Department of Agriculture August 3, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing that it will hold a public meeting on Advances in Pre-Harvest Reduction of Salmonella in Poultry on August 25 and August 26, 2005, in Athens, GA. The meeting will consist of presentations on research and practical experiences aimed at reducing Salmonella at the poultry production level, before poultry reaches federally inspected plants. This meeting is the first in a series of public meetings that FSIS intends to hold to discuss new approaches for strengthening food safety.

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a nonindigenous leaf beetle, Diorhabda elongata, into the environment to reduce the severity of saltcedar infestations. The environmental assessment provides a basis for our conclusion that the release into the environment of the biological control agent will not present a risk of introducing plant pests into the United States or disseminating plant pests within the United States and will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on its findings of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.

The Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Prather, California. The purpose of the meeting is to review funded projects, discuss 2006 project submittal process and new committee appointments regarding the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393) for expenditure of Payments to States Fresno County Title II funds.

This proposed rule invites comments on procedures for a California Clingstone Peach Diversion Program. The program would be voluntary and consist entirely of tree removal. The program would be implemented under clause (3) of section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, as amended. Based on 2003 and prior season acreage, production, supply, and marketing information for California clingstone peaches, the proposed program is expected to bring the domestic canned peach supply more in line with the market and provide relief to growers faced with excess acreage and supplies, and with low prices. The program would ensure that removal is not part of the normal process of tree replacement. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the new information collection requirements necessary to implement the proposed California Clingstone Peach (Tree Removal) Diversion Program.