Agricultural Marketing Service 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 101 - 150 of 209
Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Fish and Shellfish
Document Number: 07-3028
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-06-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is reopening the comment period for 60 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 requires 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 comments on the interim final rule. All affected persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to submit written data and views concerning 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.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
Document Number: E7-11724
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-06-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The USDA reestablished the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of the Committee is to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how USDA can tailor its programs to better meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. USDA also seeks nominations of individuals to be considered for selection as Committee members.
Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E7-11376
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-06-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Marketing Service, Agricultural Marketing Service
This document summarizes the results of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program, under the criteria contained in Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Based upon its review, AMS has determined that the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order should be continued without change.
Almonds Grown in California; Change in Requirements for Interhandler Transfers of Almonds and Request for Approval of New Information Collection
Document Number: 07-2837
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-06-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule invites comments on revising the requirements for interhandler transfers of almonds 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 rule would require handlers who transfer almonds to other handlers to report to the Board whether or not the almonds were treated to achieve a 4-log reduction in Salmonella bacteria (Salmonella). This action would help the Board track treated and untreated almonds and facilitate administration of its mandatory Salmonella treatment program. This proposal also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval of a new information collection issued under the order.
Establishment of Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order and Termination of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order
Document Number: 07-2737
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-06-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule proposes a new industry-funded research, promotion, consumer education, and information order for honey and honey products under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). The proposed Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Proposed Order) was submitted to the Department of Agriculture (Department) by the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association (Association). The Department proposes that an initial referendum be conducted to ascertain whether the persons to be covered by and assessed under the Proposed Order favor the Proposed Order prior to it going into effect. The Proposed Order would replace the existing Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order (Current Order) for honey and honey products and this action proposes the Current Order's termination. The Current Order is issued under the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (Honey Act). This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval of new honey information collection requirements by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the Proposed Order. Comments are specifically requested on the potential impact of terminating the Current Order and on implementing the Proposed Order.
Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Referendum Procedures
Document Number: 07-2736
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-06-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures which the Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department) will use in conducting a referendum to determine whether the issuance of the proposed Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order) is favored by first handlers and importers of honey or honey products. The Order will be implemented if it is approved by a majority of the eligible first handlers and importers voting in the referendum, who also represent a majority of the volume of honey and honey products handled and imported during the representative period. These procedures would also be used for any subsequent referendum under the Order, if it is approved in the initial referendum. The proposed Order is being published separately in this issue of the Federal Register. This proposed program would be implemented under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996.
User Fees for 2007 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers
Document Number: E7-10675
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-06-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will maintain user fees for cotton producers for 2007 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act at the same level as in 2006. The fee is calculated in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987. The 2006 user fee for this classification service was $1.85 per bale. This rule would maintain the fee for the 2007 crop at $1.85 per bale. The fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration and supervision.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection.
Document Number: E7-10527
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-06-01
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension and revision to the currently approved information collection ``Referendum for the Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order).'' Once approved, AMS will request that OMB merge this information collection with the information collection for National Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Programs.
Notice of Request for an Extension and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-10526
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-06-01
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 (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension and revision to a currently approved information collection for Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-10522
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-06-01
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 for and revision to a currently approved generic information collection for vegetables and specialty crop marketing order programs.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Change in Reporting Requirements
Document Number: E7-10280
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the reporting requirements established under the California desert grape marketing order, which regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of Southeastern California. The marketing order is administered locally by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (CDGAC or committee). This rule requires handlers to provide an annual report to the committee which lists the acreages devoted to grapes for fresh shipment, the owners and locations of the acreages, and varieties produced thereon that the handler will be handling during the upcoming season. This change allows the committee to collect information on the acreage and varieties of desert grapes regulated under the marketing order, thus improving data collection and the efficient operation of the program.
Amendments to Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) To Ensure Trust Protection for Produce Sellers When Using Electronic Invoicing or Other Billing Methods
Document Number: E7-10262
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is amending 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 amendments require that a buyer licensed under the PACA or its third party representative 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.
Almonds Grown in California; Outgoing Quality Control Requirements; Correction
Document Number: E7-10056
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-24
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service published a final rule in the Federal Register on March 30, 2007 (72 FR 15021). The document added outgoing quality control requirements under the administrative rules and regulations of the California almond marketing order. A reference in the new regulatory language was incorrectly cited. This document corrects that reference.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
Document Number: E7-9575
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-05-18
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.
National Organic Program (NOP)-Proposed Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (Processing)
Document Number: 07-2388
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule proposes to amend the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) regulations to enact recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) during public meetings held May 6-8, 2002, in Austin, Texas, and March 27-29, 2007, in Washington, DC. Consistent with the NOSB recommendations, this proposed rule proposes to add 38 substances, along with any restrictive annotations, to the National List regulations.
