Agricultural Marketing Service 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Interim Order Amending the Orders
Document Number: 06-9943
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This order amends the manufacturing (make) allowances contained in the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders. Specifically, this decision adopts the following make allowances: cheese$0.1682 per pound; butter$0.1202 per pound; nonfat dry milk (NFDM)$0.1570 per pound; and dry whey$0.1956 per pound. More than the required number of producers have approved the issuance of the interim orders as amended.
Data Collection, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Applicable to Cranberries Not Subject to the Cranberry Marketing Order; Suspension of Provisions Under 7 CFR Part 926
Document Number: E6-22237
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-28
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule suspends Part 926 in the Code of Federal Regulations, which requires persons engaged in the handling or importation of fresh cranberries or cranberry products, but not subject to the reporting requirements of the Federal cranberry marketing order (7 CFR Part 929), to report sales, acquisition, and inventory information to the Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee), and to maintain adequate records of such activities. The establishment of these requirements is authorized under section 8(d) of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (Act). The Committee, which administers marketing order 929, regulating the handling of cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York, has been delegated by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to collect such information authorized under Part 926. Based on information provided by the Committee, USDA has determined that the collection of information under Part 926 is of marginal benefit to the industry and should be suspended.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Temporary Suspension of Provisions Regarding Continuance Referenda Under the Nectarine and Peach Marketing Orders
Document Number: E6-22236
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-28
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule temporarily suspends order provisions that require continuance referenda to be conducted for the nectarine and peach marketing orders during winter 2006-07. The suspensions will enable the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to postpone conducting the continuance referenda until the industry has had sufficient time to evaluate the effects of recent amendments to the marketing orders. Temporary suspension of the continuance referenda should also minimize confusion during the upcoming committee nomination period, which overlaps with the scheduled referenda period.
United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups
Document Number: E6-22235
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-28
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups. AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups for possible revisions. AMS is considering revising the (Application of Tolerances( section in the U.S. standards. Additionally, the (Unclassified( category would be eliminated from the standards. AMS is seeking comments on these proposed changes that may better serve the industry.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of Regulations on Production Districts, Committee Representation, and Nomination Procedures
Document Number: E6-22234
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-28
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the administrative rules and regulations that define production districts, allocate committee membership, and specify nomination procedures for the Nectarine Administrative Committee (NAC) and the Peach Commodity Committee (PCC) (committees). The committees are responsible for local administration of the Federal marketing orders (orders) for fresh nectarines and peaches grown in California, respectively. This rule also revises the committees' mailing address. These revisions are necessary to bring the orders' administrative rules and regulations into conformance with the recently amended order provisions.
Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the Handling Regulation for Area No. 2
Document Number: 06-9897
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule modifies the grade and maturity requirements for potatoes handled under the Colorado potato marketing order, Area No. 2. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Colorado and is administered locally by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Area No. 2 (Committee). This rule relaxes the minimum grade requirement from U.S. No. 1 grade to U.S. Commercial grade for all Area No. 2 potato varieties, other than round, red- skinned varieties, measuring from 1 \1/2\-inch minimum diameter to 2 \1/4\-inch maximum diameter (size B), and 1-inch minimum diameter to 1 \3/4\-inch maximum diameter. This rule also changes from August 25 to August 1 of each year the date minimum maturity requirements are implemented. These changes are intended to facilitate the handling and marketing of Colorado Area No. 2 potatoes.
United States Standards for Grades of Parsley
Document Number: E6-22048
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on its proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Parsley. AMS is proposing to revise the standards to allow percentages to be determined by count rather than weight. AMS is also proposing to eliminate the unclassified category. The proposed revisions would bring the standards for parsley in line with current marketing practices, thereby improving the usefulness in serving the industry.
Section 610 Review; Egg Research and Promotion Program
Document Number: E6-22039
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document summarizes the results of an Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) review of the Egg Research and Promotion Program (conducted under the Egg Research and Promotion Order), under the criteria contained in Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Based upon its review, AMS has determined that the Order should be continued without change.
Blueberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Amendment No. 2 to Change the Name of the U.S.A. Cultivated Blueberry Council and Increase Membership; Correction
Document Number: 06-9862
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service published in the Federal Register on August 7, 2006, a final rule that changed the title of the U.S.A. Cultivated Blueberry Council (USACBC) to the ``U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council'' (Council) and added a member and alternate to represent the state of Washington. However, inaccurate amendatory language was used to make the change to the Council's name. In addition, an incorrect acronym used in Sec. 1218.78 prevented its removal and replacement and a heading preceding Sec. 1218.40 in the final rule was published with a repetitive word. This document corrects the error.
Potato Research and Promotion Plan; Amendment of Administrative Committee Structure
Document Number: E6-21911
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends the structure of the Administrative Committee (Committee) of the National Potato Promotion Board (Board) as prescribed in the Potato Research and Promotion Plan by increasing the number of Vice-Chairperson positions on the Committee from six to seven. The change is intended to more closely correlate the Committee's representation with potato production in the Northwest districta five state region which accounts for more than half of all U.S. potato production.
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Suspension of Weekly Handler Reporting Requirements
Document Number: E6-21910
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule changes the reporting requirements currently prescribed under the marketing order for avocados grown in South Florida (order). The order regulates the handling of avocados grown in South Florida and is administered locally by the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee). This rule indefinitely suspends the weekly handler reporting requirements specified under the order. The information from the weekly reports is no longer being used by the industry or the Committee staff and the germane information is available from other sources. This action reduces the reporting burden on handlers, while aligning information collection requirements with the needs of the industry.
United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods
Document Number: E6-21840
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods. The standards will provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of pea pods.
Notice of Release of National Organic Program Noncompliance and Adverse Action Records
Document Number: E6-21838
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is publishing this notice to inform accredited certifying agents and producers and handlers certified to the National Organic Program (NOP) of AMS' intention to release notices of noncompliance, and the identity of each entity which has been suspended or revoked, as well as the reasons for these actions. The release of these materials complies with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in which any information that is not protected from disclosure by a FOIA exemption must be provided to the public.
United States Standards for Grades of Cultivated Ginseng
Document Number: E6-21568
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Cultivated Ginseng. AMS received a request from an industry group representing cultivated ginseng growers to develop a standard that will provide the industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of cultivated ginseng.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
Document Number: E6-21567
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The purpose of this notice is to notify all interested parties that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will hold a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee) meeting that is open to the public. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the Committee to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and to provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.
Regulations Issued Under the Export Apple Act; Removal of Pear Regulations From the Export Regulations for Apples and Pears
Document Number: E6-20659
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule revises export regulations issued under the Export Apple and Pear Act (now renamed as the Export Apple Act) to reflect an amendment to that Act. The amendment limits the applicability of the Act to apple exports and removes all references to pears. Accordingly, the provisions applicable to pears are removed from the regulations.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E6-20579
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-20), this notice announces the intention of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the Regulations for Voluntary Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products.
Almonds Grown in California; Changes to Incoming Quality Control Requirements; Correction
Document Number: 06-9545
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2006, a document concerning quality control requirements under the California almond marketing order. Language was inadvertently omitted in the regulatory text to specify that the changes apply to all almonds received by handlers beginning August 1, 2006.
Almonds Grown in California; Outgoing Quality Control Requirements and Request for Approval of New Information Collection
Document Number: 06-9543
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule invites comments on adding outgoing quality control requirements under the administrative rules and regulations of the California almond marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of almonds grown in California and is administered locally by the Almond Board of California (Board). This proposed rule provides for a mandatory program under the order to reduce the potential for Salmonella bacteria in almonds. This action would help ensure that quality almonds are available for human consumption. This proposal also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval of a new information collection issued under the order.
Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E6-20395
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension to a currently approved information collection for the Export Fruit Acts covering exports of apples and grapes.
