Department of Agriculture August 28, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002, we are proposing to amend and republish the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. The Act requires the biennial review and republication of the list of select agents and toxins and the revision of the list as necessary. This action would implement the findings of the second biennial review of the list.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing regulations and other applicable statutes, the U.S. Forest Service announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for an applicant's proposal to acquire a road easement and reconstruct an access road to their private land in-holding on the San Juan National Forest. The FEIS analyzes the impacts of issuing the road easement and reconstructing Forest Development Road (FDR) 205 to a standard that would allow reasonable access to the landowner's private land in-holding.

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board (Board) for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The initial Board was appointed by the Secretary and announced on December 5, 2002. USDA seeks nominations for individuals to be considered for selection to the Board to fill two vacant Board positions for the remainder of a term of office ending June 30, 2010. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and industry representatives.

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2007-2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $1.00 to $1.50 per ton for Washington apricots. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order regulating the handling of apricots grown in designated counties in Washington. Assessments upon handlers of apricots are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period for the marketing order began April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule eliminating grade, size, maturity, pack, container and inspection requirements for all California nectarines and peaches except those packed in containers labeled ``California Well Matured'' or ``CA WELL MAT.'' This rule also continues in effect seasonal adjustments to the handling requirements applicable to well matured fruit and the removal of certain handler reporting requirements that are deemed no longer necessary. The marketing orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule reduces handler costs while enabling handlers to continue to meet the demands of their buyers.