Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act Designation in the Lower Northwest Texas Area; the Southeast Texas Area; the Keokuk, Iowa Area; and the Fargo, North Dakota Area, 58327-58328 [2024-15815]

Download as PDF 58327 Notices Federal Register Vol. 89, No. 138 Thursday, July 18, 2024 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–FGIS–24–0029] Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act Designation in the Lower Northwest Texas Area; the Southeast Texas Area; the Keokuk, Iowa Area; and the Fargo, North Dakota Area Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for comments and applications for designation. AGENCY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) requests comments on the need for U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) services in the newly formed Lower Northwest Texas and Southeast Texas geographic areas described below in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. AMS is also asking persons, entities, or governmental agencies interested in providing official inspection and weighing services, in those areas, to apply for designation. The designated USGSA authority for two official agencies, Keokuk Grain Inspection (Keokuk) and North Dakota Grain Inspection, Inc. (NDGI), will end on the prescribed dates listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. AMS is requesting designation applications from interested persons, entities, or governmental agencies that would like to provide official inspection and weighing services for the areas presently served by these two agencies. In addition to this request for applications, AMS seeks comments on the quality of services provided by Keokuk and NDGI. DATES: Comments expressing the need for and applications to provide USGSA services for the Lower Northwest Texas and Southeast Texas geographic must be received by August 19, 2024. Applications and comments for the areas of designation terminating on khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Jul 17, 2024 Jkt 262001 March 31, 2025, currently serviced by Keokuk, must be received between November 1 and November 30, 2024. Applications and comments for the areas of designation terminating on December 31, 2025, currently serviced by NDGI, must be received between August 1 and August 31, 2025. ADDRESSES: Submit applications and comments concerning this Notice using the following methods: To apply for USGSA Designation: New applicants (not currently designated) seeking designation or currently designated applicants seeking to apply for designation in a new geographic area can find detailed instructions at https://www.ams. usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FGIS ApplyingforDesignation_New Applicants.pdf. Applicants will need to obtain a Login.gov account, a MyFGIS number, and to request access to FGISonline Delegations/Designations and Export Registrations (DDR) prior to applying. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to allow time for system authentication. To submit Comments Regarding Currently Designated Official Agencies: Go to Regulations.gov (https:// www.regulations.gov). Instructions for submitting and reading comments are detailed on the website. All comments must be submitted through the Federal e-rulemaking portal at https:// www.regulations.gov and reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments submitted in response to this notice will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting comments will be made public on the internet at the address provided above. Read Applications and Comments: If you would like to view the applications submitted, please contact FGISQACD@ usda.gov. All comments will be available for public viewing online at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Weiland, Grain Marketing Specialist, Telephone 202–720–8598; Email: Jennifer.j.weiland@usda.gov or FGISQACD@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 7(f) of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) authorizes the Secretary to designate a qualified private entity or PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 state governmental agency to provide official services in a specified area after determining the applicant is better able than any other applicant to provide such official services (7 U.S.C. 79(f)). A designated agency works under the supervision of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and are authorized to provide official inspection service and/or Class X or Class Y weighing services at locations other than export port locations. Under section 7(g) of the USGSA, designations of official agencies may be awarded for no longer than five years, unless terminated by the Secretary, and may be renewed according to the criteria and procedures prescribed in section 7(f) of the USGSA. See also 7 CFR part 800.196 for further information and guidance. AMS encourages application submissions from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. The Agency welcomes submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Description of New Geographic Areas The following describes the new geographic areas about which AMS requests comments on the need for USGSA services and designation applications: Applicants may apply for all or part of the Lower Northwest Texas or Southeast Texas geographic areas. Lower Northwest Texas: The Texas counties of Bailey, Cochran, Hockley, Parmer and sections of Deaf Smith and Lamb Counties. In Deaf Smith County: The area north and west of TX–214. In Lamb County: The area south of CR FM 37 to US–84, south of US–84 to CR FM 303, west of CR FM 303 to US–70, south of US–70. Southeast Texas: The Texas counties of Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Dimmit, Duval, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kennedy, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Matagorda, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria, Waller, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Zapata. E:\FR\FM\18JYN1.SGM 18JYN1 58328 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 138 / Thursday, July 18, 2024 / Notices Existing Designation Application Locations Below are the currently operating designated official agencies and the specific areas of operation for designation applications. These are listed in order of anticipated designation termination date. Keokuk: Areas of designation includes parts of Illinois and Iowa. See the April Official agency Headquarters location and telephone Keokuk Grain Inspection .......................................................... North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc. ........................... Keokuk, IA, 319–524–6482 .... Fargo, ND, 701–293–7420 ..... Designation Timelines Melissa Bailey, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2024–15815 Filed 7–17–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2023–0067] Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Leaves and Stems of Fresh Sage for Consumption From Ethiopia Into the Continental United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Jul 17, 2024 We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation of leaves and stems of fresh sage from Ethiopia into the continental United States. Based on the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of leaves and stems of fresh sage from Ethiopia. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS– 2023–0067 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2023–0067, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at www.regulations.gov or in our reading room, which is located in room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gina Stiltner, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River SUMMARY: Interested persons, entities or governmental agencies may apply for designation to provide official services in the geographic area noted below under the provisions of section 7(f) of the USGSA and 7 CFR part 800.196. The designation time frame for Lower Northwest Texas and Southeast Texas territories will be determined as part of the application analysis. In the event multiple applicants are deemed qualified, AMS may issue an additional notice requesting public comment about the applicant(s) and their ability to provide quality official services. Designations in the specified geographic areas for Keokuk will occur no sooner than April 1, 2025. Designations in the specified geographic areas for NDGI will occur no sooner than January 1, 2026. To apply for designation or to request more information on the geographic areas serviced by these official agencies contact FGISQACD@usda.gov. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 28, 2016, issue of the Federal Register (81 FR 17428) for descriptions of the areas open for designation. North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (NDGI): Areas of designation include parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ohio. Please see the November 10, 2022, issue of the Federal Register (87 FR 67855) reference to Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 NDGI and the December 12, 2016, Federal Register (81 FR 89428) reference to Decatur, Indiana, for descriptions of the areas open for designation. The designated USGSA authority for these two official agencies will end on the prescribed dates listed in the table below: Designation end 3/31/2025 12/31/2025 Applications/comments open period 11/01/2024–11/30/2024 08/01/2025–08/31/2025 Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1231; (518) 760–2468. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under the regulations in ‘‘Subpart L– Fruits and Vegetables’’ (7 CFR 319.56– 1 through 319.56–12, referred to below as the regulations), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the importation of fruits and vegetables into the United States from certain parts of the world to prevent plant pests from being introduced into or disseminated within the United States. Section 319.56–4 contains a performance-based process for approving the importation of fruits and vegetables that, based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, can be safely imported subject to one or more of the five designated phytosanitary measures listed in paragraph (b) of that section. APHIS received a request from the national plant protection organization of Ethiopia to allow the importation of leaves and stems of fresh sage (Salvia officinalis) from Ethiopia into the continental United States. As part of our evaluation of Ethiopia’s request, we have prepared a pest risk assessment to identify the pests of quarantine significance that could follow the pathway of the importation of leaves and stems of fresh sage into the continental United States from Ethiopia. Based on the pest risk assessment, a risk management document (RMD) was prepared to identify phytosanitary measures that could be applied to the leaves and stems of fresh sage to mitigate the pest risk. Therefore, in accordance with § 319.56–4(c), we are announcing the availability of our pest risk assessment and RMD for public review and comment. Those documents, as well as a description of the economic considerations associated with the importation of leaves and stems of fresh E:\FR\FM\18JYN1.SGM 18JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58327-58328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15815]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

