Department of Agriculture February 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program Annual Renewal Fee
Document Number: 05-3775
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to amend its regulation for Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loans to remove all references to a one-time, specific loan guarantee fee and provide the authority for the charging of an annual renewal fee on all loans obligated after the publication of the final rule. The intended effect of this rule is to reduce the subsidy rate for guaranteed loans and its associated budget authority dollar level, which will result in a greater level of assistance to the public (i.e., higher supportable loan level). A notice will be published in the Federal Register each fiscal year that will establish the guarantee fee and any annual renewal fees for loans obligated during that fiscal year.
Mendocino Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 05-3767
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Mendocino County Resource Advisory Committee will meet March 18, 2005, (RAC) in Willits, California. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Approval of minutes, (2) Public Comment, (3) Sub- committees, (4) Discussion/Approval of projects (Travelers Home and Hellhole trails, canary grass, Middle Fork Eel river barriers), (6) Matters before the group-discussion/action, (9) Next agenda and meeting date.
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers
Document Number: 05-3754
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 05-3753
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 05-3750
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Kalispell, Montana on March 9th. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss upcoming RAC Projects.
Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area (SRA) Advisory Council
Document Number: 05-3747
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
An Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council meeting will convene in Stayton, Oregon on Wednesday, March 23, 2005. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., and will conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the South Room of the Stayton Community Center located on 400 West Virginia Street in Stayton, Oregon. The Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996 (Opal Creek Act) (Pub. L. 104-208) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is comprised of thirteen members representing state, county and city governments, and representatives of various organizations, which include mining industry, environmental organizations, inholders in Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, economic development, Indian tribes, adjacent landowners and recreation interests. The council provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on preparation of a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan for the SRA, and consults on a periodic and regular basis on the management of the area. The agenda will include completing the prioritization of projects for the Scenic Recreation Area. A direct public comment period is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Time allotted for individual presentations will be limited to 3 minutes. Written comments are encouraged, particularly if the material cannot be presented within the time limits of the comment period. Written comments may be submitted prior to the March 23rd by sending them to Designated Federal Official Paul Matter at the address given below.
Lassen National Forest, Almanor Ranger District, California, Creeks Forest Health Recovery Project
Document Number: 05-3746
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service proposes to develop a network of defensible fuel profile zones (DFPZ's), establish group selection harvest units, and conduct area thinnings on the Almanor Ranger District in the Lassen National Forest. The DFPZ's, group selection harvest units, and area thinnings total an estimated 5,905, 1,245, and 3,285 acres respectively, and are spread over a 33,000 acre project area. Included in this proposal are the use of National Forest system roads, the use of temporary roads, and the decommissioning of some system and temporary roads. The project would be implemented through a combination of commercial timber sales, service contracts, and force account crews. These management activities were developed to implement and be consistent with the Lassen National Forest (LNF) Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP, 1993), as amended by the Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery Act FEIS, FSEIS, and ROD's (1999, 2003), and the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment FEIS, FSEIS, and ROD's (2001, 2004). Decision to Be Made: The decision to be made is whether to implement the proposed action as described above, to meet the purpose and need for action through some other combination of activities, or to take no action at this time. Scoping Process: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be received in writing within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. The project was initially listed in the Forest's February 2004 quarterly edition of the Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA). Scoping letters were sent in June 2004 to those who responded to the SOPA and other identified interest and affected individuals and government agencies. In the SOPA, the mode of environmental documentation was predicted as an environmental assessment. At this time, the environmental analysis will be documented in an environmental impact statement. Since only minor changes are being made to the proposed action that was previously scoped, the scoping period at this time is brief. Those who responded during the June 2004 scoping period will be contacted again. In addition, scoping letters previously received by the Forest Service from the first scoping period will continue to be used for this process. A public scoping meeting is not anticipated at this time. The scoping process will be used to identify issues regarding the proposed action. An issue is defined as point of dispute, debate, or disagreement related to a specific proposed action based on its anticipated effects. Significant issues brought to our attention are used during an environmental analysis to develop alternatives to the proposed action. Some issues raised in scoping may be considered non- significant because they are: (1) Beyond the scope of the proposed action and its purpose and need; (2) already decided by law, regulation, or the Land and Resource Management Plan; (3) irrelevant to the decision to be made; or (4) conjectural and not supported by scientific or factual evidence. Alternatives: Alternatives proposed to date are the Proposed Action as described above and the No Action. Identification of Permits or Licenses Required: No permits or licenses have been identified to implement the proposed