Notice of Availability of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for AMS Organic Market Development Grant Program, 80687-80688 [2023-25564]

Download as PDF 80687 Notices Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 222 Monday, November 20, 2023 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–LP–23–0056] Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intent to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection used in support of Audit Verification Programs. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 19, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning this notice by using the electronic process available at https:// www.regulations.gov. Written comments may also be submitted to Quality Assessment Division; Livestock and Poultry Program; Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258; Washington, DC 20250–0258. All comments should reference the docket number AMS–LP– 23–0056, the date of submission, and the page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided and will be made available for public inspection at https:// www.regulations.gov and the above physical address during regular business hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Waite, Branch Chief, Quality ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Nov 17, 2023 Jkt 262001 Assessment Division; Phone: (202) 309– 1096; or Email Jeff.Waite@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: List of U.S. Manufacturers of Specific CVM-Regulated Products with Interest in Exporting Covered Products to China. OMB Number: 0581–0339. Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2024. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA) (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627) as amended directs and authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide inspection, certification, and verification services of the quality and condition of agricultural products which facilitate the marketing of agricultural products. To provide programs and services, section 203(h) of the AMA (7 U.S.C. 1622(h)) directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to inspect, certify, and verify agricultural products under such rules and regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, including assessment and collection of fees for the cost of service. The regulation in 7 CFR 62—AMS Audit Verification and Accreditation Programs is a collection of voluntary, audit-based, user-fee funded verification programs that allow applicants to have program documentation and program processes assessed by AMS auditor(s) and other USDA officials. Because this is a voluntary program, respondents request or apply for the specific service they wish, and in doing so, they provide information. The information collected is used only by authorized representatives of USDA (AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program’s QAD auditing staff) and is used to conduct services requested by respondents. Information collected includes but is not limited to facility name, address, and identifier, and product. The information collection requirements in this request are essential to carry out the intent of the AMA, to provide the respondents the type of service they request, and to administer the program. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.083 hours per response. Respondents: Manufacturing/ processing facilities. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Estimated Number of Respondents: 85. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 255. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 21.2 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of AMS, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of AMS’ estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record, including any personal information provided. Melissa Bailey, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2023–25562 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–TM–23–0076] Notice of Availability of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for AMS Organic Market Development Grant Program Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments. AGENCY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces that the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Organic Market Development Grant Program (OMDG) is available for public review and comments. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM 20NON1 80688 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2023 / Notices Comments must be received on or before December 20, 2023 to be assured consideration. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this notice. Comments may be submitted electronically by Email: OMDG@usda.gov. Comments should reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. AMS will address comments received on the draft PEA in the final PEA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Betsy Rakola, Associate Deputy Administrator, Transportation and Marketing Program; Telephone: (202)– 690–1300; Email: OMDG@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 DATES: Background The Draft PEA analyzes and discloses the potential environmental impacts associated with the establishment of the Organic Market Development Grant Program (OMDG). AMS has proposed to fund grants to support the development of new and expanded organic markets by providing additional resources for businesses transitioning to organic or initiating new organic production and processing capacity. These grants will create new and improved markets for domestically produced organic products through investments in expanded certified organic processing capacity; activities that develop, maintain, or expand commercial organic markets; and organic product developments which create new uses for producers that currently lack markets. Selected applicants for the OMDG program may invest in certified organic infrastructure and expand processing capacities, in addition to adding manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution infrastructure. Funded activities will include developing new markets to increase demand for domestically produced organic agricultural products and providing additional market networks. The OMDG Program is authorized by authorized by section 5(e) of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act, (15 U.S.C. 714(e)). Section 5(e), as amended, authorizes USDA (through the CCC) to ‘‘increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities (other than tobacco) by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic markets or by developing or aiding in the development of new and additional markets, marketing facilities, and uses for such commodities’’. Recipients of funding from this proposed program would be allowed 36 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Nov 17, 2023 Jkt 262001 months to complete work funded by the grant awards. The environmental impacts of funding projects to enhance existing organic processing facilities have been considered in a manner consistent with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, Public Law 91–190, 42 U.S.C. 4321–4347, as amended. A Draft PEA has been prepared, and based on this analysis, AMS has preliminarily determined there will not be a significant impact to the human environment. As a result, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has not been initiated (40 CFR 1501.6). AMS intends for this PEA to create efficiencies by establishing a framework that can be used for ‘‘tiering,’’ where appropriate, to project-specific actions that require additional analysis. As decisions on specific applications are made, to the extent additional NEPA analysis is required, environmental review will be conducted to supplement the analysis set forth in this PEA. The Draft PEA is available for review online at the program website: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/ localmcap. Comments Invited Interested stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the Draft PEA, as specified in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The most helpful comments reference a specific recommendation for changing AMS’s proposed approach to assessing environmental impacts, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting information. AMS will consider all comments received on or before the closing date. Melissa Bailey, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2023–25564 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (NASS) to request approval to revise and extend a currently approved information collection to gather data related to water usage for North Carolina agricultural operations that likely use between 10,000 and 1,000,000 gallons per day. Revision to burden hours will be needed due to changes in the size of the sample frame and/or questionnaire length. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 19, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535–0262, by any of the following methods: • Email: ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. Include docket number above in the subject line of the message. • E-fax: (855) 838–6382. • Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD– ROM submissions to: Richard Hopper, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250– 2024. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: Richard Hopper, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph L. Parsons, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720–4333. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from Richard Hopper, NASS Clearance Officer, at (202) 720–2206. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Water Use Survey. OMB Control Number: 0535–0262. Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 2024. Type of Request: To revise and extend a currently approved information collection for a period of three years. Abstract: The primary objective of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is to collect, prepare and issue State and national estimates of crop and livestock production, prices, and disposition; as well as economic statistics, environmental statistics related to agriculture and also to conduct the Census of Agriculture. The Water Use survey program will collect information on water usage for North Carolina agricultural operations that likely use between 10,000 and 1,000,000 gallons per day. Agricultural operations who use over 1,000,000 gallons in any one day are required to report their water usage directly to North Carolina Department of E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM 20NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80687-80688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25564]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-TM-23-0076]


