Department of Agriculture April 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 92 of 92
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for Field Testing Feline Interleukin-2 Immunomodulator, Live Canarypox Vector
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment concerning authorization to ship for the purpose of field testing, and then to field test, an unlicensed Feline Interleukin-2 Immunomodulator, Live Canarypox Vector. The environmental assessment, which is based on a risk analysis prepared to assess the risks associated with the field testing of this vaccine, examines the potential effects that field testing this veterinary vaccine could have on the quality of the human environment. Based on the risk analysis, we have reached a preliminary determination that field testing this veterinary vaccine will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment, and that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. We intend to authorize shipment of this vaccine for field testing following the close of the comment period for this notice unless new substantial issues bearing on the effects of this action are brought to our attention. We also intend to issue a U.S. Veterinary Biological Product license for this vaccine, provided the field test data support the conclusions of the environmental assessment and the issuance of a finding of no significant impact and the product meets all other requirements for licensing.
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Determination of Equivalent Price Series
It has been determined by the Deputy Administrator of Dairy Programs that the dairy products price series in the Dairy Products Sales report released by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is equivalent to the price series previously released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in the Dairy Products Prices report. The dairy product price series is used in the price discovery mechanism for raw milk component values, and the component values are then used in determining Federal milk market order (FMMO) minimum classified milk prices. AMS previously used the NASS prices in the determination of raw milk component values; however, the responsibility for the collection of dairy product sales data was transferred from NASS to AMS effective April, 1, 2012 (77 FR 8717), at which time NASS discontinued the publication of its Dairy Products Prices report. The data collected by AMS through this new system will be used for future component value computations and the subsequent calculation of FMMO minimum classified milk prices. The establishment of an equivalent dairy products price series is essential to the continuing operation of the FMMO program.
Draft Guidelines on Biologics Quality Monitoring: Testing for the Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination
The International Cooperation on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for the Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH) has developed a draft guideline titled ``Testing for the Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination.'' This draft guideline identifies stages of manufacture where products are to be tested and test procedures used to detect the presence of Mycoplasma contamination. Because the guidelines apply to final product and master seed/cell testing in veterinary vaccines regulated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, we are requesting comments on the scope of the guideline and its provisions so that we may include any relevant public input on the draft in the Agency's comments to the VICH Steering Committee.
Farm Loan Programs; Clarification and Improvement
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is proposing to amend the Farm Loan Programs (FLP) regulations for loan making and servicing, specifically those on real estate appraisals, lease, subordination and disposition of security, and Conservation Contract requirements. FSA is proposing the changes to streamline the loan making and servicing process and give the borrower greater flexibility while protecting the financial interests of the Government.
Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Assessment Increase
This rule amends the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) to increase the assessment rate on first handlers and importers of mangos from one-half cent per pound to three- quarters of a cent per pound. The increase is permitted under the Order, which is authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act). The National Mango Board (Board), which administers the Order, recommended this action to ensure that the Board's research and promotion programs continue to be adequately funded.
Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico; Decreased Assessment Rate
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (Committee) for the 2011-12 and subsequent production years from $0.0007 to $0.0005 per pound of assessed weight pistachios. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The interim rule was necessary to allow the Committee to provide sufficient revenue to meet its expenses while maintaining a financial reserve within the limit authorized under the order.
Dried Prunes Produced in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2011-12 and subsequent crop years from $0.27 to $0.22 per ton of salable dried prunes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order for dried prunes produced in California. The interim rule was necessary to allow the Committee to lower its assessment rate because of a substantial decrease in wage and salary expenses. The current excess funds carried forward along with the estimated interest income, combined with the funds generated from the decreased assessment rate and decreased crop is expected to provide adequate income to cover anticipated 2011-12 expenses.
User Fees for 2012 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to maintain user fees for cotton producers for 2012 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act at the same level as in 2011. These fees are also authorized under the Cotton Standards Act of 1923. The 2011 crop user fee was $2.20 per bale, and AMS proposes to continue the fee for the 2012 cotton crop at that same level. This proposed fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services for the 2012 crop, including costs for administration and supervision.
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Assessment Rate Decrease for Fresh Pears
The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the Fresh Pear Committee (Committee) for the 2011-2012 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.501 to $0.471 per standard box or equivalent of fresh winter pears handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of fresh pears grown in Oregon and Washington. The Committee recommended the assessment rate decrease because the fresh winter pear promotion budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal period was reduced.
