Department of Agriculture 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Milk in the Appalachian and Southeast Marketing Areas; Order To Terminate Proceeding on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and Orders
This action terminates a rulemaking proceeding on two proposed amendments that sought to amend the producer-handler provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing orders. Other proposed amendments considered as part of the rulemaking proceeding were addressed in previously issued decisions.
Trinity County Resource Advisory Committee
The Trinity County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet at the Trinity County Office of Education in Weaverville, California, April 6, 2009, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss proposed projects of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.
Tri-County Advisory Committee Meeting
The Tri-County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet on Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., in Deer Lodge, Montana. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct ``welcomes'' and introductions, review Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, brief participants on Payments to States legislative history, discuss the guidelines for Title II and Title III funding and proposals, capture and record preliminary project ideas, and receive public comment on the meeting subjects and proceedings.
Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee
The Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee (LTFAC) will hold a meeting on March 23, 2009 on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. This Committee, established by the Secretary of Agriculture on December 15, 1998 (64 FR 2876), is chartered to provide advice to the Secretary on implementing the terms of the Federal Interagency Partnership on the Lake Tahoe Region and other matters raised by the Secretary.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives
Section 6001 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The Recovery Act further establishes authority for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make grants and loans for the deployment and construction of broadband systems. NTIA and RUS will hold a series of public meetings about the new programs beginning on March 16, 2009. In addition to the information received about the new programs during the public meetings, written comments will be accepted through April 13, 2009. Through this notice, guidance is provided as to the matters to be discussed at these public meetings and the categories of information with respect to which interested parties may submit comments.
Inviting Applications for Rural Business Opportunity Grants
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an Agency within the Rural Development mission area, announces the availability of grants of up to $50,000 per application from the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2009, to be competitively awarded. For multi-state projects, grant funds of up to $150,000 will be available on a competitive basis. These limits do not apply to specific funding for certain specifically designated rural areas as discussed below. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations bill, which may or may not provide funding for this program, to allow applicants sufficient time to apply for and obtain leverage financing, submit applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. The Agency will publish a subsequent notice identifying the amount received in the appropriations, if any. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant's risk.
Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
The Rural Utilities Service, an Agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or Agency, has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR 1794 related to possible financial assistance to Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AECI) for the construction of a new 540- megawatt (MW) gas-fired combustion combined-cycle generation unit at the existing Chouteau Power Plant in Mayes County, Oklahoma. The proposed new unit is needed to provide additional electric generating capacity that would allow AECI to meet its projected electrical peaking demand in 2011-2016. AECI is also proposing to construct a new substation approximately two miles east of the existing plant, a 161- kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the existing plant to the new substation, and a single circuit 345-kV line from the new substation to the nearby Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Coal-Fired Power Plant I, Mayes County, Oklahoma. The proposed new transmission facilities are needed to provide an outlet for the additional electric power that would be generated at the Chouteau Power Plant as a result of the installation of the proposed new combustion turbine (CT). AECI is requesting financial assistance from the Agency for the proposed action.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Tomatoes From Certain Central American Countries
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 tomatoes from certain Central American countries.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Russian Knapweed
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of Russian knapweed, Acroptilon repens. The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a gall midge, Jaapiella ivannikovi, into the continental United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of Russian knapweed infestations. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.
Galena Project, Malheur National Forest, Grant County, OR
The USDA Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to disclose environmental effects on a proposed action to improve forest health and reduce the fire hazard within the Vinegar Creek and Little Boulder/Deerhorn Creek subwatersheds. The Galena Project planning area, located approximately 2 miles west of Bates, Oregon, encompasses approximately 38,200 acres of National Forest System Lands administered by the Blue Mountain Ranger District, Malheur National Forest.
National Tree-Marking Paint Committee Meeting
The National Tree-marking Paint Committee will meet in Chicago, Illinois, on May 12-14, 2009. 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 Bureau of Land Management.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service's (RHS) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for the Housing Preservation Grant Program.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service's intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the Single Family Housing Direct Loans and Grants programs. The collection involves the use of Form RD 410-8 ``Applicant Reference Letter.'' The Form will be used to obtain information about an applicant's credit history that might not appear on a credit report and to provide clarification on the promptness of applicant's payments on debts which enables Rural Housing Service to make better creditworthiness decisions.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service's (RHS) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for Rural Housing Site Loans Policies, Procedures and Authorizations.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service's (RHS) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of Housing Application Packaging Grants.
Management of National Forest System Surface Resources With Privately Held Mineral Estates
In order to allow interested parties additional time to review and provide comments about issues of law and policy raised in this proposed rulemaking, the Forest Service is reopening the comment period for 30 days for the advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the ``Management of National Forest System Surface Resources with Privately Held Mineral Estates''. The rule would revise the regulations to provide clarity and direction on the management of National Forest System surface resources when the mineral estate is privately held. The Forest Service invites written comments on this advance notice. The original notice called for comments to be submitted by February 27, 2009.