action. Lead, Joint Lead, and Cooperating Agencies: The USDA Forest Service is the lead agency for this proposal; there are no cooperating agencies. Estimated Dates for Filing: The expected filing date with the Environmental Protection Agency for the draft EIS April 18, 2005. The expected filing date for the final EIS is June 27, 2005. Person to Which Comments May be Mailed: Comments may be submitted to: Alfred Vazquez District Ranger, Almanor Ranger District, at P.O. Box 767, Chester, CA, 96020 or (530) 258-5194 (fax) during normal business hours. The Almanor Ranger District business hours are from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Electronic comments, in acceptable plain text (.txt), rich text (.rtf), or Word (.doc) formats, may be submitted to: comments-pacificsouthwest-lassen-almanor@fs.fed.us using Subject: Creeks Forest Health Recovery Project. Reviewer's Obligation to Comment: The comment period on the draft EIS will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability of the draft EIS in the Federal Register. The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of draft statements must structure their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the draft environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final environmental impact statement may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those interested in this proposal action participate by the close of the 45 day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are made available to the Forest Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement. To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest National Recreation Area
Document Number: 05-3745
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest National Recreation Area will meet at the Redding Convention Center in Redding California on March 5, 2005. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss changes to the Management Guide of the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. Topics include; reclassification of Recreation Occupancy Vehicles (ROV) based on size rather than amenities, reclassification of ROV permits to ``tenure and provisional'' and expanding the spectrum of services on Shasta Lake. The meeting is open to the public. A forum for public input will be provided and individuals will have the opportunity to share their comments with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest National Recreation Area.
Notice of Proposed Changes to Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Indiana
Document Number: 05-3723
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
It is the intention of NRCS in Indiana to issue one new and four revised conservation practice standards in Section IV of the FOTG. The new standard is Salinity and Sodic Management (610). The revised standards are: Dry Hydrant (432), Forage Harvest Management (511), Access Road (560) and Spoil Spreading (572). These practices may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land and/or wetlands.
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers
Document Number: 05-3755
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service
Citrus Canker; Quarantined Areas
Document Number: 05-3685
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are amending the citrus canker regulations by updating the list of areas in the State of Florida quarantined because of citrus canker. To reflect the detection of citrus canker in an area adjacent to but outside of one current quarantined area in Florida, as well as in additional counties, we are expanding the boundaries of one existing quarantined area and adding several new areas to the list of quarantined areas. We are also removing a portion of one county from the list of quarantined areas because regular surveys have shown it to have been free of citrus canker for at least 2 years. These actions are necessary to prevent the spread of citrus canker into noninfested areas of the United States and to relieve restrictions that are no longer warranted.
Plumas County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)
Document Number: 05-3632
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Plumas County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold meetings on February 25 and March 25, 2005 in Quincy, California. The purpose of the February 25 meeting is to review the Plumas County Fire Assessment and Strategy, discuss project monitoring and the long-term Payments to States legislation in addition to taking a short field trip. The purpose of the March 25 meeting is to review the pre- applications or concept papers for the last funding cycle (five) authorized by the Payments to States legislation. Outreach for the last funding cycle started in January 2005 for projects funded in 2006.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 05-3623
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the above-named Agencies to request an extension for the currently approved information collection in support of the servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs Loans and Grants.
Notice of Southwest Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 05-3631
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393), the Boise and Payette National Forests' Southwest Idaho Resource Advisory Committee will conduct a business meeting, which is open to the public.
Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee
Document Number: 05-3537
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on March 15, 2005, at the North Tahoe Conference Center, 8318 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, CA. This Committee, established by the Secretary of Agriculture on December 15, 1998 (64 FR 2876), is chartered to provide advice to the Secretary on implementing the terms of the Federal Interagency Partnership on the Lake Tahoe Region and other matters raised by the Secretary.
Hops Produced in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California; Proposed Marketing Agreement and Order No. 991; Opportunity To File Additional Argument
Document Number: 05-3481
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-24
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice provides the opportunity to file additional argument relating to the establishment of an appropriate representative base period for the allocation of initial base under a proposed marketing agreement and order concerning hops grown in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California. The proposal to establish a hop marketing order was submitted by the Hop Marketing Order Proponent Committee (committee), a group of industry members who support a marketing order for hops. A public hearing on the proposal was held in October 2003, where USDA heard testimony and received evidence from industry participants. This invitation for additional argument is intended to assist USDA in its further consideration of the proposal before rendering a recommended decision.
