Agricultural Marketing Service 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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Generic Fruit Crops; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-11319
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-05-13
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 an extension and revision to the approved forms and generic information collection for marketing orders covering fruit crops.
Request for Revision to and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-11318
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-05-13
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 (OMB) for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection ``Livestock, Poultry, Meat, and Grain Market News Reports'' (0186-0033), which AMS is proposing to retitle as the ``Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News.''
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Baked Beans
Document Number: 2016-10743
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-05-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document revises the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Baked Beans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revised the standards to replace process-specific language ``Product Description'' in the standard with language reflective of current canned baked bean manufacturing practices. Additionally, AMS separated the canned dried beans, canned pork and beans, and canned baked beans grade standards from one shared standard document into three separate documents. These revisions bring the grade standards for canned baked beans in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and provide guidance in the effective use of these products.
United States Standards for Grades of Cauliflower
Document Number: 2016-10741
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-05-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Cauliflower. The current U.S. grade standards do not have provisions for grading purple, orange, or green cauliflower. The proposed revision would amend the color requirement to allow all colors of cauliflower to be certified to a U.S. grade. In addition, AMS proposes to amend the size requirement to allow curds less than 4 inches in diameter to be certified to a grade; to add marking requirements to sizes less than 4 inches in diameter; and, to remove the unclassified section.
2016 Rates Charged for AMS Services
Document Number: 2016-10351
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-05-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing the 2016 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for a variety of agricultural commodities including meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, and cotton and tobacco. The 2016 regular, overtime, holiday, and laboratory services rates will be applied at the beginning of the crop year, fiscal year or as required by law (June 1 for cotton programs) depending on the commodity. This action established the rates for user-funded programs based on costs incurred by AMS.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-10210
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-05-02
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 for the Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, as amended.
National Organic Program (NOP); Sunset 2016 Amendments to the National List; Correction
Document Number: 2016-09838
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document contains a correction to the proposed rule which was published on December 16, 2015 (80 FR 78150). In the proposed rule, the Regulatory Information Number (RIN) appears as RIN 0581-AD39. This number is incorrect. The correct number is 0581-AD43. This document corrects the proposed rule.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Revision to the Administrative Rules and Regulations for Shipments to Charitable Organizations
Document Number: 2016-09620
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) to revise the administrative rules and regulations of the Federal marketing order for grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California (order) and the table grape import regulation. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of grapes grown in the production area. This rule allows handlers and importers to ship grapes that do not meet the minimum grade and size quality requirements to be donated to charitable organizations. Any such grapes shall not be used for resale. The import regulation is authorized under section 608e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and regulates the importation of table grapes into the United States. This final rule provides an additional outlet for grapes regulated under the order and assists USDA's efforts to reduce food waste in support of the U.S. Food Waste Challenge.
Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection, OMB 0581-0125 Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products 7 CFR Part 51 and 52, and To Merge 0581-0292 Specialty Crops Inspection Order Forms into OMB 0581-0125
Document Number: 2016-09619
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
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 of 0581-0125 Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products 7 CFR part 51 and 52, and request approval to merge the previously approved, 0581-0292 Specialty Crops Inspection Division Order Forms into 0581-0125 Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products 7 CFR part 51 and 52. By this action, all services and related forms used to collect information will be in one collection with no duplicative burden.
Request for an Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the Seed Service Testing Program
Document Number: 2016-09617
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
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 of the currently approved information collection for the Seed Service Testing Program.
Transportation and Marketing Program; Notice of Extension and Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection and To Merge the Collections of 0581-0235 Farmers Market Promotion Program, 0581-0240 Federal-State Market Improvement Program, 0581-0248 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill, Specialty Crop Multi-State Program, and 0581-0287 Local Food Promotion Program
Document Number: 2016-09612
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-20), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request Office of Management and Budget approval of a revised information collection that combined four previously approved collections into a single information collection. AMS recently consolidated its grant programs into one Grants Division. Due to this consolidation, AMS intends to combine the following collections, 0581-0235 ``Farmers Market Promotion Program,'' 0581-0240 ``Federal-State Market Improvement Program,'' 0581-0248 ``Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill,'' ``Specialty Crop Multi-State Program,'' and 0581-0287 ``Local Food Promotion Program.'' This revised collection will be retitled 0581-0240 ``AMS Grant Programs,'' and increase efficiency among programs and reduce the burden on the public.
Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the Federal Seed Act Program
Document Number: 2016-09607
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
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 of the Federal Seed Act Labeling and Enforcement.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 989
Document Number: 2016-09144
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 989 (order) that regulates the handling of raisins grown in California. Five amendments are proposed by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: Authorize production research; establish new nomination procedures for independent grower member and alternate member seats; add authority to regulate quality; add authority to establish different regulations for different markets; and add a continuance referenda requirement. In addition, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes two amendments. These amendments would remove order language pertaining to volume regulation and reserve pool authority and would establish term limits for Committee members. In addition, AMS proposes to make any such changes as may be necessary to the order to conform to any amendment that may result from the hearing. These proposed amendments are intended to update the order to reflect past changes in the industry and potential future changes, and to improve the operation and administration of the order.
Amendment to the Definition of “Condition” and Prerequisite Requirement for Shell Eggs Eligible for Grading and Certification Stated in the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs
Document Number: 2016-09139
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs to clarify the definition of ``condition'' and revise the prerequisite requirement for shell eggs eligible for voluntary USDA grading and certification. The proposed revision to the prerequisite requirement will prohibit the use of Salmonella Enteritidis-adulterated or recalled shell eggs from being presented to USDA for grading and certification. AMS is proposing to revise the definition of ``condition'' to remove any food safety implications resulting from the use of the term ``wholesomeness'' and clarify that AMS' role in grading and certification of shell eggs is solely for a quality determination.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09115
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Revision of Exemption Requirements
Document Number: 2016-08834
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule implementing a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) that revised the exemption 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. The interim rule changed the number of years that new market development and market expansion projects are eligible for handler diversion credit from one year to three years. The interim rule also revised the composition of the subcommittee which reviews exemption requests. These changes are intended to encourage handlers to participate in new market and market expansion activities to facilitate sales and help ensure impartiality during the review process.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Regulation; Removal of a Final Rule
Document Number: 2016-08832
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is rescinding and removing from the Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR part 1290 entitled ``Specialty Crop Block Grant Program'' (SCBGP) in its entirety. This regulation implemented the SCBGP for the fiscal years 2006 to 2008 and is now obsolete.
National Organic Program; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices
Document Number: 2016-08023
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the organic livestock and poultry production requirements by: adding new provisions for livestock handling and transport for slaughter and avian living conditions; and expanding and clarifying existing requirements covering livestock health care practices and mammalian living conditions.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-07631
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a call for nominations to the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. The Committee was re-chartered in July 2015 for the 2015-2017 two-year term.
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Notice of Intent To Renew Charter and Call for Nominations
Document Number: 2016-07616
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was established to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Through this Notice, USDA is announcing the following: its intent to renew the Charter of the NOSB, which expires on May 8, 2016; its call for nominations to fill five (5) upcoming vacancies for appointments in 2017, and its call for nominations for a pool of candidates to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the position categories should that occur.
National Dairy Promotion and Research Program Order
Document Number: 2016-07413
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document invites comments on a proposed amendment to the Dairy Promotion and Research Order (Dairy Order). The proposal would modify the number of National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (Dairy Board) importer members. The total number of domestic Dairy Board members would remain the same at 36 and the total number of importer members would be reduced from 2 to 1. 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. This reapportionment review is the first conducted since importer members were appointed to the Dairy Board on November 2, 2011. The review could not be conducted prior to 2015 since the required data was not available.
National Organic Program: Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-06930
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-28
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 National Organic Program (NOP) Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements.
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: 2016-06460
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement 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 rulemaking would establish 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.
Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-06459
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-03-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that implemented a recommendation from the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) for the 2015-2016 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0375 to $0.03 per 25-pound carton of tomatoes handled under the marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers of tomatoes operating within the area of production. The interim rule was necessary to more closely align assessment income to the Committee's lower budget.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-06144
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-18
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 the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for and revision of a currently approved information collection for Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order No. 981.
