Department of Agriculture May 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Hiawatha East Resource Advisory Committee
The Hiawatha East Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose is to review project proposals.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Gypsy Moth Host Material From Canada
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 to prevent the introduction of gypsy moth from Canada into noninfested areas of the United States.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Tomatoes From Spain, Chile, France, Morocco, and Western Sahara
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 governing the importation of tomatoes from Spain, Chile, France, Morocco, and Western Sahara.
Brucellosis in Swine; Add Texas to List of Validated Brucellosis-Free States
We are amending the brucellosis regulations concerning the interstate movement of swine by adding Texas to the list of validated brucellosis-free States. We have determined that Texas meets the criteria for classification as a validated brucellosis-free State. This action relieves certain restrictions on the interstate movement of breeding swine from Texas.
Importation of Swine Hides and Skins, Bird Trophies, and Ruminant Hides and Skins; Technical Amendment
In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2009, and effective on January 14, 2010, we amended the regulations governing the importation of animal byproducts to, among other things, provide specific conditions under which deer and other ruminant hides and skins from Mexico could be imported into the United States in order to protect U.S. livestock from the introduction of bovine babesiosis. It was our intent to indicate that deer and ruminant hides and skins from Mexico may not go to an approved establishment upon importation into the United States rather than comply with the specific conditions established in the final rule. This document corrects that error.
Importation of Live Swine, Swine Semen, Pork, and Pork Products From Liechtenstein and Switzerland
We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products to add Liechtenstein and Switzerland to the region of Europe that we recognize as low risk for classical swine fever (CSF). We are also proposing to add Liechtenstein to the list of regions we consider free from swine vesicular disease (SVD) and to the list of regions considered free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and rinderpest. These proposed actions would relieve some restrictions on the importation into the United States of certain animals and animal products from those regions, while continuing to protect against the introduction of CSF, SVD, FMD, and rinderpest into the United States.
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health; Meeting
This document informs the public of the next meeting of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health. In this document, we provide a new date for the July 2011 meeting, which had been scheduled for the previous week. The meeting is being organized by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to discuss matters of animal health, including the pending proposed rule implementing USDA's traceability framework and establishing an aquaculture subcommittee.
Kisatchie National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
The Kisatchie National Forest Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Pineville, Louisiana. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110- 343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Agriculture Priorities and Allocations System
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is establishing the regulation for the Agriculture Priorities and Allocations System (APAS). Food is a critical commodity essential to the national defense (including civil emergency preparedness and response). To avoid civilian hardship during national defense emergencies it may be necessary to regulate the production, processing, storage, and wholesale distribution of food. Through the APAS rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will respond to requests to place priority ratings on contracts, or orders of agriculture commodities up through the wholesale levels for agriculture production and equipment, allocate resources, and handle food claims as specified in the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950, as amended, if the necessity arises. FSA needs to implement this rule to direct the agriculture commodities and resources to areas of hardship or potential hardship due to national emergencies. For example, APAS is designed to use the DPA authority to help ensure that food is available when and where it is needed most, such as after a hurricane or earthquake. In most cases, there is likely to be no economic impact in filling priority orders because it would generally just be changing the timing in which orders are completed.
Sabine Resource Advisory Committee
The Sabine Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Hemphill, Texas. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss New Title II Project Proposals.
Notice of Request for a New Information Collection (Food Safety Education Campaign-Tracking Survey)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to request a new information collection for a tracking survey associated with the upcoming Food Safety Education Campaign. FSIS is giving the public 30 days to respond instead of the normal 60 days because of the need to expeditiously conduct the tracking survey so that the Food Safety Education Campaign will be able to begin in July as planned.
Notice of Intent To Suspend the Agricultural Labor Survey and Farm Labor Reports
This notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to suspend a currently approved information collection, the Agricultural Labor Survey, and its associated publication.
Ouachita-Ozark Resource Advisory Committee
The Ouachita-Ozark Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Waldron, Arkansas. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110- 343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose is to discuss general information, review proposals, review updates on current or completed Title II projects, and to set next meeting agenda.
Grain Market News Reports; Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
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 an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate grain market news reports.
Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program; Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this document announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection for the Child Nutrition Labeling Program.
Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Program; State Referendum Results
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing that sorghum producers voting in a national referendum from February 1, 2011, through February 28, 2011, have approved the continuation of the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order).
Tehama County Resource Advisory Committee
The Tehama County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Red Bluff, California. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on project proposals and to discuss a project monitoring field visit.