General Administrative Regulations, Subpart V-Submission of Policies, Provisions of Policies, Rates of Premium, and Premium Reduction Plans
Document Number: 05-3435
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) proposes to amend the General Administrative Regulations (7 CFR part 400, subpart VSubmission of Policies, Provisions of Policies, and Rates of Premium), to include provisions regarding the necessary revisions to the Plan of Operations and administration of the premium reduction plans authorized under section 508(e)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act).
Ventria Bioscience; Availability of Environmental Assessment for Field Test of Genetically Engineered Rice Expressing Lactoferrin
Document Number: E5-703
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment for a confined field planting of rice plants genetically engineered to express the protein lactoferrin. This environmental assessment is available for public review and comment.
Ventria Bioscience; Availability of Environmental Assessment for Field Test of Genetically Engineered Rice Expressing Lysozyme
Document Number: E5-701
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment for a confined field planting of rice plants genetically engineered to express the protein lysozyme. This environmental assessment is available for public review and comment.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Revision of the Salable Quantity and Allotment Percentage for Class 3 (Native) Spearmint Oil for the 2004-2005 Marketing Year
Document Number: 05-3480
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends a prior interim final rule that increased the quantity of Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil produced in the Far West that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2004-2005 marketing year. The prior interim final rule increased the Native spearmint oil salable quantity from 773,474 pounds to 1,095,689 pounds, and the allotment percentage from 36 percent to 51 percent. This rule increases the Native spearmint oil salable quantity by an additional 171,873 pounds from 1,095,689 pounds to 1,267,562 pounds, and the allotment percentage by an additional 8 percent from 51 percent to 59 percent. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, unanimously recommended this rule to avoid extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices and to help maintain stability in the Far West spearmint oil market.
Rehabilitation of Floodwater Retarding Structure No. 4 of the Martinez Creek Watershed, Bexar County, TX
Document Number: 05-3394
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Floodwater Retarding Structure No. 4 of the Martinez Creek Watershed, Bexar County, Texas.
Melons Grown in South Texas; Temporary Suspension of Handling and Assessment Collection Regulations
Document Number: 05-3389
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule suspending, for the 2004-05 fiscal period, the minimum grade, quality, maturity, container, pack, inspection, assessment collection, and other related requirements currently prescribed under the South Texas melon (cantaloupes and honeydews) marketing order (order). It also continues in effect the action that suspends reporting requirements, except for the acreage planting reports, which continue to be required during the suspension period. The order regulates the handling of melons grown in South Texas and is administered locally by the South Texas Melon Committee (Committee). This rule reduces handler costs while the industry evaluates whether the marketing order should be continued.
Notice of Lincoln County Resource advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 05-3269
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393) the Kootenai National Forest's Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday March 2, 2005 at 6 p.m. at the Supervisor's Office in Libby Montana for a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
Child and Adult Care Food Program: Increasing the Duration of Tiering Determinations for Day Care Homes
Document Number: 05-3267
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This final rule amends the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations to implement a provision of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that increases the duration of the tiering status determinations from three years to five years for family or group day care homes participating in CACFP. This change, which was effective on June 30, 2004, applies only to tiering status determinations based on the eligibility of elementary school children for free or reduced price school meals. Day care homes that are located in the attendance areas of elementary schools in which at least half of the enrolled children are certified eligible to receive free or reduced price school meals receive higher reimbursement rates (tier I) for CACFP meals served to children in care.
California Coast Provincial Advisory Committee
Document Number: 05-3235
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The California Coast Provincial Advisory Committee (CCPAC) will meet on March 2-3, 2005, in Ukiah, California. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss issues relating to implementing the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP).
Olives Grown in California, Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 05-3234
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (committee) for the 2005 and subsequent fiscal years from $12.18 to $15.68 per ton of olives handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order regulating the handling of olives grown in California. Authorization to assess olive handlers enables the committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Reinvention of the Sections 514, 515, 516 and 521 Multi-Family Housing Programs
Document Number: 05-3226
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
The Rural Housing Service is delaying implementation of selected sections of the interim final rule published on November 26, 2004 (69 FR 69032-69176). The interim final rule contains requirements regarding citizenship eligibility about which the Agency received several comments. The comments suggested that Agency procedures unnecessarily imposed more requirements than those required under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) procedures for similar programs. As a result the Agency has decided to delay implementation of the sections listed below in order to harmonize its procedures with HUD under 42 U.S.C. 1436a.
