Department of Agriculture September 2, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 regulations for the importation of peppers from certain Central American countries.

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is soliciting letters of interest to participate in a voluntary pilot project for its Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS). The BQMS is a voluntary compliance assistance program designed to help stakeholders develop sound management practices, thus enhancing compliance with the regulatory requirements for field trials and movement of genetically engineered organisms in 7 CFR part 340. The Pilot Development Project will test the applicability of a biotechnology quality management audit standard and accompanying guidelines and assist APHIS in further development of BQMS. APHIS' goal for the pilot project is to obtain feedback from participants on the strengths and areas for improvement to the audit standard and guidelines prior to full implementation of the system.

We are announcing designation of the following organizations to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act, as amended (USGSA): Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen); Decatur Grain Inspection, Inc. (Decatur); Hastings Grain Inspection, Inc. (Hastings); John R. McCrea Agency, Inc. (McCrea); Missouri Department of Agriculture (Missouri); and South Carolina Department of Agriculture (South Carolina).