Department of Agriculture April 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Shift Cage Requirements
We are proposing to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations concerning the handling of animals to require that shift cages be used for handling certain species. One of the largest risk factors for animal escape and employee and animal injury occurs when it is necessary to move, or shift, certain animals between enclosures. Requiring shift cages for certain species would mitigate the risk of injuries to people and animals as well as ensure safe transport of animals between enclosures and exhibits.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Animal Welfare
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 in support of regulations issued under the Animal Welfare Act governing the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain animals by dealers, research facilities, exhibitors, carriers, and intermediate handlers.
Notice of Change in Interest Rate Awarded in Reparation Proceedings Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has changed the method used to calculate the interest to be awarded in reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). Additional Information: Contact Dexter Thomas, Senior Marketing Specialist, PACA Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2095South Building , Mail Stop 0242, Washington, DC 20250-0242. E-maildexter.thomas@usda.gov. This notice will also be posted on the Internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ paca.htm.
Official Wet Gluten Determination for Hard Red Winter and Hard Red Spring Wheat
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is announcing its intent to provide official determination of wet gluten content for Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat and Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat using a protein-based calibration on official near-infrared transmittance (NIRT) instruments. GIPSA will provide wet gluten content determination in hard red wheat as official criteria under the authority of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA).
Yakutat Resource Advisory Committee
The Yakutat Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Yakutat, Alaska. The purpose of the meeting is continue business of the Yakutat Resource Advisory Committee. The committee was formed to carry out the requirements of the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Act of 2000. The agenda for this meeting is to review submitted project proposals and consider recommending projects for funding. Project proposals are due by May 4, 2006 to be considered at this meeting.
Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas; Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
We are amending the gypsy moth regulations by adding one county in Ohio, one county in West Virginia, and two counties in Wisconsin to the list of generally infested areas based on the detection of infestations of gypsy moth in those counties. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas will be restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the gypsy moth to noninfested States.
Tehama County Resource Advisory Committee
The Tehama County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Red Bluff, California. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Introductions, (2) Approval of Minutes, (3) Public Comment, (4) Discussion of Funding for next year, (5) Chairman's Perspective, (6) General Discussion, (7) Next Agenda.
National Organic Program-Revisions to Livestock Standards Based on Court Order (Harvey v. Johanns) and 2005 Amendment to the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA)
This proposed rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to comply with the final judgment in the case of Harvey v. Johanns (Harvey) issued on June 9, 2005, by the U.S. District Court, District of Maine, and to address the November 10, 2005, amendment made to the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq., the OFPA), concerning the transition of dairy livestock into organic production. Further, this proposed rule amends the NOP regulations to clarify that only nonorganically produced agricultural products listed in the NOP regulations may be used as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ``organic'' or ``made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).'' In accordance with the final judgment in Harvey, the revision emphasizes that only the nonorganically produced agricultural ingredients listed in the NOP regulations can be used in accordance with any specified restrictions and when the product is not commercially available in organic form. To comply with the court order in Harvey, USDA is required to publish final revisions to the NOP regulations within 360 days of the court order, or by June 4, 2006. Accordingly, this proposed rule amends the NOP regulations to eliminate the use of up to 20 percent nonorganically produced feed during the first 9 months of the conversion of a whole dairy herd from conventional to organic production. This proposed rule also addresses the amendment made to the OFPA concerning the transition of dairy livestock into organic production by allowing crops and forage from land included in the organic system plan of a dairy farm that is in the third year of organic management to be consumed by the dairy animals of the farm during the 12-month period immediately prior to the sale of organic milk and milk products.
States Approved To Receive Stallions and Mares From CEM-Affected Regions; Indiana
We are amending the animal importation regulations by adding Indiana to the lists of States approved to receive certain stallions and mares imported into the United States from regions affected with contagious equine metritis (CEM). We are taking this action because Indiana has entered into an agreement with the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to enforce its State laws and regulations to control CEM and to require inspection, treatment, and testing of horses, as required by Federal regulations, to further ensure the horses' freedom from CEM. This action relieves unnecessary restrictions on the importation of mares and stallions from regions where CEM exists.
Tuberculosis in Captive Cervids; Extend Interval for Conducting Reaccreditation Test
We are amending the regulations regarding tuberculosis in captive cervids by extending, from 2 years to 3, the term for which accredited herd status is valid and increasing by 12 months the interval for conducting the reaccreditation test required to maintain the accredited tuberculosis-free status of cervid herds. We are also reducing, from three tests to two, the number of consecutive negative official tuberculosis tests required of all eligible captive cervids in a herd before a herd can be eligible for recognition as an accredited herd. These actions will reduce testing costs for herd owners, lessen the potential for animal injury or death during testing, and lower administrative costs for State and Federal regulatory agencies. In addition, we are amending the regulations by removing references to the blood tuberculosis test for captive cervids, as that test is no longer used in the tuberculosis eradication program for captive cervids. This change updates the regulations so that they refer only to those official tests currently in use.
Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations
We are proposing to revise and reorganize the regulations pertaining to the importation of fruits and vegetables to consolidate requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and references, update the regulations that apply to importations into territories under U.S. administration, and make various editorial and nonsubstantive changes to regulations to make them easier to use. We are also proposing to make substantive changes to the regulations, including: Establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for importation into the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in foreign countries more effectively and expeditiously; doing away with the practice of listing specific commodities that may be imported subject to certain types of phytosanitary measures; and providing for the issuance of special use permits for fruits and vegetables. These changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for approving certain new imports and pest-free areas while continuing to allow for public participation in the processes. This proposal, if adopted, would represent a significant structural revision of the fruits and vegetables import regulations and would establish a new process for approving certain new commodities for importation into the United States. It would not, however, allow the importation of any specific new fruits or vegetables, nor would it alter the conditions for importing currently approved fruits or vegetables except as specifically described in this document. To the extent to which trading partners consider the time it takes to conduct the rulemaking process a trade barrier, by reducing that time, these proposed changes may facilitate the export of U.S. agricultural commodities. The proposed changes would not alter the manner in which the risk associated with a commodity import request is evaluated, nor would it alter the manner in which those risks are ultimately mitigated.
National Tree-Marking Paint Committee Meeting
The National Tree-marking Paint Committee will meet in Eureka, California on May 16-18, 2006. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss activities related to improvements in, concerns about, and the handling and use of tree-marking paint by personnel of the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management.
Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill four (4) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The positions to be filled are: Organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position), consumer public interest (1 position), and an environmentalist (1 position). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a person to each position to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 24, 2007, and run until January 24, 2012. USDA encourages eligible minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply for membership on the NOSB.
Walnuts Grown in California; Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Agreement and Order No. 984
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 984, which regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California. The amendments are proposed by the Walnut Marketing Board (Board), which is responsible for local administration of order 984. The amendments would: Change the marketing year; include ``pack'' as a handler function; restructure the Board and revise nomination procedures; rename the Board and add authority to change Board composition; modify Board meeting and voting procedures; add authority for marketing promotion and paid advertising; add authority to accept contributions, and to carry over excess assessment funds; broaden the scope of the quality control provisions and add the authority to recommend different regulations for different market destinations; add authority for the Board to appoint more than one inspection service; replace outdated order language with current industry terminology; and other related amendments. The USDA proposes three additional amendments: To establish tenure limitations for Board members, to require that continuance referenda be conducted on a periodic basis to ascertain producer support for the order, and to make any changes to the order as may be necessary to conform with any amendment that may result from the hearing. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program.
National Agricultural Library; Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Collect Information
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the National Agricultural Library's (NAL) intent to request renewal for an information collection from the Technical Services Division to obtain suggestions for additions/changes to the NAL Agricultural Thesaurus.
Addition of the People's Republic of China to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Processed Poultry Products to the United States
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is adding the People's Republic of China to the list of countries eligible to export processed poultry products to the United States. Reviews of the People's Republic of China's laws, regulations, and other materials show that its poultry processing system includes requirements equivalent to the provisions of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and its implementing regulations. Processed poultry products from the People's Republic of China may be imported into the United States only if they are processed in certified establishments in the People's Republic of China from poultry slaughtered in certified slaughter establishments in other countries eligible to export poultry to the United States. China is not currently eligible to export poultry products to the United States that include birds that were slaughtered in China's domestic establishments. All poultry products exported from China must comply with all other U.S. requirements, including the restrictions under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). All poultry products exported from the People's Republic of China to the United States will be subject to reinspection at the U.S. ports of entry by FSIS inspectors as required by law.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
The purpose of this notice is to notify all interested parties that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will hold a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee) meeting that is open to the public. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the Committee to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and to provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.
Notice of Call for Nominations for Appointment, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Advisory Committee
This notice constitutes an open call to the public to submit nomination applications for each of the following positions on the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Advisory Committee: Representative for the City of Palm Springs; Representative for a local developer or builder organization; Representative for the City of La Quinta; Representative for a local conservation organization; and Representative for the California Department of Fish and Game or the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Tuolumne County Resource Advisory Committee
The Tuolumne County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet on May 15, 2006 at the City of Sonora Fire Department, in Sonora, California. The primary purpose of the meeting is to review new project proposals. The committee will also review requests for grant extensions and/or changing the focus of approved projects.