Karnal Bunt; Revision of Regulations for Importing Wheat
Document Number: 05-3141
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are amending our regulations regarding the importation of wheat from regions affected with Karnal bunt. Our amendments, among other things, list such regions, as well as articles regulated for Karnal bunt; increase the flexibility of the regulations so that they provide more readily for the recognition of areas where Karnal bunt is not known to occur within regions where Karnal bunt is known to be present; describe conditions, including requirements for phytosanitary certificates, under which wheat and related articles from regions affected with Karnal bunt are imported into the United States; and specify cleaning and/or disinfection requirements for imported farm machinery and other equipment used to handle or store Karnal bunt- positive seed or host crops. The changes make our regulations regarding the importation of wheat and related articles from regions affected with Karnal bunt substantively equivalent to our domestic Karnal bunt regulations and make the former consistent with international agreements to which the United States is a party.
United States Standards for Wheat
Document Number: 05-3140
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is revising the United States Standards for Wheat. GIPSA is amending the grain standards to change the definition of contrasting classes in Hard Red Winter wheat and Hard Red Spring wheat such that Hard White wheat is not a contrasting class but is considered as wheat of other classes. GIPSA also is amending the grain standards by adding the sample size used to determine sample grade factors, because the standards should transmit this information. These actions are necessary to ensure market-relevant standards and grades and facilitate the marketing of grain.
Eastern Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho Falls, ID
Document Number: 05-3135
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393) the Caribou-Targhee National Forests' Eastern Idaho Resource Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, March 29, 2005 in Idaho Falls for a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
Information Collection; Request for Comments; Hispanic Perceptions and Uses of the Urban Forest
Document Number: 05-3123
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations regarding the new information collection entitled, ``Hispanic Perceptions and Uses of the Urban Forest.''
Information Collection; Request for Comments; Public Support for Fuel Reduction Policies: Multimedia Versus Printed Materials
Document Number: 05-3122
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the proposed new information collection, Public Support for Fuel Reduction Policies: Multimedia vs. Printed Materials.
Information Collection; Request for Comments; Social Dimensions of Fuel Reduction Treatments in Southern Appalachian Forests
Document Number: 05-3121
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a new information collection, Social Dimensions of Fuel Reduction Treatments in Southern Appalachian Forests.
USDA Farmers Market Operating Procedures
Document Number: 05-3072
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on procedures to administer the USDA Farmers Market at 12th Street & Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. These procedures would allow AMS the means to demonstrate and experiment with direct marketing techniques (operate a farmers market), while at the same time educate consumers on the significance of small farms, the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the merits of food recovery. Included in this proposed rule is the establishment of vendor criteria, selection procedures, and guidelines for governing the operation of the USDA Farmers Market. Information collection requirements are also included to establish a one-time yearly submission on a required application form.
Beef Promotion and Research: Certification and Nomination for the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board
Document Number: 05-3071
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given that the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications from State cattle producer organizations or associations and general farm organizations, as well as cattle or beef importer organizations, who desire to be certified to nominate producers or importers for appointment to vacant positions on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board). Organizations which have not previously been certified that are interested in submitting nominations must complete and submit an official application form to AMS. Previously certified organizations do not need to reapply. Notice is also given that vacancies will occur on the Board and that during a period to be established, nominations will be accepted from eligible organizations and individual importers.
Milk in the Mideast Marketing Area; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreement and Order
Document Number: 05-3070
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
A public hearing is being held to consider proposals that would amend certain provisions of the Mideast Federal milk marketing order. Proposals under consideration address: Eliminating the ability of the same milk to be simultaneously pooled on the Mideast order and on a State operated order with marketwide pooling; Changing the supply plant performance standards and diversion limits; Increasing the number of days a dairy farmer's milk production must be delivered to a pool plant for the milk of the dairy farmer to be eligible for diversion; Limiting the pooling of producer milk that was not pooled in a prior month(s); Establishing a ``dairy farmer for other markets'' provision; Establishing a transportation credit for milk; and Changing the producer-handler definition.
Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines and Integration of Direction on Accessibility Into Forest Service Manual 2330
Document Number: 05-3069
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service is proposing to issue an interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the draft Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The interim directive would ensure that new or reconstructed developed outdoor recreation areas on National Forest System lands are developed to maximize accessibility, while recognizing and protecting the unique characteristics of the natural setting. The interim directive, to be issued to Forest Service Manual 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities, would direct that new or reconstructed outdoor developed recreation areas, including campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access routes, and outdoor recreation access routes, comply with these agency guidelines and applicable Federal accessibility laws, regulations, and guidelines. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is preparing to publish for public comment proposed accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas that would apply to Federal agencies subject to the Architectural Barriers Act. The Forest Service will finalize the direction in this interim directive regarding compliance with the FSORAG when the Access Board finalizes its accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The final FSORAG would contain the Access Board's final accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas managed by Federal agencies, as supplemented by the Forest Service to ensure the agency's continued application of universal design, as well as agency terminology and processes. The America the BeautifulThe National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass established by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act replaced the Golden Access Passport authorized by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. The proposed interim directive would enumerate eligibility requirements for the new pass for people with permanent disabilities. In addition, the proposed interim directive would clarify existing internal agency procedures and policies related to the accessibility of outdoor developed recreation areas. Comments received in response to this notice will be considered in development of the final interim directive. In a related notice published elsewhere in this part of today's Federal Register, the Forest Service is requesting comment on a proposed interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG).
Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines and Integration of Direction on Accessibility Into Forest Service Manual 2350
Document Number: 05-3068
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service is proposing to issue an interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG). The interim directive would ensure that new or altered trails managed for pedestrian use on National Forest System lands are developed to maximize accessibility for all people, including people with disabilities, while recognizing and protecting the unique characteristics of the natural setting of each trail. The interim directive, to be issued to Forest Service Manual 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation Opportunities, would direct that these trails comply with the FSTAG and applicable Federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. The interim directive also would incorporate the definition of a wheelchair and clarify that a mobility device meeting this definition may be used anywhere foot travel is permitted. In addition, the interim directive would clarify existing internal agency procedures and policies related to the accessibility of trails. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is preparing to publish for public comment proposed accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas that would apply only to Federal agencies subject to the Architectural Barriers Act. The Forest Service will finalize the direction in this interim directive regarding compliance with the FSTAG when the Access Board finalizes its accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The final FSTAG would contain the Access Board's final accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas managed by Federal agencies, as supplemented by the Forest Service. Comments received in response to this notice will be considered in development of the final interim directive. In a related notice published elsewhere in this part of today's Federal Register, the Forest Service is requesting comment on a proposed interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG).
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection
Document Number: 05-3056
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the Cooperative State-Federal Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program.
Generic E. coli
Document Number: 05-3030
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is making available and publishing the results of baseline studies that it has conducted on generic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella. Although these studies were conducted between 1997 and 2000, FSIS has decided to make the results available because they may assist inspected establishments in assessing their processes. The publication of these baseline results does not affect the current generic E. coli criteria and Salmonella standards listed in the regulations.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 05-2970
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 05-2969
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 05-2968
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Brucellosis in Swine; Add Arkansas, Louisiana, and Michigan to List of Validated Brucellosis Free States
Document Number: 05-2967
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the brucellosis regulations concerning the interstate movement of swine by adding Arkansas, Louisiana, and Michigan to the list of validated brucellosis-free States. That action was necessary to relieve certain restrictions on the interstate movement of breeding swine from Arkansas and Louisiana and to confirm Michigan's status as a validated brucellosis-free State.
Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 05-2962
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting to discuss project development for 2005 and project updates for 2004. Agenda topics will include public outreach methods, and a public forum (question and answer session). The meeting is being held pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92- 463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393). The meeting is open to the public.
2004 Dairy Disaster Assistance Payment Program (DDAP)
Document Number: 05-2941
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the United States Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation, is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations regarding a new information collection. This collection is necessary to add information collections on a new form that will be used to gather specific information from producers on their dairy production and spoilage losses suffered as a result of the 2004 hurricanes. The information collected will be used to establish eligibility and to determine payment amounts.
Housing Application Packaging Grants
Document Number: 05-2903
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
The Agency is revising its internal Housing Application Packaging Grants regulation in order to correct an erroneous reference to the debarment and suspension regulation. This action is necessary since the existing regulation does not accurately reflect the current information. The intended effect is to remove the incorrect reference to the regulation.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2004-2005 Crop Year
Document Number: 05-2879
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for the 2004-2005 crop year. The percentages are 72 percent free and 28 percent restricted and would establish the proportion of tart cherries from the 2004 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages are intended to stabilize supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions. The percentages were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board, the body that locally administers the marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, et al.; Order Amending Marketing Agreement and Order No. 929
Document Number: 05-2878
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends the marketing agreement and order for cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order and other interested parties representing cranberry growers and handlers. The amendments will: Revise the volume control provisions; add authority for paid advertising; authorize the Committee to reestablish districts within the production area and reapportion grower membership among the various districts; clarify the definition of handle; and incorporate administrative changes. The amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the cranberry marketing order program.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 05-2877
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture
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