Notice of Availability of the Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment for AMS Organic Market Development Grant Program

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces that the 
Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Organic 
Market Development Grant Program (OMDG) is available for public review 
and comments.

[[Page 80688]]


DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 20, 2023 to be 
assured consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this notice. Comments may be submitted electronically by 
Email: [email protected]. Comments should reference the document number and 
the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. AMS 
will address comments received on the draft PEA in the final PEA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Betsy Rakola, Associate Deputy 
Administrator, Transportation and Marketing Program; Telephone: (202)-
690-1300; Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The Draft PEA analyzes and discloses the potential environmental 
impacts associated with the establishment of the Organic Market 
Development Grant Program (OMDG). AMS has proposed to fund grants to 
support the development of new and expanded organic markets by 
providing additional resources for businesses transitioning to organic 
or initiating new organic production and processing capacity. These 
grants will create new and improved markets for domestically produced 
organic products through investments in expanded certified organic 
processing capacity; activities that develop, maintain, or expand 
commercial organic markets; and organic product developments which 
create new uses for producers that currently lack markets.
    Selected applicants for the OMDG program may invest in certified 
organic infrastructure and expand processing capacities, in addition to 
adding manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or 
distribution infrastructure. Funded activities will include developing 
new markets to increase demand for domestically produced organic 
agricultural products and providing additional market networks.
    The OMDG Program is authorized by authorized by section 5(e) of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act, (15 U.S.C. 714(e)). 
Section 5(e), as amended, authorizes USDA (through the CCC) to 
``increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities (other 
than tobacco) by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic 
markets or by developing or aiding in the development of new and 
additional markets, marketing facilities, and uses for such 
commodities''. Recipients of funding from this proposed program would 
be allowed 36 months to complete work funded by the grant awards.
    The environmental impacts of funding projects to enhance existing 
organic processing facilities have been considered in a manner 
consistent with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969, Public Law 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, as amended.
    A Draft PEA has been prepared, and based on this analysis, AMS has 
preliminarily determined there will not be a significant impact to the 
human environment. As a result, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
has not been initiated (40 CFR 1501.6). AMS intends for this PEA to 
create efficiencies by establishing a framework that can be used for 
``tiering,'' where appropriate, to project-specific actions that 
require additional analysis. As decisions on specific applications are 
made, to the extent additional NEPA analysis is required, environmental 
review will be conducted to supplement the analysis set forth in this 
PEA.
    The Draft PEA is available for review online at the program 
website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/localmcap.

Comments Invited

    Interested stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the Draft 
PEA, as specified in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The most 
helpful comments reference a specific recommendation for changing AMS's 
proposed approach to assessing environmental impacts, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting information. 
AMS will consider all comments received on or before the closing date.

Melissa Bailey,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-25564 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P

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