Agricultural Marketing Service 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 151 - 200 of 209
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Recommended Decision on Proposed Amendments of Marketing Order No. 915
Document Number: E7-5792
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This is a recommended decision regarding proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 915 (order), which regulates the handling of avocados grown in Florida. The amendments were proposed by the Florida Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments included in this recommended decision would: add authority for the Committee to borrow funds; revise voting requirements for changing the assessment rate; allow for District 1 nominations to be conducted by mail; and add authority for the Committee to accept voluntary contributions. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program. This recommended decision invites written exceptions on the proposed amendments. This rule also announces AMS's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a new information collection.
Changes in Hourly Fee Rates for Science and Technology Laboratory Services-Fiscal Years 2007-2009
Document Number: E7-5787
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is changing the hourly fee rates for Science and Technology (S&T) Laboratory Services. The agency is raising these rates to reflect, among other factors, national and locality pay increases for Federal employees and inflation, operating costs, instrumentation and training, and program and agency administrative overhead costs. In the past, AMS has amended its regulations on an as needed basis in order to recover laboratory program costs. With this regulation, AMS is providing for three annual standard hourly fee rate increases for fiscal years 2007-2009. This will provide the agricultural commodity industries and other stakeholders with more timely and relevant information regarding user fees for voluntary laboratory testing services. The agency is also removing tables and schedules with listings of individual tests and services. Three annual hourly fee rate adjustments are established by this action for appeals, holiday, and overtime services to reflect the anticipated increase cost of providing these laboratory services each fiscal year. The regulations also are updated to identify current facility addresses. Part 92 is obsolete and therefore has been removed.
Almonds Grown in California; Outgoing Quality Control Requirements
Document Number: 07-1557
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule adds 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 rule provides for a mandatory program under the order to reduce the potential for Salmonella bacteria in almonds. This action will help ensure that quality almonds are available for human consumption.
United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Cherries
Document Number: 07-1537
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has reviewed the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result, AMS is proposing to revise the sweet cherry standard to include standardized row sizes into the standard. These standardized row sizes would establish a uniform basis for defining size in the industry.
Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the Handling Regulation for Area No. 2
Document Number: E7-5817
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule modifying 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 continues in effect the action that relaxed 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 continues in effect the action that changed the date minimum maturity requirements are implemented from August 25 to August 1 of each year. These changes are intended to facilitate the handling and marketing of Colorado Area No. 2 potatoes.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2007-2008 Marketing Year
Document Number: E7-5811
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2007-2008 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2007. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 886,667 pounds and 45 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,062,336 pounds and 48 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.
Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-5793
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-03-29
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 intention of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to request an extension of a currently approved information collection in support of customer- focused improvement initiatives for USDA-procured poultry, livestock, fruit, and vegetable products.
Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, et al.; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E7-5791
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2006-2007 fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years from $0.18 to $0.28 per barrel. Authorization to assess cranberry handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of 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. The fiscal year began September 1, 2006, and ends August 31, 2007. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Late Payment and Interest Charges on Past Due Assessments Under the Nectarine and Peach Marketing Orders
Document Number: E7-5789
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule invites comments 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 would implement authorities contained in the marketing order to allow the committees to apply late payment and interest charges on past due assessments owed the committees by handlers.
United States Standards for Grades of Florida Avocados
Document Number: E7-5788
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-29
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 Florida Avocados. At a meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result AMS is considering revisions to the Florida Avocado standard to include all avocados.