Notice of Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committees Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393) the Lassen National Forest's Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, May 11th in Susanville, California for a business meeting. The meetings are open to the public.
Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee
The Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Willows, California. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Introductions, (2) Approval of Minutes, (3) Public Comment, (4) Website Update, (5) Project Proposals/Possible Action, (6) General Discussion, (7) Next Agenda.
Tracy Placer Mine, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Josephine County, OR
The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS), to examine surface resource impacts connected with extracting gold from placer deposits within a 4.25-acre (approx.) area, in response to a mining claimant's proposed plan of operations. Proposed mining would occur along the south bank of Sucker Creek, about 11 miles southeast of Cave Junction, Oregon. During previous placer operations in the area, an existing but steeply inclined road provided vehicle access to several nearby sites. Because the placer deposit the claimant proposes to mine is located on the stream bank opposite from the road, the proponent proposes to use the existing road but would traverse Sucker Creek to reach the mine site by means of a low water crossing (ford). The purpose for preparing this EIS is to forecast and disclose environmental consequences to surface resources, resulting from road use and mine operations, as well as to ascertain reasonable operational terms and conditions needed during development of locatable mineral resources of the United States (as authorized by the Mining Law of 1872, as amended). Although this is an action having ``effects primarily of local concern (40 CFR 1506.6(3)),'' the Forest Service is nonetheless publishing this notice in the Federal Register to make diligent effort at involving the public, agencies, organizations, Indian tribes and other interested parties in preparation of this EIS.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing regulations to administer the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. This proposed rule is intended to establish eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for the SCBGP. The SCBGP would be implemented under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note). 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 SCBGP.
Horse Protection; Public Meetings in California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Animal Care program will host four additional meetings to present current information on the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and provide a forum for horse industry members and other interested persons to comment on the Horse Protection Program, development of the HPA Operating Plan for 2007 and beyond, and other Horse Protection matters. This notice provides the meetings' agendas, locations, and dates.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Tuberculosis
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 domestic tuberculosis eradication program.
Increase in Fees for Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Services
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to increase, by approximately 10 percent, the hourly fees charged for Federal dairy grading and inspection services. Dairy grading and inspection services are voluntary and are financed through user-fees assessed to participants in the program. These revisions are necessary in order to recover, as nearly as practicable, the increase in salaries of Federal employees, the increase in Agency costs, and to ensure that the Dairy Grading Branch operates on a financially self-supporting basis.
User Fees for 2006 Crop Cotton Classification Services To Growers
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to maintain user fees for cotton producers for 2006 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act at the same level as in 2005. This is in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987. The 2005 user fee for this classification service was $1.85 per bale. This proposal would maintain the fee for the 2006 crop at $1.85 per bale. The proposed fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration and supervision.
Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2006 Funding Opportunity for Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives
Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of approximately $495,000 in competitive cooperative agreement funds for fiscal year (FY) 2006 to conduct research on the national economic impact of all types of cooperatives. USDA Rural Development hereby requests proposals from institutions of higher education interested in applying for a competitively awarded cooperative research agreement. The intent of the funding is to encourage research on the critical issue of the economic value of cooperatives.
Milk in the Mideast Marketing Area; Order Amending the Order
This document adopts as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule concerning pooling standards of the Mideast Federal milk order. More than the required number of producers for the Mideast marketing area approved the issuance of the final order amendments.
Eastern Arizona Counties Resource Advisory Committee
The Eastern Arizona Counties Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Payson, Arizona. The purpose of the meeting is to review and approve projects for funding.
Southeast Alaska Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Meeting
This notice informs the public that the Southeast Alaska Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on May 10, 2006. The public is invited to participate and to provide oral testimony.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; Peer Reviewer's Certification Regarding Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request approval of a new information collection activity related to peer review of scientific information disseminated to the public by the Agency.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Field Release of Genetically Engineered Pink Bollworm
We are advising the public that an environmental assessment has been prepared for a proposed field trial of pink bollworm genetically engineered to express green fluorescence as a marker. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposes to use this marked strain to assess the effectiveness of lower doses of radiation to create sterile insects for its pink bollworm sterile insect program. This program, using sterile insect technique, has been conducted by APHIS, with State and grower cooperation, since 1968. Data gained from this field experiment will be used to improve the current program. APHIS has completed an environmental assessment and has concluded that this field test will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on its finding of no significant impact, APHIS has determined that an Environmental Impact Statement need not be prepared for this field test.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are sponsoring a public meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items that will be discussed at the Sixteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Residues in Veterinary Drugs in Foods, which will be held in Cancun, Mexico, May 8-12, 2006. The Under Secretary and CVM recognize the importance of providing interested parties with information about the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and to address items on the Agenda for the 16th Session of the Committee.
