone'', ``certified organic
acreage'', and ``cover crop'';
0
ii. Add a definition for ``NAP'' in alphabetical order;
0
iii. Revise the definitions of ``organic farming practice'', ``second
crop'', and ``transitional acreage''; and
0
iv. Add a definition for ``volunteer crop'' in alphabetical order.
0
b. In section 14, revise paragraph (e)(1)(ii) introductory text;
0
c. In section 15, revise paragraph (g)(3);
0
d. In section 17:
0
i. In paragraph (f)(5)(i)(C), remove the word ``or'' at the end;
0
ii. Revise paragraphs (f)(5)(ii) and (iii);
0
iii. Add paragraph (f)(5)(iv);
0
iv. In paragraph (f)(8) introductory text, remove the semicolon at the
end of the paragraph and add a period in its place;
0
v. Revise paragraphs (f)(8)(i)(E) and (f)(8)(ii); and
0
vi. Add paragraph (f)(8)(iii);
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 457.8 The application and policy.
* * * * *
Common Crop Insurance Policy
* * * * *
1. Definitions
* * * * *
Buffer zone. Acreage designated in your organic plan that separates
agricultural commodities grown under organic farming practices from
those grown under non-organic farming practices. A buffer zone must be
sufficient in size or other features, as stated in the National Organic
Program published in 7 CFR part 205, to prevent or minimize the
possibility of unintended contact by prohibited substances or organisms
applied to adjacent land acres with an area that is part of the
certified organic farming operation.
* * * * *
Certified organic acreage. Acreage in the certified organic farming
operation that has been certified by a certifying agent as conforming
to organic standards in accordance with the Organic Foods Production
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and 7 CFR part 205.
* * * * *
Cover crop. A crop generally recognized by agricultural experts as
agronomically sound for the area for erosion control or other purposes
related to conservation or soil improvement, unless otherwise specified
in the Special Provisions. A cover crop may be considered a second crop
(see the definition of ``second crop'').
* * * * *
NAP. Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program published in 7 CFR
part 1437, administered by FSA.
* * * * *
Organic farming practice. A system of plant production practices
used on
[[Page 67837]]
organic acreage and transitional acreage to produce an organic crop
that is approved by a certifying agent in accordance with 7 CFR part
205.
* * * * *
Second crop. With respect to a single crop year, the next
occurrence of planting any agricultural commodity for harvest following
a first insured crop on the same acreage. The second crop may be the
same or a different agricultural commodity as the first insured crop,
except the term does not include a replanted crop. If following a first
insured crop, a cover crop that is planted on the same acreage and
harvested for grain or seed is considered a second crop. A crop that is
covered by NAP or receives other USDA benefits associated with forage
crops is considered a second crop. A crop meeting the conditions stated
in this definition is considered a second crop regardless of whether it
is insured.
* * * * *
Transitional acreage. Acreage in transition to organic where
organic farming practices are being followed, but the acreage does not
yet qualify as certified organic acreage.
* * * * *
Volunteer crop. A crop that was planted in a previous crop year on
the applicable acreage or drifted from other acreage, successfully
self-seeded, and is growing this crop year on the applicable acreage
without being intentionally sown or managed.
* * * * *
14. Duties in the Event of Damage, Loss, Abandonment, Destruction, or
Alternative Use of Crop or Acreage
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Have harvested farm-stored production and elect, in writing,
to delay measurement of your farm-stored production and settlement of
any potential associated claim for indemnity as allowed by the Special
Provisions (Extensions will be granted for this purpose up to 180 days
after the end of the insurance period).
* * * * *
15. Production Included in Determining an Indemnity and Payment
Reductions
* * * * *
(g) * * *
(3) To a prevented planting payment if a cover crop that is planted
after the late planting period (or after the final planting date if a
late planting period is not applicable) is harvested for grain or seed
by you or another person, at any time.
* * * * *
17. Prevented Planting
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(5) * * *
(ii) Any volunteer crop is harvested for grain or seed at any time;
(iii) The act of haying, grazing, or cutting for silage, haylage,
or baleage a cover crop or volunteer crop contributed to the acreage
being prevented from being planted;
(iv) A cover crop is planted within or prior to the late planting
period or on or prior to the final planting date if no late planting
period is applicable and is harvested for grain or seed at any time.
* * * * *
(8) * * *
(i) * * *
(E) Unless otherwise allowed in the Special Provisions, in at least
1 of the 4 most recent crop years immediately preceding the current
crop year, have been planted to a crop (planted includes annual
regrowth of a perennial forage or mint crop):
(1) Using recognized good farming practices;
(2) Insured under the authority of the Act or NAP; and
(3) That was harvested, or if not harvested, was adjusted for claim
purposes under the authority of the Act or NAP due to an insured cause
of loss (other than a cause of loss related to flood, excess moisture,
drought, or other cause of loss specified in the Special Provisions).
(ii) If you do not meet the requirements of section 17(f)(8)(i)(E)
because a crop specific plan of insurance offered under the authority
of the Act or NAP was not available for the crops planted on the
acreage in the 4 most recent crop years, the acreage may be considered
physically available for planting if you can prove the acreage was
planted and harvested using good farming practices in at least 2
consecutive years out of the 4 most recent crop years immediately
preceding the current crop year.