Walnuts Grown in California; Recommended Decision and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions to Proposed Amendments of Marketing Agreement and Order No. 984
Document Number: E7-5312
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This recommended decision invites written exceptions on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 984, which regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California (Order). The amendments were proposed by the Walnut Marketing Board (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments included in this recommended decision would: Change the marketing year; include ``pack'' as a handler function; restructure the Board and revise nomination procedures; rename the Board and add authority to change Board composition; modify Board meeting and voting procedures; add authority for marketing promotion and paid advertising; add authority to accept voluntary financial contributions and to carry over excess assessment funds; broaden the scope of the quality control provisions and add the authority to recommend different regulations for different market destinations; add authority for the Board to appoint more than one inspection service; replace outdated order language with current industry terminology; and other related amendments. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed three additional amendments: To establish tenure limitations for Board members, to require that continuance referenda be conducted on a periodic basis to ascertain producer support for the order, and to make any changes to the order as may be necessary to conform with any amendment that may result from the hearing. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2006-2007 Crop Year for Tart Cherries
Document Number: E7-5313
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for the 2006-2007 crop year. The percentages are 55 percent free and 45 percent restricted and will establish the proportion of cherries from the 2006 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages are intended to stabilize supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions. The percentages were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (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.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of Regulations on Production Districts, Committee Representation, and Nomination Procedures
Document Number: E7-5311
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule revising 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 continues in effect the revision to the committees' mailing address. These revisions are necessary to bring the orders' administrative rules and regulations into conformance with the recently amended order provisions.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Reconvening of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: E7-5109
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice announces the reconvening of the hearing which began on February 26, 2007, in Strongsville, Ohio, to consider proposals to amend the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders.
Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order; Reallocation of Mushroom Council Membership
Document Number: 07-1315
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends, on an interim basis, provisions of the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order) to reapportion membership of the Mushroom Council (Council) to reflect shifts in United States mushroom production. Specifically, the amendments reapportion the Order's four United States geographic regions, and reallocate Council member representation in two of the four United States geographic regions (Regions 1 and 4). The Council, which administers the Order, proposed the amendments in conformance with Order requirements to reviewat least every 5 years and not more than every three years the geographic distribution of United States mushroom production volume and import volume, and recommend changes accordingly. The amendments will be effective for the 2008 Council appointments.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Temporary Suspension of Provisions Regarding Continuance Referenda Under the Nectarine and Peach Marketing Orders
Document Number: E7-4662
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule temporarily suspending order provisions that require continuance referenda to be conducted for the nectarine and peach marketing orders during winter 2006-07. This rule enables 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 current committee nomination period, which overlaps with the scheduled referenda period.
Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading
Document Number: E7-4657
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is increasing the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading, certification, and audit services, and establishing a separate billing rate for the audit services. The fees and charges are being increased to cover the increase in salaries of Federal employees, salary increases of State employees cooperatively utilized in administering the programs, and other increased Agency costs. The AMS is required to collect fees from users of these services to cover the costs of services rendered.
Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
Document Number: 07-1156
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-03-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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).
Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting
Document Number: E7-3939
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-03-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Document Number: E7-3937
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the regulations governing inspection and certification for processed fruits, vegetables, and processed products by increasing the fees charged for these products by 19 to 26 percent. Furthermore, it revises the regulations so applicants entering into an in-plant inspection contract with the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will incur the costs for the plant survey and sanitation inspection. Finally, the revision provides that applicants entering into a year-round inspection contract, less than year-round (four or more consecutive 40 hour weeks) contract, or lot inspection will incur costs for Sunday differential when an employee works on Sunday. Also affected are the fees charged to persons required to have inspections on imported commodities in accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. In addition, various editorial changes are being made to enhance clarity. These revisions are necessary in order to recover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of performing inspection services under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 and to ensure the program's financial stability.
Olives Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E7-3936
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule proposes an increase in 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 would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
National Organic Program, Sunset Review
Document Number: E7-3829
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-03-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would amend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) regulations to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from November 17, 2005 through October 19, 2006. The recommendations addressed in this proposed rule pertain to the continued exemption (use) and prohibition of 169 substances in organic production and handling. Consistent with the recommendations from the NOSB, this proposed rule would renew 166 of the 169 exemptions and prohibitions on the National List (along with any restrictive annotations), and remove 3 exemptions from the National List.
Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Determination of Whether To Conduct a Referendum Regarding 1990 Amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act
Document Number: E7-3828
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-03-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice announces the Department's view, based on a review by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), that it is not necessary to conduct a referendum among producers and importers on continuation of the 1990 amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (Act). The 1990 amendments require the Secretary of Agriculture, once every 5 years, to conduct a review to determine whether to hold a referendum. The two major changes to the Cotton Research and Promotion Program made by the 1990 amendments were the elimination of assessment refunds to producers and a new assessment levied on imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products. Although USDA is of the view that a referendum is not needed, it will initiate a sign-up period as required by the Act, to allow cotton producers and importers to request a referendum.
Walnuts Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E7-3818
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-03-06
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 increased 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.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP); Notice of a Revision to the Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-3263
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces funding of approximately $1 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2007 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. These grant funds are contingent upon AMS's receipt of Congressional funding in 2007 for this program. 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. No matching funds are required. AMS strongly recommends that each applicant read the entire NOFA herein, and visit the AMS Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP to review a copy of the FMPP Guidelines and Application Package Preparation information to assist in preparing the proposal narrative and application package.
Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E7-3262
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Marketing Service, Agricultural Marketing Service
This document announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) review of the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order [Order] (conducted under the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act [Act]), under the criteria contained in Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-2944
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-22
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 for revision of a currently approved information collection for Fruit and Vegetable Market News.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order Nos. 916 and 917; Correction
Document Number: 07-783
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service published a final rule in the Federal Register on July 21, 2006 (71 FR 41345). The document implemented amendments to the California nectarine and peach marketing orders. Implementation of the amendments required either lifting or suspending certain language in the orders. However, two of those actions were omitted in the final rule's amendatory instructions. This document correctly identifies which suspension should be lifted and which suspension should be made. In addition, this document corrects a reference to committee size.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Supplemental Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: 07-746
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document contains an additional proposal to be considered at a previously scheduled hearing to consider proposals that would amend the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders.
Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Container Marking Requirements
Document Number: E7-2732
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-16
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 container marking requirements for kiwifruit covered under the California kiwifruit marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (Committee). Prior to implementation of the interim final rule, kiwifruit that had been inspected, met applicable grade and size requirements, and was subsequently placed into new containers, had to be positive lot identified, which required reinspection. This rule continues in effect the action that established procedures for handlers to ship such kiwifruit without positive lot identification (PLI). This rule is intended to reduce handler inspection costs and facilitate the marketing of kiwifruit.
United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine
Document Number: E7-2731
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposed voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine. The proposed standards would provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of tomatoes on the vine (TOV).
United States Standards for Grades of Winter Pears
Document Number: E7-2728
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
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 Winter Pears. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the agency has decided not to proceed with this action.
United States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes
Document Number: E7-2725
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the United States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes. Specifically, AMS is revising the standards to allow that percentages of defects and size classifications be determined by count rather than weight. This will result in a revision of the following sections of the standards: Tolerances, Size Classification, Standard Pack, Damage, and Serious Damage. Additionally, AMS is deleting the ``Unclassified'' section, adding moldy stems as a damage defect, and adding a scoring guide for damage and serious damage for skin checks. These revisions will bring the standards for greenhouse tomatoes in line with current marketing practices, thereby improving their usefulness in serving the industry.
Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, OR; Change in Reporting Requirements
Document Number: E7-2724
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-16
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 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 continues in effect the action that: Established 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; changed the reporting requirements for fresh onions for peeling, chopping, or slicing, and for special purpose shipments; and added ``disposal'' as a special purpose shipment.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: 07-570
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
A national public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on proposals seeking to amend the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin; Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Agreement and Order No. 930
Document Number: 07-549
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order No. 930 (order), which regulate the handling of tart cherries grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. Seven amendments are proposed by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: Authorize changing the primary reserve capacity associated with the volume control provisions of the order; authorize establishment of a minimum inventory level at which all remaining product held in reserves would be released to handlers for use as free tonnage; establish an age limitation on product placed into reserves; revise the voting requirements necessary to approve a Board action; revise the nomination and election process for handler members on the Board; revise Board membership affiliation requirements; and update order language to more accurately reflect grower and handler participation in the nomination and election process in Districts with only one Board representative. In addition, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to make any such changes as may be necessary to the order or administrative rules and regulations to conform to any amendment that may result from the hearing. The proposals are intended to provide additional flexibility in administering the volume control provisions of the order, and to update Board nomination, election, and membership requirements. These proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and administration of the order.
Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Change in Handling Requirements
Document Number: 07-502
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule changes 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 limits 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.
United States Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers)
Document Number: E7-1762
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-05
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 Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers). The standards will provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of peppers that are not sweet peppers.
United States Standards for Grades of Mushrooms
Document Number: E7-1761
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-05
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 Mushrooms. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agency has decided not to proceed with this action.
United States Standards for Grades of Mangos
Document Number: E7-1760
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-05
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting comments on a proposed revision to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Mangos. USDA received a request from a member of the industry to revise the definition of ``well trimmed.'' The change could benefit the fresh mango industry by improving fruit appearance and extending shelf life.
United States Standards for Grades of Oranges (California and Arizona) and/or United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit (California and Arizona)
Document Number: E7-1759
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-05
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 Oranges (California and Arizona) and/or United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit (California and Arizona). After reviewing and considering the comment received, the Agency has decided not to proceed with this action.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-1758
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-05
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 of a currently approved information collection for the Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, as amended.
Soybean Promotion and Research: Qualified State Soybean Boards; Correction
Document Number: E7-875
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-01-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a final rule and termination order (final rule) in the Federal Register on November 28, 1995 (60 FR 58499) regarding technical amendments to the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order (Order). AMS has found that section 1220.228(a)(1)(v)(A) pertaining to producer refunds, was mistakenly removed from the Order as part of the final rule. This document corrects the Order by adding the language that previously appeared in section 1220.228(a)(1)(v)(A).
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2007-2008 Marketing Year
Document Number: E7-764
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-01-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2007-2008 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2007. This rule invites comments on the establishment of salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 886,667 pounds and 45 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,062,336 pounds and 48 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.
Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Establishment of Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2006-2007 Marketing Year
Document Number: E7-763
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-01-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes 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. The final free and restricted percentages are 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.
Beef Promotion and Research; Certification of Nominating Organizations
Document Number: E7-648
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-01-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given that the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications from State cattle producer organizations or associations and general farm organizations, as well as cattle or beef importer organizations, who desire to be certified to nominate producers or importers for appointment to vacant positions on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board). Organizations which have not previously been certified that are interested in submitting nominations must complete and submit an official application form to AMS. Previously certified organizations do not need to reapply.
Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E7-624
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-01-18
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 that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget of a new information collection: the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2005-06 Crop Natural (Sun-Dried) Seedless Raisins
Document Number: E7-623
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-01-18
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 established final volume regulation percentages for 2005-06 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 82.50 percent free and 17.50 percent reserve. The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions.
Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Program; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E7-598
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-01-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This action announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) review of the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Program, which is conducted under the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order), under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
National Organic Program-Submission of Petitions of Substances for Inclusion on or Removal From the National List of Substances Allowed and Prohibited in Organic Production and Handling
Document Number: E7-596
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-01-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice supersedes prior Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program's (NOP) published guidelines used to submit petitions to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List identifies the synthetic substances that may be used and the non-synthetic substances that may not be used in organic production. The National List also identifies synthetic and non-synthetic substances that may be used in organic handling. This notice provides guidance on who may submit petitions, what substances may be petitioned and the information that is required to be included within a submitted petition. Additionally, this notice establishes new commercial availability evaluation criteria that will be applied during the petition review of non-organic agricultural substances for inclusion onto or removal from Sec. 205.606 of the National List.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.