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.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 138 / Thursday, July 18, 2024 / 
Notices

[[Page 58327]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-FGIS-24-0029]


Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act Designation 
in the Lower Northwest Texas Area; the Southeast Texas Area; the 
Keokuk, Iowa Area; and the Fargo, North Dakota Area

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments and applications for designation.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) requests comments on 
the need for U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) services in the newly 
formed Lower Northwest Texas and Southeast Texas geographic areas 
described below in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. AMS is also 
asking persons, entities, or governmental agencies interested in 
providing official inspection and weighing services, in those areas, to 
apply for designation. The designated USGSA authority for two official 
agencies, Keokuk Grain Inspection (Keokuk) and North Dakota Grain 
Inspection, Inc. (NDGI), will end on the prescribed dates listed in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. AMS is requesting designation 
applications from interested persons, entities, or governmental 
agencies that would like to provide official inspection and weighing 
services for the areas presently served by these two agencies. In 
addition to this request for applications, AMS seeks comments on the 
quality of services provided by Keokuk and NDGI.

DATES: Comments expressing the need for and applications to provide 
USGSA services for the Lower Northwest Texas and Southeast Texas 
geographic must be received by August 19, 2024.
    Applications and comments for the areas of designation terminating 
on March 31, 2025, currently serviced by Keokuk, must be received 
between November 1 and November 30, 2024.
    Applications and comments for the areas of designation terminating 
on December 31, 2025, currently serviced by NDGI, must be received 
between August 1 and August 31, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Submit applications and comments concerning this Notice 
using the following methods:
    To apply for USGSA Designation: New applicants (not currently 
designated) seeking designation or currently designated applicants 
seeking to apply for designation in a new geographic area can find 
detailed instructions at https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FGISApplyingforDesignation_NewApplicants.pdf. Applicants will 
need to obtain a Login.gov account, a MyFGIS number, and to request 
access to FGISonline Delegations/Designations and Export Registrations 
(DDR) prior to applying. Applicants are encouraged to begin the 
application process early to allow time for system authentication.
    To submit Comments Regarding Currently Designated Official 
Agencies: Go to Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov). 
Instructions for submitting and reading comments are detailed on the 
website. All comments must be submitted through the Federal e-
rulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov and reference the 
document number and the date and page number of this issue of the 
Federal Register. All comments submitted in response to this notice 
will be included in the record and will be made available to the 
public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or 
entities submitting comments will be made public on the internet at the 
address provided above.
    Read Applications and Comments: If you would like to view the 
applications submitted, please contact [email protected]. All comments 
will be available for public viewing online at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Weiland, Grain Marketing 
Specialist, Telephone 202-720-8598; Email: [email protected] 
or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 7(f) of the United States Grain 
Standards Act (USGSA) authorizes the Secretary to designate a qualified 
private entity or state governmental agency to provide official 
services in a specified area after determining the applicant is better 
able than any other applicant to provide such official services (7 
U.S.C. 79(f)). A designated agency works under the supervision of the 
Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and are authorized to provide 
official inspection service and/or Class X or Class Y weighing services 
at locations other than export port locations. Under section 7(g) of 
the USGSA, designations of official agencies may be awarded for no 
longer than five years, unless terminated by the Secretary, and may be 
renewed according to the criteria and procedures prescribed in section 
7(f) of the USGSA. See also 7 CFR part 800.196 for further information 
and guidance.
    AMS encourages application submissions from traditionally 
underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect 
the diversity of this industry. The Agency welcomes submissions from 
qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual 
orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability 
status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected 
by law.

Description of New Geographic Areas

    The following describes the new geographic areas about which AMS 
requests comments on the need for USGSA services and designation 
applications: Applicants may apply for all or part of the Lower 
Northwest Texas or Southeast Texas geographic areas.
    Lower Northwest Texas: The Texas counties of Bailey, Cochran, 
Hockley, Parmer and sections of Deaf Smith and Lamb Counties. In Deaf 
Smith County: The area north and west of TX-214. In Lamb County: The 
area south of CR FM 37 to US-84, south of US-84 to CR FM 303, west of 
CR FM 303 to US-70, south of US-70.
    Southeast Texas: The Texas counties of Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, 
Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Dimmit, Duval, Fort Bend, 
Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim 
Wells, Kennedy, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Matagorda, McMullen, 
Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria, Waller, Webb, Wharton, 
Willacy, Zapata.

[[Page 58328]]

Existing Designation Application Locations

    Below are the currently operating designated official agencies and 
the specific areas of operation for designation applications. These are 
listed in order of anticipated designation termination date.
    Keokuk: Areas of designation includes parts of Illinois and Iowa. 
See the April 28, 2016, issue of the Federal Register (81 FR 17428) for 
descriptions of the areas open for designation.
    North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (NDGI): Areas of 
designation include parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, 
North Dakota, and Ohio. Please see the November 10, 2022, issue of the 
Federal Register (87 FR 67855) reference to NDGI and the December 12, 
2016, Federal Register (81 FR 89428) reference to Decatur, Indiana, for 
descriptions of the areas open for designation.
    The designated USGSA authority for these two official agencies will 
end on the prescribed dates listed in the table below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Headquarters location and    Designation    Applications/comments open
            Official agency                      telephone                end                  period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keokuk Grain Inspection................  Keokuk, IA, 319-524-6482.       3/31/2025         11/01/2024-11/30/2024
North Dakota Grain Inspection Service,   Fargo, ND, 701-293-7420..      12/31/2025         08/01/2025-08/31/2025
 Inc..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Designation Timelines

    Interested persons, entities or governmental agencies may apply for 
designation to provide official services in the geographic area noted 
below under the provisions of section 7(f) of the USGSA and 7 CFR part 
800.196. The designation time frame for Lower Northwest Texas and 
Southeast Texas territories will be determined as part of the 
application analysis. In the event multiple applicants are deemed 
qualified, AMS may issue an additional notice requesting public comment 
about the applicant(s) and their ability to provide quality official 
services.
    Designations in the specified geographic areas for Keokuk will 
occur no sooner than April 1, 2025. Designations in the specified 
geographic areas for NDGI will occur no sooner than January 1, 2026. To 
apply for designation or to request more information on the geographic 
areas serviced by these official agencies contact [email protected].

Melissa Bailey,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-15815 Filed 7-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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