Department of Agriculture April 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are amending the regulations governing the importation of nursery stock to prohibit the importation of propagative seed of several Rutaceae (citrus family) genera from certain countries where citrus greening or citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) is present. We are also requiring propagative seed of these genera imported from all other countries to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration that neither citrus greening nor CVC are known to occur in the country where the seed was produced. Scientific evidence indicates that seed of certain genera of the family Rutaceae may be a pathway for the introduction of those diseases. This action is necessary in order to prevent the introduction or dissemination of citrus greening and CVC into or within the United States.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.

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 (Pub. L. 110-343), the Salmon-Challis National Forest's Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee will conduct a business meeting which is open to the public.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the intention of Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to request an extension from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for a currently approved information collection in support of Poultry Market News Programs.

This rule changes the handling requirements applicable to well matured fruit covered under the nectarine and peach marketing orders (orders). The 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 updates the variety-specific size requirements to reflect changes in commercially significant varieties. This will enable handlers to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and reflects current industry practices.

The Rural BusinessCooperative Service published a document in the Federal Register of March 29, 2010, inviting applications for Rural Business Opportunity Grants. The document contained incorrect award information.

This rule relaxes the handling requirements prescribed under the California table grape marketing order (order) and the table grape import regulation. The order regulates the handling of table grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California and is administered locally by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (committee). The import regulation is authorized under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and regulates the importation of table grapes into the United States. This rule relaxes the one-quarter pound minimum bunch size requirement for the 2010 and subsequent seasons for grapes packed in consumer packages holding 2 pounds net weight or less. Under the relaxation, up to 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single clusters of at least five berries each. This action continues the relaxation that was prescribed on a one-year test basis in 2009 and provides California desert grape handlers and importers the flexibility to respond to an ongoing marketing opportunity to meet consumer needs.

Section 2510 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act) established the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) by amending section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985. The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for AWEP to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who is Vice President of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). NRCS is an agency of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Effective upon publication of this notice, NRCS announces the availability of approximately $20.7 million in AWEP financial assistance during fiscal year (FY) 2010 to support new AWEP projects. The AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purposes of conserving surface and ground water and improving water quality. As part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), AWEP operates through program contracts with producers to plan and implement conservation practices in project areas established through partnership agreements. The purpose of this notice is to inform agricultural producers of the potential availability of program funds and to solicit proposals from potential partners seeking partnership agreements with the Chief to promote the conservation of ground and surface water and the improvement of water quality. This is not a grant program to partners, and all Federal funding offered through this authority will be paid directly to agricultural producers through individual contract agreements.

On August 11, 2003, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) implemented new Subtitle B of Title II of the Packers and Stockyards Act, which was added by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act) by establishing the Swine Contract Library (SCL). The statutory authority for the library lapsed on September 30, 2005. On October 5, 2006, the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Reauthorization Act (Reauthorization Act) reauthorized the 1999 Act until September 30, 2010, and also amended the swine reporting requirements of the 1999 Act. This final rule re-establishes the regulatory authority for the SCL's continued operation and incorporates certain changes contained within the Reauthorization Act that impact the SCL, as well as makes other changes to enhance the SCL's overall effectiveness and efficiency in response to input from regulated entities and the public.

The Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee will meet on June 30, 2010 at the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters Office, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA. During this meeting information will be shared about Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Travel Management Plan and provide an opportunity for the Provincial Advisory Committee to provide feedback. All Eastern Washington Cascades and Yakima Province Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public.

The USDA Forest Service, Plumas National Forest, Mt. Hough Ranger District will prepare and environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Keddie Ridge Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project proposal to modify fire behavior, improve forest and watershed health, protect and enhance habitat for Region 5 Forest Service sensitive plant and wildlife species (clustered lady's slipper, Constance's rock cress, and bald eagle), and reduce the spread and introduction of noxious weeds through: fuels treatments, group selections, road improvements, and herbicide and mechanical applications in the Indian Valley area.