Multi-Year Revision of Fees for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Terminal Market Inspection Services
Document Number: E6-20315
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would revise the regulations governing the inspection and certification for fresh fruits, vegetables and other products by increasing certain fees charged for the inspection of these products at destination markets for the next two fiscal years (FY-2007 and FY-2008) by approximately 15 percent. These revisions are necessary in order to recover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of performing inspection services at destination markets under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA of 1946). The fees charged to persons required to have inspection on imported commodities in accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and for imported peanuts under section 1308 of the Farm Security and Rural Investigation Act of 2002.
Soybean Promotion and Research: Amend the Order To Adjust Representation on the United Soybean Board
Document Number: E6-20314
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule adjusts the number of members for certain States on the United Soybean Board (Board) to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the Board was reapportioned in 2003, which became effective with 2004 nominations. These adjustments are required by the Soybean Promotion and Research Order (Order) and would result in an increase in Board membership from 64 to 68 effective with the Secretary's 2007 nominations and appointments.
Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Fish and Shellfish
Document Number: E6-19962
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is reopening the comment period for 90 days for the interim final rule for mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for fish and shellfish covered commodities that was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2004 (69 FR 59708). The interim final rule for fish and shellfish became effective on April 4, 2005. The interim final rule imposes requirements on certain retailers and their suppliers to notify their customers of the country of origin and the method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) of specified fish and shellfish products. The interim final rule also specifies recordkeeping responsibilities for affected retailers and their suppliers. AMS requests general comment on the costs and benefits of the interim final rule as well as the specific questions that are listed in this document. All affected persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to submit written data and views concerning the economic impacts of the interim final rule. AMS will review the submitted comments and information as it promulgates a final rule for mandatory COOL for fish and shellfish. Comments received on issues that are outside the scope of the costs and benefits of the interim final rule will not be considered.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: 06-9341
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
A national public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on a proposal seeking to amend the Class I and Class II milk price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders. Evidence also will be taken at the hearing to determine whether emergency marketing conditions exist that would warrant omission of a recommended decision under the rules of practice and procedure (7 CFR 900.12(d)).
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Tentative Final Decision on Proposed Amendments and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: 06-9340
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This tentative final decision proposes to adopt, on an interim final and emergency basis, changes to the manufacturing allowances contained in the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders. This decision is subject to producer approval.
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports, (2004 Amendments); Withdrawal of a Proposed Rule
Document Number: E6-19559
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This action withdraws a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2005, (70 FR 2034), to amend the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by adjusting the total rate of assessment per kilogram for imported cotton for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. Based on a stakeholder comment, the Agricultural Marketing Service believes that the proposed rule may not achieve its intended objectives of effectiveness and efficiency.
Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Suspension of Continuing Assessment Rate
Document Number: E6-19464
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which suspended the continuing assessment rate established for the Area No. 3 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2006-2007 and subsequent fiscal periods. The Committee, which locally administers the marketing order regulating the handling of potatoes grown in Northern Colorado, made this recommendation for the purpose of lowering the monetary reserve to a level consistent with program requirements. The fiscal period begins July 1 and ends June 30. The assessment rate will remain suspended until an appropriate rate is reinstated.
Dried Prunes Produced in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E6-19463
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee (committee) under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2006-07 and subsequent crop years from $0.65 to $0.40 per ton of salable dried prunes. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California. Assessments upon dried prune handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E6-19460
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) for the 2006-2007 fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years from $0.0021 to $0.0066 per pound to fund the Board's administrative expenses and its new research and promotion program. Authorization to assess tart cherry handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The Board locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. The fiscal year began July 1, 2006, and ends June 30, 2007. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Information Session Prior to Hearing
Document Number: E6-19316
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice announces a public information session to be held addressing proposals received to amend the Federal order Class III and Class IV product price formulas. The purpose of the pre-hearing information session is for interested parties to learn about the intent of proposals that have been submitted to amend Class III and Class IV product price formulas and how the proposals would accomplish that intent. The session is intended to clarify the intent and effect of proposed amendments. The session will enable proponents to better prepare testimony and evidence in support of, or in opposition to, proposals that may be included in the Hearing Notice announcing the Class III/IV hearing.
Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 06-9253
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) for the 2006-07 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.025 to $0.035 per 25-pound container or equivalent of tomatoes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida. Assessments upon Florida tomato handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Pistachios Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 06-9252
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (committee) for the 2006-07 and subsequent production years from $0.0014 to $0.0007 per pound of assessed-weight pistachios. The committee, which locally administers the marketing order regulating the handling of pistachios grown in California (order), made this recommendation to help reduce the monetary reserve and ensure that it remains at a level consistent with order requirements. Assessments upon pistachio handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The production year begins September 1 and ends August 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Walnuts Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 06-9251
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Walnut Marketing Board (Board) for the 2006-07 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0096 to $0.0101 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts. The Board locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California. Assessments upon walnut handlers are used by the Board to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The marketing year begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Temporary Relaxation of the Minimum Grade Requirement
Document Number: E6-19079
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-13
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that relaxed the minimum grade requirement prescribed under the Washington apricot marketing order for the 2006 shipping season. The marketing order regulates the handling of fresh apricots grown in designated counties in the State of Washington, and is administered locally by the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee (Committee). This rule continues in effect the action that relaxed the fresh apricot minimum grade requirement from Washington No. 1 grade to Washington No. 2 grade. Taking into consideration pre-harvest hail damage, this change was made for the purpose of increasing the supply of marketable fresh apricots while increasing the potential for higher producer returns.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Change in Certain Provisions/Procedures Under the Handling Regulations for Tart Cherries
Document Number: E6-19078
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-13
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, with a change, an interim final rule removing volume limitations on new product development, new market development and market expansion activities to facilitate such activities; allowing handlers to receive diversion credit for the voluntary destruction of finished, marketable products that have deteriorated in condition to provide handlers more flexibility; adding a procedure to keep Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) representation in line with current district production levels; and revising grower application and mapping procedures under the grower diversion program to make the process less burdensome. These changes are intended to improve the operation of the marketing order and to increase the demand for tart cherries and tart cherry products. The changes were unanimously recommended by the Board, the body that locally administers the marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Amendments to Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) To Ensure Trust Protection for Produce Sellers When Using Electronic Invoicing or Other Billing Statements
Document Number: E6-18826
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to amend the regulations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) to ensure that the status of sellers of perishable agricultural commodities as trust creditors is protected when electronic data interchange (EDI) or other forms of electronic commerce are used to invoice buyers. Specifically, the proposed amendments would require a buyer licensed under the PACA or his third party representative to accept the PACA trust notice submitted to it by a seller on a paper, electronic invoice, or other billing statement. In addition, the buyer must allow sufficient data space for the required trust language regardless of the billing medium. Finally, any failure, act or omission inconsistent with this responsibility is unlawful and a violation of the PACA. Comments are being sought from the public, but in particular, from buyers and sellers of fruit and vegetables and vendors/software developers of electronic billing systems.
Almonds Grown in California; Changes to Incoming Quality Control Requirements
Document Number: 06-9133
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule changes the incoming quality control requirements under the administrative rules and regulations of the California almond marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of almonds grown in California and is administered locally by the Almond Board of California (Board). These changes will help minimize the risk of aflatoxin in almonds by removing inedible kernels from human consumption. Inedible almonds are poor quality kernels or pieces of defective kernels that may be contaminated with aflatoxin. This action is intended to improve the overall quality of almonds placed into consumer channels.
Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, OR; Change in Reporting Requirements
Document Number: 06-9112
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule changes the reporting requirements established under the Idaho-Eastern Oregon onion marketing order, which regulates the handling of onions grown in designated counties in Idaho and Oregon and is administered locally by the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee. This rule: Establishes a credit application procedure for assessments paid on onions that are subsequently regraded, resorted, or repacked within the production area or diverted to exempt special purpose outlets; changes the reporting requirements for fresh onions for peeling, chopping, or slicing, and for special purpose shipments; adds ``disposal'' as a special purpose shipment; and announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request emergency approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a new information collection. These changes are intended to enhance the efficient operation of the program and improve compliance with the other provisions.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Document Number: E6-18563
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document contains corrections to the preamble of the final rule (Docket No. FV-06-1290-1 FR), published Monday, September 11, 2006 (71 FR 53303). These corrections clarify a response to comments concerning how the funds will be transferred to the States and the allocation of grant funds not distributed to a State.
Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Redistricting
Document Number: E6-18517
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that reapportioned the producer and handler membership on the National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board). The final rule continues in effect the realignment of all seven districts under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) based on three-year United States production records for watermelons and the assessments paid in each district. The change was proposed by the Board, which administers the nationally coordinated program, in accordance to the provisions of the Plan which require a review of the districts' alignment at least every five years.
United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities
Document Number: E6-18514
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities. The standards will provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing for fresh fruits and vegetables that are mixed in a package.
United States Standards for Grades of Winter Pears
Document Number: E6-18504
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions of the United States Standards for Grades of Winter Pears. AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result AMS is considering revisions to the winter pear standard to include removing the section 51.1309, Condition after storage or transit. This section has caused confusion within the industry in the past due to different procedures incurred when reporting inspection findings in comparison to other grade standards. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions to the standards that may be necessary to better serve the industry.
Milk in the Central Marketing Area; Order Amending the Order
Document Number: E6-18176
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends regulations pertaining to the Central Federal milk order. More than the required number of producers for the Central marketing area approved the issuance of the final order amendments.
Milk in the Mideast Marketing Area; Order Amending the Order
Document Number: E6-18175
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends regulations pertaining to the Mideast Federal milk order. More than the required number of producers for the Mideast marketing area approved the issuance of the final order amendments.
Milk in the Upper Midwest Marketing Area; Order Amending the Order
Document Number: E6-18174
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends regulations pertaining to the Upper Midwest Federal milk order. More than the required number of producers for the Upper Midwest marketing area approved the issuance of the final order amendments.
Peanut Standards Board
Document Number: E6-18041
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board (Board) for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The initial Board was appointed by the Secretary and announced on December 5, 2002. USDA seeks nominations for individuals to be considered for selection to the Board to fill a vacant Board position for the remainder of a term of office ending June 30, 2009. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and industry representatives.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP); Notice of Request for Emergency Review and Approval of a New Information Collection
Document Number: E6-18040
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $1.3 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2007 to enable States to explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the U.S. marketing system. Eligible applicants include State departments of agriculture, State agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate State Agencies. Applicants are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders in developing proposals and conducting projects. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), AMS is requesting emergency review and approval of a new information collection.
Milk in the Appalachian and Southeast Marketing Areas; Interim Order Amending the Orders
Document Number: E6-17819
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-25
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This order amends certain features of the transportation credit provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast marketing orders on an interim basis. More than the required number of producers in the Appalachian and Southeast marketing areas have approved the issuance of the interim order as amended.
Notice of Request for Extension of and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E6-17193
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Poultry Market News Programs.
Fresh Prunes Grown in Designated Counties in Washington and in Umatilla County, OR; Suspension of Handling Regulations, Establishment of Reporting Requirements, and Suspension of the Fresh Prune Import Regulation
Document Number: E6-17192
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule suspending the handling regulations prescribed under the Washington-Oregon fresh prune marketing order for the 2006 and future seasons. The marketing order regulates the handling of fresh prunes grown in designated counties in Washington and in Umatilla County, Oregon, and is administered locally by the Washington-Oregon Prune Marketing Committee (Committee). This rule continues in effect the action that suspended the minimum grade, size, quality, maturity, and inspection requirements for fresh prune handlers under the marketing order. During the suspension of the handling regulations, reports from handlers will continue to be required to obtain information necessary to administer the marketing order. In addition, this rule continues in effect the suspension of fresh prune import inspection and minimum quality, grade, size, and maturity requirements.
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