Peanut Standards Board
Document Number: 2016-05867
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill) 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 a term of office ending June 30, 2019. Selected nominees would replace three producer and three industry representatives who currently serve on the Board and have terms of office that end on June 30, 2016. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and the industry. In an effort to obtain diversity among candidates, USDA encourages the nomination of men and women of all racial and ethnic groups and persons with a disability.
Amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations
Document Number: 2016-05859
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-16
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 increase assessment levels for imported veal and veal products based on revised determinations of live animal equivalencies and to update and expand the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) numbers and categories, which identify imported veal and veal products to conform with recent updates in the numbers and categories used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs).
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-05841
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-03-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that implemented a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2015-16 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.11 to $0.08 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. The interim rule decreased the assessment rate to more closely align assessment income to the lower budgeted expenses.
Egg Research and Promotion: Updates to Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and Information Provisions
Document Number: 2016-05838
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would update the Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and Information Language (IP) of the Egg Research and Promotion Rules and Regulations (Regulations). The proposed amendment would model current commodity research and promotion program orders created under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996.
Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
Document Number: 2016-05835
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-16
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), Department of Agriculture, is announcing a meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to assist the Department 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.
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-05834
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) to increase 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 begins April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-05799
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee). The meeting is being convened to examine the full spectrum of fruit and vegetable industry issues and to provide recommendations and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can tailor programs and services to better meet the needs of the U.S. produce industry. The meeting is open to the public. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-05420
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-10
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) to increase 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 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 would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
National Organic Program; Notice of Availability of National List Petition Guidelines
Document Number: 2016-05399
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-10
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is announcing the availability of NOP 3011, National List Petition Guidelines. These guidelines apply to petitions that request an amendment to the NOP's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List identifies the synthetic substances that may be used and the nonsynthetic substances that may not be used in organic production. The National List also identifies the non-organic substances that may be used in organic handling. The National List Petition Guidelines are based upon the May 2, 2014, recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board and modify the information to be included in a petition. This notice also clarifies the information to be submitted for all types of petitions that request amendments to the National List. This notice and NOP 3011 replace the previous petition guidelines that were published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2007 (72 FR 2167).
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Proposed Amendments to Marketing Order 989 and Referendum Order
Document Number: 2016-04623
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule proposes two amendments to Marketing Order No. 989 (order), which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and provides producers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. These amendments were proposed by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee), which is responsible for the local administration of the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of raisins operating within the production area. These proposed amendments are intended to improve administration of the order and reflect current industry practices.
Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Covered Commodities: Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-04611
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-02
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, for an extension and revision to the currently approved information collection of the Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) of Covered Commodities.
Removal of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Requirements for Beef and Pork Muscle Cuts, Ground Beef, and Ground Pork
Document Number: 2016-04609
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-03-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) regulations to remove muscle cut beef and pork, and ground beef and pork from mandatory COOL requirements. The COOL regulations are issued pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (Act). The Agency is issuing this rule to conform with amendments to the Act contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016.
United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
Document Number: 2016-04493
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-03-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document makes amendments to the United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef in order to make administrative changes and provide several points of clarification.
Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 905
Document Number: 2016-04470
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-03-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends Marketing Order No. 905 (order), which regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos (citrus) grown in Florida. The amendments were proposed by the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee), which locally administers the order, and is comprised of growers and handlers. These amendments: Authorize regulation of new varieties and hybrids of citrus fruit; authorize the regulation of intrastate shipments of fruit; revise the process for redistricting the production area; change the term of office and tenure requirements for Committee members; authorize mail balloting procedures for Committee membership nominations; increase the capacity of the financial reserve fund; authorize pack and container requirements for domestic shipments and authorize different regulations for different markets; eliminate the use of separate acceptance statements in the nomination process; and require handlers to register with the Committee. All of the proposals were favored by Florida citrus growers in a mail referendum, held September 14 through October 5, 2015. Of the 200 votes cast, 96 percent or more of the vote by number and 99 percent or more by volume approved all nine amendments. The amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program.
Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Late Payment and Interest Charges on Past Due Assessments
Document Number: 2016-04469
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-03-01
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposal invites comments on prescribing 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 proposal would implement authority contained in the Order that allows the Board to collect late payment and interest charges on past due assessments. If this rule is finalized, it is proposed that late payment and interest charges would begin to accrue on unpaid assessments beginning 30 days after the effective date of the final rule. One additional change would provide authority in the Order for the Board to change the crop year and fiscal period through administrative action. This action would contribute to effective administration of the program.
Livestock Mandatory Reporting: Revision of Lamb Reporting Requirements
Document Number: 2016-04047
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-02-29
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 again in September 2010. On September 30, 2015, the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act of 2015 (2015 Reauthorization Act) reauthorized the LMR program for an additional 5 years and directed the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to amend the LMR lamb reporting requirements by redefining terms within the Code of Federal Regulations not later than 180 days after enactment. This direct final rule incorporates the lamb reporting changes contained within the 2015 Reauthorization Act under the USDA LMR regulations.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection for Commodities Covered by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999
Document Number: 2016-04045
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-02-29
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 Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate cattle, swine, lamb, and boxed beef market news reports under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act) (OMB 0581-0186). One new form is introduced in this collection.
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; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Marketing Agreement and Order No. 986
Document Number: 2016-04043
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-02-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This Secretary's Decision proposes the issuance of a marketing agreement and order (order) under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to cover 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, and provides growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor its establishment. The proposed order would provide authority to collect industry data and to conduct research and promotion activities. In addition, the order would provide 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 would be financed by assessments on pecan handlers and would be locally administered, under USDA oversight, by a Council of seventeen growers and shellers (handlers) nominated by the industry and appointed by USDA.
Livestock Mandatory Reporting: Reauthorization of Livestock Mandatory Reporting and Revision of Swine and Lamb Reporting Requirements
Document Number: 2016-03956
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-02-29
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. In addition, the lamb industry requested revisions to the lamb reporting requirements as authorized through the 1999 Act. This proposed rule would incorporate the requested lamb reporting revisions, and would incorporate the swine reporting revisions contained within the 2015 Reauthorization Act under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting regulations.
Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-04049
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-02-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (Committee) for an increase of the assessment rate established for the 2015-16 and subsequent production years from $0.0005 to $0.0035 per pound of assessed weight pistachios handled under the marketing order for pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of pistachios operating within the area of production. Assessments upon pistachio handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The production year begins on September 1 and ends August 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-04044
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-02-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that implemented a recommendation from the California Date Administrative Committee (committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2015-16 and subsequent crop years from $0.20 to $0.10 per hundredweight of dates handled under the marketing order (order). The committee locally administers the marketing order and is comprised of producers and handlers of dates grown or packed in Riverside County, California. The interim rule to decrease the assessment rate was necessary to allow the Committee to reduce its financial reserve while still providing adequate funding to meet program expenses.
National Organic Program: USDA Organic Regulations
Document Number: 2016-03808
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-02-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document addresses the 2016 Sunset Review submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) through the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) following the NOSB's October 2014 and April 2015 meetings. The 2016 Sunset Review pertains to the NOSB's review of the need for the continued allowance for seven substances on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Consistent with the NOSB's review, this publication provides notice on the renewal of five synthetic and two nonsynthetic substances on the National List, along with any restrictive annotations. For substances that have been renewed on the National List, this document completes the 2016 National List Sunset Process.
Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2016-03806
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-02-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers and importers of highbush blueberries to determine whether they favor continuance of the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order).
Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2016-03805
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-02-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted 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).
Classification of Foreign-Growth Cotton
Document Number: 2016-02461
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-02-10
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending regulations pertaining to administrative and operational procedures for the classification of foreign-growth cotton. In anticipation that cotton merchants may want to use AMS cotton quality determinations to establish foreign-growth cotton as tenderable against the World Cotton futures contract offered by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), representatives of the U.S. cotton industry and ICE formally requested that AMS make any regulatory amendments necessary to better accommodate the classification of foreign-growth cotton. Consequently, AMS seeks to clarify the existing language, update the terms and practices described to comply with today's industry norms and current cotton classification technologies, and establish procedural safeguards to the classification process for foreign-growth cotton that promote accuracy.
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