(iii) Once any acreage does not satisfy the requirements in section
17(f)(8)(i)(E) or 17(f)(8)(ii), such acreage will be considered
physically unavailable for planting until the acreage has been planted
to a crop in accordance with 17(f)(8)(i)(E) for 2 consecutive crop
years, or until such acreage meets the requirements of 17(f)(8)(ii).
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec. 457.108 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text, remove the year ``2021'' and add ``2022''
in its place;
0
b. Redesignate sections 2 through 12 as sections 3 through 13;
0
c. Add a new section 2;
0
d. In newly redesignated section 9, in paragraph (h), remove the phrase
``sections 8(a) through (g)'' and add the phrase ``sections 9(a)
through (g)'' in its place;
0
e. In newly redesignated section 10, in paragraph (a)(2), remove the
phrase ``section 9(a)(1)'' and add the phrase ``section 10(a)(1)'' in
its place; and
0
f. In newly redesignated section 12:
0
i. In paragraph (b)(2), remove the phrase ``section 11(b)(1)(i) or
11(b)(1)(ii)'' and add the phrase ``section 12(b)(1)(i) or
12(b)(1)(ii)'' in its place;
0
ii. In paragraph (b)(4), remove the phrase ``section 11(b)(3)(i) or
11(b)(3)(ii)'' and add the phrase ``section 12(b)(3)(i) or
12(b)(3)(ii)'' in its place;
0
iii. In paragraph (b)(5), remove the phrase ``section 11(b)(4) from the
result of section 11(b)(2)'' and add the phrase ``section 12(b)(4) from
the result of section 12(b)(2)'' in its place;
0
iv. In paragraph (b)(6), remove the phrase ``section 11(b)(5)'' and add
the phrase ``section 12(b)(5)'' in its place;
0
v. Revise the example immediately following paragraph (b)(6);
0
vi. In paragraph (c)(1)(iii), remove the phrase ``subsection 11(d)''
and add the phrase ``section 12(d)'' in its place; and
0
vii. In paragraph (d)(4), remove the phrase ``sections 11(d)(2) and
(3)'' and add the phrase ``sections 12(d)(2) and (3)'' in its place.
The revisions and additions reads as follows:
Sec. 457.108 Sunflower seed crop insurance provisions.
* * * * *
2. Unit Division
(a) In addition to the requirements of section 34(a) of the Basic
Provisions, you may elect separate enterprise units for confectionery
or oil types if these types are allowed by the actuarial documents. If
you elect enterprise units for these types, you may not elect
enterprise or optional units by irrigation practices.
(1) You may elect one enterprise unit for the confectionery type or
one enterprise unit for the oil type, or separate enterprise units for
both types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Provisions. For
example: You may choose one enterprise unit for the confectionery type
acreage and basic or optional units for the oil type acreage.
(2) You must separately meet the requirements in section 34(a)(4)
for each enterprise unit.
[[Page 67838]]
(3) If you elected separate enterprise units for both types and we
discover you do not qualify for an enterprise unit for one or the other
type and such discovery is made:
(i) On or before the acreage reporting date, you may elect to
insure:
(A) One enterprise unit for the confectionery type or oil type
provided you meet the requirements in section 34(a)(4), and basic or
optional units for the other type, whichever you report on your acreage
report and qualify for;
(B) One enterprise unit for all acreage of the crop in the county
provided you meet the requirements in section 34(a)(4); or
(C) Basic or optional units for all acreage of the crop in the
county, whichever you report on your acreage report and qualify for; or
(ii) At any time after the acreage reporting date, your unit
structure will be one enterprise unit for all acreage of the crop in
the county provided you meet the requirements in section 34(a)(4).
Otherwise, we will assign the basic unit structure.
(4) If you elected an enterprise unit for one type and a different
unit structure on the other type and we discover you do not qualify for
an enterprise unit for the type and such discovery is made:
(i) On or before the acreage reporting date, your unit division
will be based on basic or optional units, whichever you report on your
acreage report and qualify for; or
(ii) At any time after the acreage reporting date, we will assign
the basic unit structure.
(b) In addition to, or instead of, establishing optional units as
provided in section 34(c) in the Basic Provisions, a separate optional
unit may be established for each sunflower type (designated in the
actuarial documents and including any type insured by written
agreement).
* * * * *
12. Settlement of Claim
* * * * *
(b) * * *
For example:
You have 100 percent share in 50 acres of sunflowers in the unit
with a production guarantee (per acre) of 1,250 pounds, your projected
price is $.23, your harvest price is $.24, and your production to count
is 54,000 pounds.