Clarke County Water Supply Project, Clarke County, IA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture gives notice that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is being prepared for the Clarke County Water Supply Project, Clarke County, Iowa.
Notice of Proposed Changes for Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide
It is the intention of NRCS in Maryland to issue new or revised conservation practice standards for Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide. These standards include, but are not limited to, the following: Anaerobic Digester, Controlled Temperature (Code 366); Animal Mortality Facility (Code 316); Brush Management (Code 314); Closure of Waste Impoundments (Code 360); Composting Facility (Code 317); Feed Management (Code 592); Field Border (Code 386); Filter Strip (Code 393); Fishpond Management (Code 399); Forage Harvest Management (Code 511); Forest Stand Improvement (Code 666); Heavy Use Area Protection (Code 561); Hedgerow Planting (Code 422); Irrigation Water Management (Code 449); Lined Waterway or Outlet (Code 468); Manure Transfer (Code 634); Nutrient Management (Code 590); Pest Management (Code 595); Pond Sealing or Lining, Compacted Clay Treatment (Code 521D); Residue and Tillage Management (Codes 329, 345, and 346); Riparian Forest Buffer (Code 391); Sediment Basin (Code 350); Shallow Water Development and Management (Code 646); Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Code 580); Structure for Water Control (Code 587); Subsurface Drain (Code 606); Surface Drain, Field Ditch (Code 607); Tree/Shrub Establishment (Code 612); Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 645); Use Exclusion (Code 472); Waste Storage Facility (Code 313); Waste Treatment Lagoon (Code 359); Waste Utilization (Code 633); Wastewater Treatment Strip (Code 635); Water and Sediment Control Basin (Code 638); Water Well (Code 642); Wetland Creation (Code 658); Wetland Restoration (Code 657); Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 644); Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (Code 380). Some of these practice standards may be used in conservation systems to comply with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions of the Farm Bill.
Determining Net Weight Compliance for Meat and Poultry Products
This document corrects the preamble and regulatory text to a proposed rule published in the Federal Register of March 28, 2006, concerning net weight compliance for meat and poultry products. These corrections reference the revised version of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133, dated January 2005. The March 28, 2006, proposed rule incorrectly referenced the NIST Handbook 133, dated January 2002. The standards in the January 2005 NIST Handbook 133 that are being proposed to be incorporated by reference in FSIS' meat and poultry inspection regulations remain substantively unchanged from those currently incorporated by reference in FSIS' regulations and are no different than the standards in the January 2002 version.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are sponsoring a public meeting on May 9, 2006. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the Twenty-seventh Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Budapest, Hungary, May 15-19, 2006. The Under Secretary and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 27th Session of CCMAS and to address issues on the agenda.
Interstate Movement of Garbage From Hawaii; Municipal Solid Waste
We are proposing to amend the regulations pertaining to certain garbage to provide for the interstate movement of garbage from Hawaii subject to measures designed to protect against the dissemination of plant pests into noninfested areas of the continental United States. We are proposing this action upon request in order to provide the State of Hawaii with additional waste disposal options, and after determining that the action would not result in the introduction of plant or animal pests or diseases into the continental United States from Hawaii. We are also proposing to make other amendments to the garbage regulations to clarify their intent and make them easier to understand.
Notice of New Fee; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)
The Sumter National Forest proposes to begin charging a $3.00 fee for the use of the FORKS Mountain Bike Trail. Continued interest in mountain bike trails, especially in this area, have shown the public's interest in this activity will be appreciated and well received. Funds derived from this fee will be used for the continued maintenance of the trail, provide porta-potties for sanitation, provide drinking water to meet DHEC standards and maintain the trailhead. This project was made possible through a cooperative effort between the Forest Service, South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism, Southern Off Road Biking Association, Long Cane Trails, Michelin and Upper Savannah Land Trust.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agencies' intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for 7 CFR part 1942, subpart A, ``Community Facility Loans.''
Eligibility Requirements for USDA Graded Shell Eggs
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) amends the voluntary shell egg grading rules by providing that shell eggs must not have been previously shipped for retail sale in order to be officially identified with a USDA consumer grademark; by changing the definition of the term eggs of current production from 30 days to 21 days, thereby making eggs that were laid more than 21 days before the date of packing ineligible to be officially identified with a USDA-consumer grademark; and by adding a definition for the term shipped for retail sale. On April 27, 1998, USDA prohibited the repackaging of eggs packed under USDA's voluntary grading program until the Department could review its policies regarding the repackaging and dating of eggs. Making certain types of eggs ineligible for grading will strengthen the integrity of the USDA grade shield.
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