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods
This notice announces that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings of the full Committee and subcommittees on March 16-20, 2009. The Committee will discuss: (1) Determination of the most appropriate technologies for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to adopt in performing routine and baseline microbiological analyses, and (2) Parameters for inoculated-pack challenge study protocols.
Agricultural Management Assistance Program Correction
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) published in the Federal Register of November 20, 2008, an interim final rule with request for comment amending the program regulations for the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program to incorporate programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act). The language in the interim final rule regarding the application of the payment limitation to joint operations was incorrect and is inconsistent with payment attributions specified in the regulation which governs payment limitations and eligibility determinations for CCC-funded programs. This document corrects that language.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program Correction
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) published in the Federal Register of January 15, 2009, an interim final rule with request for comment amending the program regulations for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to incorporate programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act). The language in the interim final rule regarding the application of the payment limitation to joint operations was incorrect and is inconsistent with payment attributions specified in the regulation which governs payment limitations and eligibility determinations for CCC-funded programs. This document corrects that language. CCC is also using the opportunity presented by this rulemaking to extend the comment period and ask for public input on key programmatic implementation questions.
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Correction
The Natural Resources Conservation Service published in the Federal Register of January 16, 2009, an interim final rule with request for comment amending the program regulations for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) to incorporate programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act). The language in the interim final rule regarding the application of the payment limitation to joint operations was incorrect and is inconsistent with payment attributions specified in the regulation which governs payment limitations and eligibility determinations for CCC-funded programs. This document corrects that language. NRCS is also using the opportunity presented by this rulemaking to extend the comment period by an additional 30 days and ask for public input on key programmatic implementation questions.
Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is holding a public scoping session for issue-focused public meeting(s) to be held in April 2009 on the APHIS proposed rule, ``Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release Into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms.'' The purpose of the scoping session is to discuss with all interested parties the agenda and format for the April 2009 issue meeting(s).
Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to Innovative Foods, Inc. of South San Francisco, California, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/917,797, ``Novel Infrared Dry Blanching (IDB), Infrared Blanching, and Infrared Drying Technologies for Food Processing'', filed on August 13, 2004.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Inviting Applications for Energy Audits and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Under the Rural Energy for America Program
This notice announces the request for grant applications from units of State, tribal or local government, land-grant colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher education (including 1994 Land Grant (Tribal Colleges) and 1890 Land Grant Colleges and Historically Black Universities), rural electric cooperatives, and public power entities to provide energy audits and renewable energy development assistance for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The Agency intends to publish a proposed rule for future submissions that will amend the Rural Energy for America portion of the Rural Development Grants regulation, published October 15, 2008 [73 FR 61198], at 7 CFR part 5002, for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance projects in calendar year 2009.
United States Standards for Livestock and Meat Marketing Claims, Naturally Raised Claim for Livestock and the Meat and Meat Products Derived From Such Livestock
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for a new information collection for CFR Part 62Quality Systems Verification Program (QSVP). AMS established a voluntary standard for a naturally raised marketing claim that livestock producers may request to have verified by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This standard will become effective once this information collection is approved by OMB. AMS verification of this claim would be accomplished through an audit of the production process in accordance with procedures that are contained in Part 62 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 62). After approval, AMS will submit a request to merge this information collection into the currently approved OMB Number 0581-0124, 7 CFR Part 54 Meats, Prepared Meats and Meat Products (Grading, Certification & Standards) and 7 CFR Part 62 Quality Systems Verification Program (QSVP).
Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders Regarding the Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center Program
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service published a document in the Federal Register on March 3, 2009, concerning request for stakeholder input regarding the Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center Program. The document contained an incorrect e-mail address.
Big Grizzly Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project, Eldorado National Forest, Placer County, CA
The USDA, Forest Service, Eldorado National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a proposal to treat approximately 6,200 acres of National Forest System land for fuels reduction and forest health objectives. The project area is situated on the Georgetown Ranger District approximately 15 air-miles northeast of Georgetown, CA in the vicinity of Nevada Point Ridge, Devils Peak and Bear Springs. The intent of this project is to reduce potential fire hazard within the project area, to provide for increased resilience when a wildfire occurs within the project area, to provide for improved forest health, and to increase the rate of development of old forest characteristics. The Proposed Action consists of commercial and precommercial tree thinning with follow-up tractor piling or mastication; mastication of select, existing plantations with a follow- up treatment of herbicides to reduce brush competition and fuel buildup; the planting of conifers in expanded canopy gaps with a follow-up treatment of herbicide; and prescribed burning. Silvicultural treatments for each stand were chosen for their ability to meet the stated purpose and need. The focus of each treatment is based on the desired quality of each treatment area after management rather than the quantity or quality of the products removed from each area. In fact, some treatments would not remove forest products. Approximately 15 miles of native surface road reconstruction and 1 mile of new road construction are proposed in order to facilitate the treatment activities. The land allocations within the treatment areas, as identified in the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment Final Supplemental EIS (SNFPA FSEIS), are general forest, spotted owl home range core areas, old-forest, and riparian conservation areas adjacent to perennial, seasonal, and ephemeral streams. The purpose of the project is: (1) To change existing forest surface, ladder and crown fuel profiles in order to reduce potential wildfire intensity and behavior to mitigate the consequences of large, potentially damaging wildfires on selected forested areas; (2) to improve stand vigor and resistance to disease and insect mortality; (3) maintain and/or establish a composition of tree species and size classes that are closer to the historic levels for the area, and correspondingly sustainable into the future; and (4) to treat hazard fuels in a cost-effective manner to maximize program effectiveness.
