Agricultural Marketing Service 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 51 - 100 of 159
Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Revision of Time Frame for Continuance Referenda
Document Number: 2016-20805
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This interim rule invites comments on revising the time frame for continuance referenda under the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order). The Order is administered by the Softwood Lumber Board (Board) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Order requires USDA to conduct a continuance referendum five years after the program took effect (2011). This action revises this time frame from five years (2016) to no later than seven years (2018). This will allow time for USDA to complete a separate rulemaking action on the Order's exemption threshold. That rulemaking is being initiated in response to a federal district court decision in Resolute Forest Products Inc., v. USDA, et al. (Resolute). Once USDA completes that action, a continuance referendum will be conducted. The results of the exemption threshold rulemaking could impact who votes in the referendum and who pays assessments under the Order.
United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
Document Number: 2016-20254
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-08-24
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public comments on a petition requesting revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef. Specifically, AMS is requesting comments concerning a petition that requests that the beef standards be amended to include dentition and documentation of actual age as an additional determination of maturity grouping for official quality grading. Currently, the standards only include skeletal and muscular evidence as a determination of maturity grouping for the purposes of official quality grading. Official quality grading is used as an indication of meat palatability and is a major determining factor in live cattle and beef value.
Amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations
Document Number: 2016-20098
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-08-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would amend the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order) established under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (Act) to add six Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) codes for imported veal and veal products and update assessment levels for imported veal and veal products based on revised determinations of live animal equivalencies.
Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-20096
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-08-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots handled under the marketing order. The Committee, which is composed of growers and handlers, locally administers the order which regulates the handling of apricots grown in designated counties in Washington. Assessments upon apricot handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-19826
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-08-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Almonds Grown in California; Change in Quality Control Requirements
Document Number: 2016-19625
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) to change the quality control requirements currently prescribed under the California almond marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of almonds grown in California. The Board locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers operating within California. This rule relaxes incoming quality requirements by increasing the inedible kernel tolerance from 0.50 percent to 2 percent. This relaxation decreases California almond handlers' disposition obligation. This change also allows handlers more flexibility in their operations while continuing to maintain quality control and ensuring compliance with the order's requirements.
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-19624
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-08-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.08 to $0.09 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit handled under the marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of oranges and grapefruit operating within the area of production. Assessments upon orange and grapefruit 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, Arizona, and New Mexico; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2016-19531
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-08-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order that regulates the handling of pistachios produced in the production area.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-19530
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-08-16
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 for report forms under the Federal milk marketing order program.
National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Amendments to the Order
Document Number: 2016-19140
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends the Dairy Promotion and Research Order (Dairy Order). The amendment modifies the number of National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (Dairy Board) importer members. The total number of importer members would be reduced from 2 members to 1 member, and the domestic Dairy Board members would remain the same at 36. The Dairy Order requires that at least once every three years, after the initial appointment of importer members on the Dairy Board, the Secretary shall review the average volume of domestic production of dairy products compared to the average volume of imports of dairy products into the United States during the previous three years, and, on the basis of that review, if warranted, reapportion the importer representation on the Dairy Board to reflect the proportional shares of the United States market served by domestic production and imported dairy products.
Livestock Mandatory Reporting: Reauthorization of Livestock Mandatory Reporting and Revision of Swine and Lamb Reporting Requirements
Document Number: 2016-19040
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-11
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
On April 2, 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) implemented the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program as required by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act). The LMR program was reauthorized in October 2006 and September 2010. On September 30, 2015, the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act of 2015 (2015 Reauthorization Act) reauthorized the LMR program for an additional 5 years until September 30, 2020, and directed the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to amend the LMR swine reporting requirements. This final rule incorporates the swine reporting revisions contained within the 2015 Reauthorization Act and a minor revision to the lamb reporting requirements under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting regulations.
Vegetable and Specialty Crop Marketing Orders; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-18848
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-08-09
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 the approved forms and information collection for marketing orders covering various vegetable and specialty crops.
Removal of Program To Assess Organic Certifying Agencies in 7 CFR Part 37
Document Number: 2016-18436
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule informs the public that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is removing the Program to Assess Organic Certifying Agencies from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action removes unnecessary regulations from the CFR. Since the publication of the organic regulations, the Program to Assess Organic Certifying Agencies is no longer applicable or necessary.
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2016 Amendments)
Document Number: 2016-18109
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-05
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations, decreasing the value assigned to imported cotton for the purposes of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. This amendment is required each year to ensure that assessments collected on imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products will be the same as those paid on domestically produced cotton.
