Agricultural Marketing Service March 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of two interim final rules that increased the quantity of Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2005-2006 marketing year. This rule continues in effect the actions that increased the Scotch spearmint oil salable quantity by an additional 385,489 pounds from 677,409 pounds to 1,062,898 pounds, and the allotment percentage by an additional 20 percent from 35 percent to 55 percent. In addition, this rule continues in effect the actions that increased the Native spearmint oil salable quantity by an additional 303,497 pounds from 867,958 pounds to 1,171,455 pounds, and the allotment percentage by an additional 14 percent from 40 percent to 54 percent. The marketing order regulates the handling of spearmint oil produced in the Far West and is administered locally by the Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee). The Committee recommended this rule for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices and to help maintain stability in the Far West spearmint oil market.

This document updates the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) schedule for reviewing its regulations under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Included in this schedule all regulations that warrant periodic review irrespective of whether specific regulations meet the threshold requirement for mandatory review established by the RFA.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $1 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2006 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, community supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures. AMS hereby requests proposals from eligible entities from the following categories: (1) Agricultural cooperatives, (2) local governments, (3) nonprofit corporations, (4) public benefit corporations, (5) economic development corporations, (6) regional farmers' market authorities, and (7) tribal governments. The maximum award per grant is $75,000. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, AMS has received emergency approval of a new information approval.

The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the regulations governing the voluntary shell egg grading program and the regulations governing the inspection of eggs. The revision will revise the definition of washed ungraded eggs in each of the regulations. From time to time, sections in the regulations are affected by changes in egg production and processing technology. This rule updates the regulations to reflect these changes.

The purpose of this rule is to increase the assessment rate on handlers and importers of potatoes from 2 cents to 2.5 cents per hundredweight. The increase is authorized under the Potato Research and Promotion (Plan). The Plan is authorized by the Potato Research and Promotion Act (Act). In order to sustain the three major programs currently conducted by the National Potato Promotion Board (Board), International Marketing, Domestic Marketing (which includes retail marketing), and a nutrition campaign at their present levels beyond June 2006, additional revenue is required.