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

Sunset of the exempted or prohibited use of substances under the National Organic Program (NOP) is required by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). This ANPR announces the sunset of 11 exempted substances and 1 prohibited substance added to the National List on November 3 and 4, 2003. This ANPR establishes November 3, 2008, as the date by which the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded. This advance notice of proposed rule-making (ANPR) also begins the public comment process on whether the identified existing exemptions or prohibitions should be continued. Finally, this ANPR discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process.

This is a recommended decision regarding proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 981 (order), which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California. Two amendments were proposed by the Almond Board of California (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: authorize the establishment of specific outgoing quality requirements for different markets; and authorize the establishment of container marking and labeling requirements. The proposals are intended to provide additional flexibility in administering the quality control provisions of the order and provide the industry with additional tools to aid in the marketing of almonds. This recommended decision invites written exceptions on the proposed amendments.

There will be a public meeting in Washington, DC to discuss the proposed rule for the management of roadless areas on National Forest System lands in the State of Idaho.

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) will meet in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in urban and community forestry and introduce the new ``Council'' members.