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: E7-8802
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
A public hearing is being held to consider proposals seeking to amend certain pooling and related provisions of the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast orders. Proposals include temporarily adjusting the Class I pricing surface for each county within each of the three milk marketing orders until such time that the Department is able to comprehensively address the Class I pricing surface on a national scale. Proposals also include changing the diversion percentage limits, the producer delivery days and the transportation credit provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast orders. Other proposals would change the maximum rates for each of the three orders the market administrator may charge for the expense of administration of the order from 5 cents per hundredweight (cwt) up to 8 cents per cwt. Testimony will be taken to determine if any of the proposals should be handled on an emergency basis.
Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Assessment Increase
Document Number: E7-8726
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule proposes to amend the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) to increase the assessment rate on producers, handlers, and importers of watermelons from four cents to six cents per hundredweight. Domestic producers and handlers would pay three cents per hundredweight each and importers would pay six cents per hundredweight. The increase is provided for under the Plan which is authorized by the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (Act). The National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board), which administers the Plan, recommended this action to sustain and expand their promotional, research, and communications programs.
Late Payment and Interest Charges on Past Due Assessments Under the Nectarine and Peach Marketing Orders
Document Number: E7-8630
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises requirements concerning the collection of assessments owed under the nectarine and peach marketing orders. The marketing orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative Committee and the Peach Commodity Committee (committees). This rule implements authorities contained in the marketing orders to allow the committees to apply late payment and interest charges on past due assessments owed the committees by handlers.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Reconvening of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: 07-2283
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice announces the reconvening of the hearing which began on February 26, 2007, in Strongsville, Ohio, and initially reconvened on April 9, 2007, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to consider proposals to amend the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders.
Onions Grown in South Texas; Change in Regulatory Period
Document Number: E7-8626
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the regulatory period for minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements applicable to onions grown in South Texas under Marketing Order No. 959 (order). The current regulatory period for South Texas onions is March 1 through June 4 of each year. Changes in available varieties, growing seasons, and marketing opportunities over the years have resulted in a prolonged onion shipping season that now extends beyond June 4 into mid-July. The new regulatory period will extend through July 15. The South Texas Onion Committee (Committee), which locally administers the order, unanimously recommended the change.
United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash
Document Number: E7-8574
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-05-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the notice soliciting comments on its proposal to amend the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the agency has decided not to proceed with this action.
Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: E7-8573
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible growers of Vidalia onions in Georgia, to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of Vidalia onions grown in the production area.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 07-2203
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-05-04
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 and revision to a currently approved generic information collection for marketing orders covering fruit crops.
Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Change in Handling Requirements
Document Number: E7-8459
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule changing the handling requirements currently prescribed under the Florida Tomato marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida, and is administered locally by the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee). This rule continues in effect the action that limited the use of inverted lids on tomato containers to the handler whose information initially appeared on the lid. This rule helps ensure that lids do not contain the information for more than one active handler and aids in maintaining the positive identification and traceability of Florida tomatoes.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E7-8458
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (committee) for the 2007 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0175 to $0.0200 per 18- pound lug of grapes handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order, which regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California. Assessments upon desert grape handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E7-8443
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This action summarizes the results under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of Marketing Order No. 930 regulating the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Notice of Request for an Extension and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-8240
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-05-01
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension and revision to the currently approved information collection Cotton Classing, Testing, and Standards.
Lamb Research and Promotion Program; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-8237
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-05-01
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension of the currently approved information collection of the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program. Once approved, AMS will be requesting that the Office of Management and Budget merge this information collection with the information collection for National Research, Promotion and Consumer Information Programs.
Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Establishment of Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2006-2007 Marketing Year
Document Number: E7-8235
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-05-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, an interim final rule establishing final free and restricted percentages for domestic inshell hazelnuts for the 2006-2007 marketing year under the Federal marketing order for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. This rule continues in effect the final free and restricted percentages of 8.2840 percent and 91.7160 percent, respectively. The percentages allocate the quantity of domestically produced hazelnuts which may be marketed in the domestic inshell market (free) and the quantity of domestically produced hazelnuts that must be disposed of in outlets approved by the Board (restricted). Volume regulation is intended to stabilize the supply of domestic inshell hazelnuts to meet the limited domestic demand for such hazelnuts with the goal of providing producers with reasonable returns. This rule was recommended unanimously by the Hazelnut Marketing Board (Board), which is the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order.
Peanut Standards Board
Document Number: E7-8234
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-05-01
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 as Board members for terms of office ending June 30, 2010. Selected nominees sought by this action would replace those six producer and industry representatives who are currently serving for the term of office that ends June 30, 2007. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and industry representatives.
Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: E7-8233
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-05-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a continuance referendum be conducted among eligible growers of cranberries in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of cranberries grown in the production area.
Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 07-2111
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-04-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of sweet onions in the Walla Walla Valley of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon, to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of sweet onions produced in the production area.