U.S. Standards for Grades of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Fruits and Vegetables for Processing, Nuts, and Specialty Crops
Document Number: 2016-18451
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising 41 U.S. Standards for Grades of fresh fruits and vegetables, fruits and vegetables for processing, nuts, and specialty crops by removing the ``Unclassified'' category from each standard. This revision brings these grade standards in line with other recently amended standards and current terminology. The change also updates the standards to more accurately represent today's marketing practices and provide the industry with greater flexibility.
Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Order Regulating Handling
Document Number: 2016-18346
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes a marketing agreement and order (order) for pecans grown in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The order provides authority to collect industry data and to conduct research and promotion activities. In addition, the order provides authority for the industry to recommend grade, quality and size regulation, as well as pack and container regulation, subject to approval by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program will be financed by assessments on handlers of pecans grown in the production area and will be locally administered, under USDA oversight, by a Council of seventeen growers and shellers (handlers) nominated by the industry and appointed by USDA.
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; Proposed Amendment to Marketing Order
Document Number: 2016-18115
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-08-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule invites comments on a proposed amendment to Marketing Orders, 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 Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee), which is responsible for the local administration of the order and is comprised of growers of cranberries operating within the production area, recommended adding authority to accept donations from domestic contributors. Contributed funds would be used solely for research and development activities authorized under the regulation of the order and would be free from any encumbrances as to their usage by the donor.
National Organic Program (NOP); Sunset 2016 Amendments to the National List
Document Number: 2016-18108
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule addresses recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) following their April 2015 meeting. These recommendations pertain to the 2016 sunset review of substances on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Consistent with the recommendations from the NOSB, this final rule removes five nonorganic nonagricultural substances from the National List for use in organic handling: Egg white lysozyme, cyclohexylamine, diethylaminoethanol, octadecylamine, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate when their use exemptions (allowances) expire on September 12, 2016.
Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for Domestic and Imported Peanuts Marketed in the United States; Change to the Quality and Handling Requirements
Document Number: 2016-18116
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-08-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Peanut Standards Board (Board) to revise the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States (Standards). The Board advises the Secretary of Agriculture regarding potential changes to the Standards and is comprised of producers and industry representatives. This rule revises the minimum quality, positive lot identification, and reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the Standards. It also makes numerous other changes to better reflect current industry practices and revises outdated language. The Board believes these changes will make additional peanuts available for sale, help increase efficiencies, and reduce costs to the industry.
Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the Handling Regulation for Area No. 2
Document Number: 2016-18114
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-08-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Area No. 2 (Committee) to revise the grade requirement currently prescribed for 1\1/2\-inch minimum to 2\1/4\-inch maximum diameter (Size B) potatoes under the Colorado potato marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of potatoes operating within the area of production. This action would relax the current minimum grade requirement for Size B red potatoes from U.S. Commercial grade or better to U.S. No. 2 grade or better. Relaxing this grade requirement would allow area handlers to supply new markets with U.S. No. 2 grade Size B red potatoes and is expected to benefit producers, handlers, and consumers.
Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
Document Number: 2016-18107
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-08-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, (5 U.S.C. App.), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing a meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to assist the USDA in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on any other aspects of the implementation of Organic Foods Production Act.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-17702
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-07-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intent to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Tart Cherries Grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin, pursuant to Marketing Order No. 930.
Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Withdrawal for a Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2016-17038
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-07-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
On February 23, 2016, a document directing that a referendum be conducted in August 2016 among eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of softwood lumber to determine whether they favor continuance of the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order) was published in the Federal Register (81 FR 8822). The document is hereby withdrawn. The referendum has been postponed until a future date to be determined by the Secretary.
Almonds Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-16814
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-07-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 through the 2018-19 crop years from $0.03 to $0.04 per pound of almonds handled under the marketing order (order). Of the $0.04 per pound assessment, 60 percent (or $0.024 per pound) would be available as credit-back for handlers who conduct their own promotional activities. The assessment rate would return to $0.03 for the 2019-20 and subsequent crop years, and the amount available for handler credit-back would return to $0.018 per pound (60 percent). The Board locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers of almonds grown in California. Assessments upon almond handlers are used by the Board to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year begins August 1 and ends July 31. The $0.04 assessment rate would remain in effect until July 31, 2019. Beginning August 1, 2019, the assessment rate would return to $0.03 and would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Olives Grown in California; Suspension and Revision of Incoming Size-Grade Requirements
Document Number: 2016-16704
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-07-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Olive Committee (Committee) to suspend the incoming size-grade authority under the California olive marketing order (order), which regulates the handling of olives in California. The rule also makes conforming changes to the corresponding size-grade requirements in the order's rules and regulations to adapt them to the suspension. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of California olive producers and handlers operating within the production area. The suspension and revisions are intended to allow the Committee time to develop new incoming size-grade authority that will reflect currently- available technology and meet the industry's future needs.
Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information; Beef Promotion and Research; Amendments To Allow Redirection of State Assessments to the National Program; Technical Amendments
Document Number: 2016-16698
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-07-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would amend the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Soybean Order) and the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Beef Order) to add provisions allowing soybean and beef producers to request, under certain circumstances, that their assessments paid to a State board or council authorized under their respective statutes, be redirected to the national program. The proposed rule also would make technical amendments to the Beef Order.
U.S. Standards for Grades of Catfish and Catfish Products.
Document Number: 2016-16703
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-07-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites catfish producers, suppliers, processors, retailers, foodservice operators, and other interested stakeholders to provide background information, comments, and data to assist in the development of voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Catfish and Catfish Products. AMS is requesting comments concerning, but not limited to, the catfish quality standard that is currently implemented by the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order 989
Document Number: 2016-16335
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-07-11
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends Marketing Order No. 989 (order), which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California. The amendments approved by producers in the referendum were proposed by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee) which is comprised of producers and handlers of raisins and responsible for the local administration of the order. The changes will allow the Committee to borrow from a commercial lending institution and authorize the establishment of a monetary reserve equal to up to one year's budgeted expenses. Allowing the Committee to utilize these customary business practices will help improve administration of the order.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Order Amending Marketing Order 925
Document Number: 2016-16330
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-07-11
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends Marketing Agreement and Order No. 925 (order), which regulates the handling of table grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California. The amendments approved by producers in the referendum were proposed by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee), which is responsible for the local administration of the order. The new amendments to the order will increase term lengths for Committee members and alternates from one to four fiscal periods and allow new members and alternates to agree to accept their nominations prior to selection by the Secretary. These amendments are intended to increase the Committee's effectiveness and bolster industry participation in Committee activities. The amendment proposed by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) that would add authority for periodic continuance referenda was not approved in the referendum.
Amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations; Withdrawal
Document Number: 2016-14823
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-06-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document informs the public that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is withdrawing the proposed rule published in the Federal Register (81 FR 14022) on March 16, 2016, regarding the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order) established under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (Act). The proposed rule is being withdrawn because of an error noted in the formula determining the assessment rate on imported veal carcass weight and to provide the calculation to establish the assessment rate on importer veal and veal products.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-15199
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-28
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-14824
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) for an increase of the assessment rate established for the 2016 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0250 to $0.0300 per 18-pound lug of grapes handled under the marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order, and is comprised of producers and handlers of grapes grown and handled in a designated area of southeastern California. Assessments upon grape handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period began on January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins
Document Number: 2016-14821
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins by removing five references to the term ``midget'' throughout the standards. These changes will modernize and clarify the standards by removing dual terminology for the same requirement.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Vegetables
Document Number: 2016-14332
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-06-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to revise 18 U.S. grade standards for canned vegetables issued on or before August 3, 1998. AMS is proposing to replace the two-term grading system (dual nomenclature) with a single term to describe each quality level for the grade standards identified in this notice. Terms using the letter grade would be retained and the descriptive term would be eliminated. For example, grade standards using the term ``U.S. Grade A'' or ``U.S. Fancy'' would be revised to use the term ``U.S. Grade A.'' Likewise, grade standards using the term ``U.S. Grade B'' or ``U.S. Extra Standard'' would be revised to use the single term ``U.S. Grade B.'' These changes would bring the grade standards in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and provide guidance in the effective use of these products. Editorial changes would also be made to the grade standards that conform to recent changes made in other grade standards.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2015-16 Crop Year for Tart Cherries
Document Number: 2016-14333
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) to establish free and restricted percentages for the 2015-16 crop year under the marketing order for tart cherries grown in the states of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin (order). The Board locally administers the marketing order and is comprised of producers and handlers of tart cherries operating within the production area. This action establishes the proportion of tart cherries from the 2015 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets at 80 percent free and 20 percent restricted. In addition, this rule increases the carry-out volume of fruit to 55 million pounds for this season. These percentages should stabilize marketing conditions by adjusting supply to meet market demand and help improve grower returns.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-14264
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Amending Importer Line-Item De Minimis
Document Number: 2016-14174