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative
Section 2707 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act) establishes the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) by amending Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 [16 U.S.C. 3843]. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the authority for CCPI to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who is a Vice President of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). NRCS is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Congress established CCPI to assist potential partners with focusing conservation assistance in defined project areas to achieve high-priority natural resource objectives. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, NRCS will make Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) funds available to owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands who will participate in CCPI projects. The purpose of this notice is to inform potential partners and producers that include nonindustrial private forest landowners of the availability of CCPI funds and other assistance and to solicit proposals from potential partners who seek to enter into partnership agreements with NRCS to enhance conservation outcomes on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest land. Additionally, NRCS requests public comment on how CCPI can contribute to the Nation's efforts on energy, climate change, and carbon sequestration within the framework of the Initiative.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Yellow Starthistle
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis (Asteraceae). The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a weevil, Ceratapion basicorne, into the environment for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of yellow starthistle infestations in the continental United States. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Russian Thistle
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of Russian thistle, Salsola tragus. The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a nonindigenous blister mite, Aceria salsolae, for the biological control of Russian thistle in the continental United States. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; Plant Protection and Quarantine; Official Control Program
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 an information collection associated with Federal recognition of a State's plant pest control or eradication program as an official control program.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; APHIS Ag-Discovery Program
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 an information collection associated with the Ag-Discovery Program.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Reporting System
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 to support the National Animal Health Reporting System.
Notice of the Specialty Crop Committee's Stakeholder Listening Session
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App 2, the United States Department of Agriculture announces a stakeholder listening session of the Specialty Crop Committee, under the auspices of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
New Mexico Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel
The New Mexico Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel will meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The purpose of the meeting is to provide recommendations to the Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region, on which forest restoration grant proposals submitted in response to the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Request For Proposals best meet the objectives of the Community Forest Restoration Act (Title VI, Pub. L. No. 106-393).
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2008-09 Crop Natural (Sun-Dried) Seedless Raisins
This rule establishes final volume regulation percentages for 2008-09 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (NS) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is locally administered by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). The volume regulation percentages are 87 percent free and 13 percent reserve. The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions.
Vegetables, Import Regulations; Partial Exemption to the Minimum Grade Requirements for Fresh Tomatoes
This rule invites comments on a proposed partial exemption to the minimum grade requirements under the tomato import regulation. The Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) which locally administers the marketing order for tomatoes grown in Florida (order) recommended the change for Florida tomatoes. The change in the import regulation is required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. A separate rule amending the rules and regulations under the order to exempt Vintage Ripes TM tomatoes (Vintage Ripes TM) from the shape requirements associated with the U.S. No. 2 grade is being issued by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This rule would provide the same partial exemption under the import regulation so it would conform to the regulations under the order.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study-IV (SNDA-IV)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. This information collection is based on the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and Section 5(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the authority to develop a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to address the needs of families temporarily in need of food assistance after a disaster. The information collection under this notice is required for the establishment and operation of a D-SNAP.
Notice of Southwest Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, as amended, (Pub. L. 110-343), the Boise and Payette National Forests' Southwest Idaho Resource Advisory Committee will conduct a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
Umatilla National Forest, Pomeroy Ranger District, Pomeroy, WA; South George Vegetation and Fuels Management Project
The USDA Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to disclose environmental effects on proposed resource management actions in South George project planning area. This project would improve the health and vigor of upland forest stands by managing vegetation composition, structure, stand density, and diversity, and decrease the susceptibility to future wildland fires of uncharacteristic intensity by reducing ladder, surface, and canopy fuels. The project planning area is approximately 21,000 acres in size. Proposed project activities consist of commercial timber harvest, including treatment of activity and natural fuels within harvest units, non commercial thinning for fuels reduction purposes, temporary road construction (that will be decommissioned after project use), danger tree removal along haul routes, and landscape prescribed burning.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Arundo donax
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of Arundo donax (giant reed, Carrizo cane). The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a wasp, Tetramesa romana, into the continental United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of A. donax infestations. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.
Rural Development Guaranteed Loans
Rural Development is further delaying the effective date of the interim rule for Rural Development Guaranteed Loans, which was published on December 17, 2008, to June 1, 2009. The interim rule establishes a unified guaranteed loan platform for the enhanced delivery of four existing Rural Development guaranteed loan programs Community Facility; Water and Waste Disposal; Business and Industry; and Rural Energy for America Program, formerly known as Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Income Eligibility Guidelines
The Department announces adjusted income eligibility guidelines to be used by State agencies in determining the income eligibility of persons applying to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC). These income eligibility guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the WIC Regulations.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Administrative Review Requirements-Food Retailers and Wholesalers
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. The proposed collection is a revision of a currently approved collection.
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