Agricultural Marketing Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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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
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.
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