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations to remove the cotton import de minimis provision. The Cotton Research and Promotion (R&P) Program assesses U.S. cotton producers and importers of cotton and cotton- containing products. Importers are exempt from paying the cotton import assessment (known commonly among importers as the ``cotton fee'') if a line item on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) documentation is $2.00 or less. The exemption was initially established to lessen the administrative burden of collecting an import assessment, which was originally estimated to be $2.00 per line item, in instances in which the transactions costs of the collection would exceed the actual value of the assessment; however, technological advances in the CBP documentation process significantly reduced the transactions costs associated with collecting import assessments, and CBP has since stopped charging USDA for the processing and collecting of assessments. Given that transactions costs no longer exceed assessment rates of $2.00 or less, AMS is removing this de minimis provision from the regulations. In addition, the definition of cotton with respect to procedures for conducting the sign-up period is being modified.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Revision of Optimum Supply Requirements and Establishment of Inventory Release Procedures
Document Number: 2016-14173
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement recommendations from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) to add inventory release procedures and revise optimum supply provisions under the marketing order for tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin (order). The Board locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers operating within the production area. This rule would establish procedures for releasing inventory from reserves and increase the maximum carry-out volume available when calculating optimum supply from 20 million pounds to 100 million pounds. These changes would provide clear procedures should an inventory release be necessary and would provide more flexibility when calculating optimum supply.
Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting
Document Number: 2016-14164
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board (Board). The meeting is being held to discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to, work and outreach plans, subcommittee activities, and proposals for procedure changes. The meeting is open to the public. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2016-2017 Marketing Year
Document Number: 2016-14163
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee) to establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class, that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2016-2017 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2016. The Far West production area includes the states of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, and designated parts of Nevada and Utah. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 958,711 pounds and 45 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,209,546 pounds and 50 percent, respectively. The Committee locally administers the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West and recommended these salable quantities and allotment percentages to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Relaxation of Container and Pack Requirements
Document Number: 2016-14151
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) to relax the container and pack requirements currently prescribed under the Texas Citrus Marketing Order (order). The order regulates the handling of oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers operating within the production area. This rule adds the word ``approximate'' to the size specifications of three regulated containers to make the language consistent with other containers specified under the order. This change provides uniformity in the descriptions of containers and helps prevent potential compliance violations stemming from slight variations in container dimensions.
Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Late Payment and Interest Charges on Past Due Assessments
Document Number: 2016-14150
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule prescribes late payment and interest charges on past due assessments under the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). The Order is administered by the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (Board) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the Order, assessments are collected from domestic producers and importers and used for research and promotion projects designed to maintain and expand the market for fresh cut Christmas trees. This rule implements authority contained in the Order that allows the Board to collect late payment and interest charges on past due assessments. Late payment and interest charges will begin to accrue on unpaid assessments beginning 30 days after the effective date of this rule. This action contributes to effective administration of the program. This rule also provides authority for the crop year and fiscal period to be changed through administrative action. These changes were unanimously recommended by the Board.
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-14149
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-06-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) for an increase of the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.30 to $0.35 per 55-pound bushel container of Florida avocados handled under the marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers of avocados operating within the area of production. Assessments upon Florida avocado handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period began on April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Notice of Request for Renewal of a Recordkeeping Burden
Document Number: 2016-14007
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-14
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 renewal a recordkeeping burden for the information collection for the Export Fruit Acts covering exports of apples and grapes.
National Organic Program (NOP); Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Proposed Rule; Extension of Comment Period
Document Number: 2016-13537
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-06-08
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on April 13, 2016 (71 FR 21956) on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices. This document extends the comment period for the proposed rule for 30 days from June 13, 2016 to July 13, 2016. Multiple stakeholders requested that AMS extend the comment period due to the complexity and importance of the proposal. AMS is granting an extension.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
Document Number: 2016-13019
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-02
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 0581-0263: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC).
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-12991
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-12987
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-06-02
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 an extension and revision of a currently approved information collection for Specialty Crops Market News Division. (This information collection was previously known as Fruit and Vegetable Market News Division. The Agency re-named the Division to Specialty Crops to more accurately reflect the range of commodities reported).
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-12525
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-05-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado
Document Number: 2016-12582
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-05-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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