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate an Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to seek reinstatement of an information collection, the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
Prince of Wales Resource Advisory Committee
The Prince of Wales Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Kasaan, Alaska, June 1, 2011. This meeting will take place of the May 16, 2011 Resource Advisory Committee Meeting. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss potential projects under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2008.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Monitoring System; Emergency Epidemiologic Investigations
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to initiate Emergency Epidemiologic Investigations, an information collection to support the National Animal Health Monitoring System.
Manti-La Sal National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
The Manti-La Sal National Forest Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Price, Utah. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the meeting is to consider Secure Rural Schools Act Title II project proposals.
Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee
The Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting in Prather, California, June 29, 2011 and July 27, 2011. The purpose of these meetings will be to receive progress and monitoring reports from previously funded projects and accept and review project proposals for the next funding cycle.
Provincial Advisory Committees Charter Re-Establishment
The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of the Interior, intends to re-establish the Provincial Advisory Committees (PACs) for the provinces in California, Oregon, and Washington. This re-establishment is in response to the continued need for the PACs to provide advice on coordinating the implementation of the Record of Decision (ROD) of April 13, 1994, for Management of Habitat for Late-Succession and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. The PACs also provide advice and recommendations to promote integration and coordination of forest management activities between Federal and non-Federal entities.
Electric Engineering, Architectural Services, Design Policies and Construction Standards
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend the contract threshold amounts that require borrowers to use certain prescribed agency contract forms and to amend the contract dollar amounts that require RUS review of contracts prior to the contract being effective. Also, RUS proposes to raise the threshold amounts requiring RUS borrowers to use certain required procurement methods for materials, equipment and contract services that otherwise would require RUS prior approval. The changes in the threshold amounts would reduce the number of contracts reviewed by the RUS.
Delta-Bienville Resource Advisory Committee
The Delta-Bienville Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Forest, Mississippi. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110- 343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the meeting is to review and approve project proposals.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Resource Advisory Committee will conduct a meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose is to continue the review of project submittals.
Notice of Intent To Reestablish the National Genetic Resources Advisory Council, and Request for Nominations
The USDA intends to reestablish the National Genetic Resources Advisory (Council). The purpose of the Council is to formulate recommendations on actions and policies for the collections, maintenance, and utilization of genetic resources; to make recommendations for coordination of genetic resources plans of several domestic and international organizations; and to advise the Secretary of Agriculture and the National Genetic Resources Program Director of new and innovative approaches to genetic resources conservation.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Privacy Protections of Information From Applicant Households
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is revising Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations that cover the privacy protections for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households and applicants. The change is to comply with a new provision of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
Eastern Arizona Counties Resource Advisory Committee
The Eastern Arizona Counties will meet in Springerville, Arizona. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to review and recommend funding of project proposals.
Chippewa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
The Chippewa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Walker, Minnesota. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to complete specific recommendations of projects for funding and implementation.
Office of Procurement and Property Management; Guidelines for the Transfer of Excess Computers or Other Technical Equipment Pursuant to Section 14220 of the 2008 Farm Bill
The Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to establish and implement procedures for the transfer of excess computers or other technical equipment for the purposes of distribution to a city, town, or local government entity in a rural area.
Funding for the Conservation Loan Program; Farm Loan Programs
This notice announces that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is no longer accepting direct or guaranteed loan applications for the Conservation Loan (CL) Program because of lack of program funding.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2011-2012 Marketing Year
This rule establishes the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class, that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2011-2012 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2011. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 694,774 pounds and 34 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,012,983 pounds and 44 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Increase in Desirable Carryout Used To Compute Trade Demand
This rule would increase the desirable carryout used to compute the yearly trade demand for 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 administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (committee). This rule would increase the amount of tonnage available early in the season when volume regulation is implemented, and is expected to help the industry meet its market needs.
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Amendment To Allow Additional Exemptions
The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that added an exemption to the marketing order for Oregon-Washington pears that provides for the sale of fresh pears directly to consumers without regard to regulation. For each customer, the interim rule provided an exemption for consumer- direct sales of up to 220 pounds of fresh pears per transaction, for home use only, made directly at orchards, packing facilities, roadside stands, or farmers' markets without regard to the marketing order's assessment, reporting, handling, and inspection requirements. This action is intended to provide increased marketing flexibility to small pear handlers, while facilitating the sale of fresh, local pears directly to consumers.
Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington; Modification of the Rules and Regulations
This rule extends the one-year suspension of the minimum quality, maturity, pack, marking, and inspection requirements prescribed for russet potato varieties under the Washington potato marketing order for the 2011-2012 and subsequent fiscal periods. The current one-year suspension of the russet potato handling regulation ends June 30, 2011. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington, and is administered locally by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee). This rule also extends the reporting requirement for russet potato handlers for the purpose of obtaining information necessary for administering the marketing order. This rule is expected to reduce overall industry expenses and increase net returns to producers and handlers while allowing the industry the opportunity to continue exploring alternative marketing strategies.
Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Change in Late Payment and Interest Requirements on Past Due Assessments
This proposed rule invites comments on changes to the delinquent assessment requirements in effect under the marketing order for Vidalia onions grown in Georgia (order). The order regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia and is administered locally by the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee). This rule would establish a late payment charge of 10 percent on unpaid assessments that are 10 days past due and would increase the interest rate applied to delinquent assessments from 1 percent to 1.5 percent per month. This action would improve handler compliance with the assessment and reporting provisions of the order and would help reduce the Committee's collection expenditures.
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for Market Access Program, Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program, Emerging Markets Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, and Quality Samples Program; Extension of Application Due Date
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) published five notices in the Federal Register on April 15, 2011, inviting proposals for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (FMD), Emerging Markets Program (EMP), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Quality Samples Program (QSP). The notices stated that eligible applicants for these programs could submit proposals through May 16, 2011. CCC was unaware at that time that electrical construction issues at the U.S. Department of Agriculture would prevent the Internet-based application from operating for several days during the application period. Thus, this unforeseen situation results in less than the desired 30-day application period. Consequently by this notice, CCC is extending the application period due date for all of these programs to May 20, 2011.
West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee
The West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Elkins, West Virginia. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110- 343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose is for the committee to consider new project proposals .
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Civil Rights Protections for SNAP Households
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is amending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations that secure civil rights protections for SNAP households and applicants. The nondiscretionary change complies with an amendment made to the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 which specifically enumerates four statutory protections that must be complied with by State agencies in administering SNAP. This nondiscretionary change to the regulations is not expected to have an implementation impact on SNAP State agencies, as they have been subject to such statutes for several years.
Pike & San Isabel Resource Advisory Committee
The Pike & San Isabel Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Pueblo, Colorado. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110- 343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on and recommend projects for funding.
Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc.; Availability of Petition, Plant Pest Risk Assessment, and Environmental Assessment of Determination of Nonregulated Status for Lepidopteran-Resistant Cotton
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a petition from Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., seeking a determination of nonregulated status for cotton designated as event COT67B, which has been genetically engineered to express a protein to protect cotton plants from lepidopteran insect damage. The petition has been submitted in accordance with our regulations concerning the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms and products. We are soliciting comments on whether this genetically engineered cotton is likely to pose a plant pest risk. We are making available for public comment the Syngenta petition, our plant pest risk assessment, and our draft environmental assessment for the proposed determination of nonregulated status.
Plum Pox Virus; Update of Quarantined Areas
We are adopting as a final rule, with one change, an interim rule that amended the plum pox virus (PPV) regulations by removing portions of Adams County, PA, from the list of quarantined areas and by adding portions of Niagara, Orleans, and Wayne Counties, NY, to the list of quarantined areas and restricted the interstate movement of regulated articles from these quarantined areas. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the spread of PPV from the quarantined areas of New York to uninfected areas of the United States and to relieve restrictions in Pennsylvania that are no longer necessary.
Monsanto Co.; Availability of Petition, Plant Pest Risk Assessment, and Environmental Assessment for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Corn Genetically Engineered for Drought Tolerance
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a petition from the Monsanto Company seeking a determination of nonregulated status for corn designated as MON 87460, which has been genetically engineered for drought tolerance. The petition has been submitted in accordance with our regulations concerning the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms and products. We are soliciting comments on whether this genetically engineered corn is likely to pose a plant pest risk. We are making available for public comment the Monsanto petition, our plant pest risk assessment, and our draft environmental assessment for the proposed determination of nonregulated status.
Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on critical air quality issues in relation to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality. The meeting is open to the public, and a draft agenda is included in this notice.
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 Light Light Solutions, LLC of Athens, Georgia, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/617,245, ``Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Rapid Detection and Classification of Bacterial Pathogens,'' filed on November 12, 2009.
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 the Washington State Crop Improvement Association of Pullman, Washington, an exclusive license to the lentil variety named ``Morena.''
Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee
The Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Sequim, Washington. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to review 2012 project proposals and provide the Designated Federal Official with a list of recommended projects to be funded.
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