User Fees for 2007 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers
Document Number: E7-7401
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-04-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to maintain user fees for cotton producers for 2007 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act at the same level as in 2006. This is in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987. The 2006 user fee for this classification service was $1.85 per bale. This proposal would maintain the fee for the 2007 crop at $1.85 per bale. The proposed fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration and supervision.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Change in Reporting Requirements
Document Number: E7-7179
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-04-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule invites comments on a revision to the reporting requirements established under the California desert grape marketing order, which regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of Southeastern California. The marketing order is administered locally by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (CDGAC or committee). This rule would require handlers to provide an annual report to the committee which lists the acreages devoted to grapes for fresh shipment, the owners and locations of the acreages, and varieties produced thereon that the handler will be handling during the upcoming season. This change would allow the committee to collect information on the acreage and varieties of desert grapes regulated under the marketing order, thus improving data collection and the efficient operation of the program.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches
Document Number: 07-1867
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule eliminates grade, size, maturity, pack, container and inspection requirements for all California nectarines and peaches except those packed in containers labeled ``California Well Matured'' or ``CA WELL MAT''. This rule also makes seasonal adjustments to the handling requirements applicable to well matured fruit. Finally, this rule removes certain handler reporting requirements that are deemed no longer necessary. The marketing orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule should reduce handler costs while enabling handlers to continue to meet the demands of their buyers.
Request for an Extension of and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-7039
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-04-13
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, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection in support of the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (U.S.C. Chapter 518), the Rural Development, Food and Drug Administrative, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2002 (Appropriations Act), and the Tobacco Inspection Act and Regulations Governing the Tobacco Standards.
Olives Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 07-1832
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (committee) for the 2007 and subsequent fiscal years from $11.03 to $47.84 per assessable ton of olives handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of olives grown in California. Assessments upon olive handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Revision of the Salable Quantity and Allotment Percentage for Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) Spearmint Oil for the 2006-2007 Marketing Year
Document Number: 07-1831
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the quantity of Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2006-2007 marketing year. This rule increases the Scotch spearmint oil salable quantity from 878,205 pounds to 2,984,817 pounds, and the allotment percentage from 45 percent to 153 percent. In addition, this rule increases the Native spearmint oil salable quantity from 1,161,260 pounds to 1,205,208 pounds, and the allotment percentage from 53 percent to 55 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.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
Document Number: E7-6841
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-04-11
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $6,895,000 in block grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, are eligible to apply. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, and community-based organizations in the development of applications and the administration of projects.
Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington; Modification of Administrative Rules Governing Committee Representation
Document Number: 07-1794
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-10
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule modifies the administrative rules governing committee representation under the Washington potato marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington, and is administered locally by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee). This rule reestablishes districts within the production area, reestablishes the Committee with fewer members, and reapportions members among districts. These changes will result in more efficient administration of the program while providing for more effective representation of the Washington fresh potato industry on the Committee.
Nominations for Member of the National Organic Standards Board
Document Number: E7-6532
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-04-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on all other aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill one Environmentalist position on the NOSB. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 24, 2008, and run until January 24, 2013. USDA encourages eligible minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the NOSB.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2006-07 Crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless Raisins
Document Number: E7-6530
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes final volume regulation percentages for 2006-07 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (NS) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is locally administered by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). The volume regulation percentages are 90 percent free and 10 percent reserve. The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions.
Onions Grown in South Texas; Exemption of Onions for Export
Document Number: 07-1749
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule exempts onions being shipped to export markets from regulations prescribed under the South Texas onion marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas, and is administered locally by the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee). This rule provides a special purpose shipment exemption for onions being shipped to export markets. Under this change, onion shipments for export will be exempt from the grade, size, quality, and inspection requirements of the marketing order. This rule will provide handlers additional flexibility in marketing onions of different grades and quality in various markets outside of the U.S. This change is expected to help the South Texas onion industry develop additional markets for its onions, while increasing returns to producers and providing an increased supply of onions to help satisfy a rapidly developing export market.
Onions grown in South Texas
Document Number: E7-6234
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-04-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Potato Research and Promotion Plan; Amendment of Administrative Committee Structure
Document Number: E7-6274
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule amending the structure of the Administrative Committee (Committee) of the National Potato Promotion Board (Board) as prescribed in the Potato Research and Promotion Plan. This rule continues in effect the action that increased 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.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-6248
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-04-04
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 for and revision to a currently approved information collection for report forms under the Federal milk marketing order program.
Notice of Request for an Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-6246
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-04-04
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, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection Cotton Classification and Market News Service.
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Suspension of Weekly Handler Reporting Requirements
Document Number: E7-6243
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule changing 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 continues in effect the action that indefinitely suspended 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.
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: E7-6241
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-04
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 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 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 continue to be suspended.
Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Suspension of Container Regulations
Document Number: E7-6224
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-04-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule suspends the container regulations prescribed under the Washington apricot marketing order by extending the temporary 2006 season suspension indefinitely. 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 indefinite suspension of the container regulations will continue to provide the apricot industry with increased marketing flexibility by allowing handlers to pack and ship apricots in any size, shape, or type of container. After evaluating the impact the temporary 2006 season container regulation suspension has had on the industry, the Committee determined that container regulations no longer contribute to the orderly marketing of the fresh apricot crop.
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