If you elected yield protection:
(1) 50 acres x (1,250 pound production guarantee x $.23 projected
price) = $14,375.00 value of the production guarantee;
(3) 54,000 pound production to count x $.23 projected price =
$12,420.00 value of production to count;
(5) $14,375.00-$12,420.00 = $1,955.00;
(6) $1,955.00 x 1.000 share = $1,955.00 indemnity; or
If you elected revenue protection:
(1) 50 acres x (1,250 pound production guarantee x $.24 harvest
price) = $15,000.00 revenue protection guarantee;
(3) 54,000 pound production to count x $.24 harvest price =
$12,960.00 value of the production to count;
(5) $15,000.00-$12,960.00 = $2,040.00;
(6) $2,040.00 x 1.000 share = $2,040.00 indemnity.
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec. 457.113 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text, remove the year ``2021'' and add ``2022''
in its place;
0
b. In section 1:
0
i. In the definition of ``Following another crop (FAC)'', remove
``defined'' and add ``specified'' in its place;
0
ii. Revise the definition of ``Harvest'';
0
iii. In the definition of ``Not following another crop (NFAC)'', remove
``defined'' and add ``specified'' in its place;
0
c. In section 2, in paragraph (a)(4)(i)(A), remove the word ``or'' at
the end;
0
d. In section 6:
0
i. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the phrase ``twenty percent (20%)'' and
add ``20 percent'' in its place;
0
ii. Revise paragraph (b)(2)(i);
0
iii. In paragraph (e), remove the word ``beans'' and add ``soybeans''
in its place;
0
e. In section 11, revise paragraph (c); and
0
f. In section 12:
0
i. Revise the example immediately following paragraph (b)(6);
0
ii. In paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(A), remove the phrase ``production to
count); or'' and add ``production to count.); or'' in its place;
0
iii. Revise paragraph (d)(1);
0
iv. In paragraph (d)(4), remove the phrase ``contained in'' and add
``calculated in accordance with'' in its place;
0
v. In paragraph (e)(1), remove ``(1/10)'' after ``0.1''; and
0
vi. In paragraph (e)(2), remove ``may'' and add ``will'' in its place.
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 457.113 Coarse grains crop insurance provisions.
* * * * *
1. Definitions
* * * * *
Harvest. Combining, threshing, or picking the insured crop for
grain, or cutting for hay, silage, earlage, snaplage, or fodder.
* * * * *
6. Insured Crop
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) High-amylose, high-oil, or high-protein (except as authorized
in section 6(b)(2)), flint, flour, Indian, blue corn, a variety
genetically adapted to provide forage for wildlife, or any other open
pollinated corn, unless the Special Provisions or a written agreement
allows insurance of such excluded crops.
* * * * *
11. Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss
* * * * *
(c) If you will harvest any acreage in a manner other than as you
reported on your acreage report (e.g., you reported planting it to
harvest as grain but will harvest the acreage for hay, silage, earlage,
snaplage, or fodder, or you reported planting it to harvest as silage
but will harvest the acreage for grain, hay, earlage, snaplage, or
fodder), you must notify us before harvest begins so the acreage can be
appraised as the type reported on your acreage report to determine
production to count that is used for claim purposes. Failure to timely
provide notice will result in production to count determined in
accordance with section 12(c)(1)(i)(E).
* * * * *
12. Settlement of Claim
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(6) * * *
For example:
You have 100 percent share in 50 acres of corn in the unit with a
production guarantee (per acre) of 115 bushels, your projected price is
$4.58, your harvest price is $4.53, and your production to count is
5,000 bushels.
If you elected yield protection:
(1) 50 acres x (115 bushel production guarantee x $4.58 projected
price) = $26,335.00 value of the production guarantee
(3) 5,000 bushel production to count x $4.58 projected price =
$22,900.00 value of the production to count
(5) $26,335.00-$22,900.00 = $3,435.00
(6) $3,435.00 x 1.000 share = $3,435.00 indemnity; or
If you elected revenue protection:
[[Page 67839]]
(1) 50 acres x (115 bushel production guarantee x $4.58 projected
price) = $26,335.00 revenue protection guarantee
(3) 5,000 bushel production to count x $4.53 harvest price =
$22,650.00 value of the production to count
(5) $26,335.00-$22,650.00 = $3,685.00
(6) $3,685.00 x 1.000 share = $3,685.00 indemnity.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(1) Production will be reduced by 0.12 percent for each 0.1
percentage point of moisture in excess of:
(i) 15 percent for corn (If moisture exceeds 30 percent, production
will be reduced 0.2 percent for each 0.1 percentage point above 30
percent);
(ii) 14 percent for grain sorghum; and
(iii) 13 percent for soybeans.
We may obtain samples of the production to determine the moisture
content.
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec. 457.150 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text, remove the word ``follow'' and add
``follows:'' in its place; and
0
b. In section 2, revise paragraph (d).
The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 457.150 Dry bean crop insurance provisions.
* * * * *
2. Unit Division
* * * * *
(d) Contract seed beans may qualify for a separate enterprise or
optional unit only if the seed bean processor contract specifies the
number of acres under contract and contract seed beans are listed as a
separate type in the actuarial documents. Contract seed beans produced
under a seed bean processor contract that specifies only an amount of
production are not eligible for a separate enterprise or optional unit.
* * * * *
Richard H. Flournoy,
Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2021-25925 Filed 11-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P