United States Standards for Wheat
The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Wheat (wheat standards) under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) to change the definition of Contrasting classes (CCL) in Hard White wheat and change the grade limits for shrunken and broken kernels (SHBN). GIPSA believes that these proposed changes will help to facilitate the marketing of wheat.
Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District, California, Whisky Ecosystem Restoration Project
The Bass Lake Ranger District is proposing a series of ecological restoration treatments, east of the community of North Fork, California. This would be north of Cascadel Point, south of Shuteye Peak, and west of Whisky Ridge. Treatment areas have been initially identified to restore forest conditions to more closely resemble pre- 1900s stand structures which would result in forests that are more resilient and resistant to expected changes in climate and disturbance regimes. Treatments are needed to maintain or improve growth and vigor of conifer stands, reduce the spread and intensity of wildfires within and outside of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and restore other ecological processes.
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Assessment Rate Decrease for Processed Pears
The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the Processed Pear Committee (Committee) for the 2011- 2012 and subsequent fiscal periods from $8.41 to $7.73 per ton of summer/fall processed pears handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of processed pears grown in Oregon and Washington. The Committee recommended the assessment rate decrease because the summer/fall processed pear promotion budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal period was reduced.
Gore Creek Restoration Project; Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, notice is hereby given that the Forest Service, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement to disclose the environmental consequences of the proposed Gore Creek Restoration Project (Gore Creek). The Gore Creek analysis area encompasses approximately 76,000 acres of National Forest System (NFS) land with 6,900 acres of interspersed private land. The Yampa Ranger District is proposing a variety of actions in the Gore Pass area to improve watershed health and reduce potential erosion issues. Timber harvesting that took place outside of previously analyzed timber sale boundaries has resulted in impacts that had not been previously analyzed. Before rehabilitation can be completed, a new analysis must be conducted to address the previous activities and the proposed rehabilitation activities. In order to complete previously analyzed vegetation management projects, an analysis of additional temporary roads needs to occur. Included in the analysis is the further consideration of the roads that would be necessary to complete both proposed, remaining timber management activities and the restoration activities. The analysis will be used to determine the best methods for minimizing watershed impacts from the current roads, proposed roads and road construction. Included in the analysis of the existing and proposed road construction will be the consideration of restoration of dispersed campsites within riparian areas within the project area, which may be impacting watershed health. Also included in the analysis will be the effects of disposing of merchantable timber and other vegetation resulting from emergency clearing work within the power line right-of-ways in the analysis area.
Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee
The Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee that had been scheduled to meet on April 12, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington State Parks office, 270 9th Street NE., East Wenatchee, WA has been replaced with an open public meeting. During this public meeting information will be shared about the Forest Service Chief's 10-Year Stewardship Challenge, Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, Holden Mine Remediation progress, and an update on the Forest Plan Revision. This meeting is open to the public.
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Tahoe National Forest, CA; Calpeco 625 and 650 Electrical Line Upgrade Project EIS/EIS/EIR
Notice is hereby given that the USDA Forest Service (USFS), Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), together with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), EIS, and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (EIS/EIS/EIR; the nature of this type of document is described further below) to disclose the impacts associated with the following proposed action: California Pacific Electric Company (Calpeco) is proposing to upgrade their existing 625 and 650 60 kV transmission lines to 120 kV in order to maintain a safe and reliable electrical transmission system for the north Lake Tahoe area, while accommodating currently-expected normal growth in the area. The 650 line upgrade would involve rebuilding an approximately 10-mile section of transmission line from Truckee substation to the Kings Beach Diesel Generation Station. The majority of this line would be replaced within its current alignment. The 625 line upgrade would include approximately 15 miles of line from the Kings Beach Switching Station to the Tahoe City Substation. A significant portion of the existing 625 Line would be realigned to a location that parallels Mount Watson Road (also called Fiberboard Highway), an existing National Forest System road. The USFS LTBMU is the lead federal agency for the preparation of this EIS in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and all other applicable laws, executive orders, regulations, and direction; the TRPA is the lead agency for preparation of an EIS in compliance with TRPA's Compact and Code of Ordinances and all other applicable laws and regulations; and the CPUC is the lead State of California agency for preparation of an EIR in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and all other applicable laws and regulations (hence the document's designation as an EIS/EIS/EIR). All three agencies have determined that an EIS/EIS/EIR is needed in order to effectively analyze the proposal and evaluate impacts. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as a federal cooperating agency, will be responsible for the scope and content of the NEPA portion of the environmental document as it pertains to lands within the jurisdictional boundaries of the agency for the project. The USFS, Tahoe National Forest will be responsible for the scope and content of the NEPA portion of the environmental document as it pertains to lands within the jurisdictional boundaries of that agency (outside of the LTBMU). The project is scheduled to be completed in three phases, with initial construction beginning as early as 2013 and the final phase planned for completion in 2019.
Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) for the 2011-12 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0275 to $0.037 per 25-pound carton of tomatoes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida. Assessments upon tomato handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Revision of the Salable Quantity and Allotment Percentage for Class 1 (Scotch) Spearmint Oil for the 2011-2012 Marketing Year
This rule revises the quantity of Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2011-2012 marketing year. This rule increases the Scotch spearmint oil salable quantity from 733,913 pounds to 876,596 pounds, and the allotment percentage from 36 percent to 43 percent. The marketing order regulates the handling of spearmint oil produced in the Far West and is administered locally by the Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee). The Committee unanimously recommended this rule for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices and to help maintain stability in the Far West spearmint oil market.
Boundary Establishment for the Allegheny National Wild and Scenic River, Allegheny National Forest, Warren, Forest, and Venango Counties, PA
In accordance with Section 3(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the USDA Forest Service, Washington Office, is transmitting the final boundary of the Allegheny National Wild and Scenic River to Congress.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are sponsoring a public meeting on April 18, 2012. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States (U.S) positions that will be discussed at the 40th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada from May 15-18, 2012. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 40th Session of the CCFL, and to address items on the agenda.
Media Outlets for Publication of Legal and Action Notices in the Southern Region
Deciding Officers in the Southern Region will publish notice of decisions subject to administrative appeal under 36 CFR parts 215 and 219 in the legal notice section of the newspapers listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. The Southern Region consists of Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico. As provided in 36 CFR 215.5 and Appendix A to 36 CFR 219.35 the public shall be advised through Federal Register notice, of the newspaper of record to be utilized for publishing legal notice of decisions. Newspaper publication of notice of decisions is in addition to direct notice of decisions to those who have requested it and to those who have participated in project planning. Responsible Officials in the Southern Region will also publish notice of proposed actions under 36 CFR 215.5 in the newspapers that are listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. As provided in 36 CFR part 215.5, the public shall be advised, through Federal Register notice, of the newspaper of record to be utilized for publishing notices on proposed actions. Additionally, the Deciding Officers in the Southern Region will publish notice of the opportunity to object to a proposed authorized hazardous fuel reduction project under 36 CFR 218.4 or developing, amending or revising land management plans under 36 CFR part 219 in the legal notice section of the newspapers listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Funding Opportunity Title: Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces its intent to award approximately $3,000,000 (subject to availability of funds) to fund the Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program. Purpose: The purpose of this competitive cooperative partnership agreement program is to deliver crop insurance education and risk management training to U.S. agricultural producers to assist them in identifying and managing production, marketing, legal, financial and human risk. The program gives priority to: (1) Educating producers of crops currently not insured under Federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities, including livestock and forage; and (2) providing collaborative outreach and assistance programs for limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and ranchers. Education activities developed under the Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program shall provide U.S. farmers and ranchers with training and information opportunities to be able to understand: 1. The kinds of risks addressed by existing and emerging risk management tools; 2. The features and appropriate use of existing and emerging risk management tools; and 3. How to make sound risk management decisions.
Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Written public comments are invited in advance of the meeting, and the meeting will include scheduled time for oral comments from the public.
Child and Adult Care Food Program: Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
This rule proposes to codify several provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 affecting the management of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Department is proposing to require institutions to submit an initial CACFP application to the State agency and, in subsequent years, periodically update the information in lieu of submitting a new application; require sponsoring organizations to vary the timing of reviews of sponsored facilities; require State agencies to develop and provide for the use of a standard permanent agreement between sponsoring organizations and day care centers; allow tier II day care homes to collect household income information and transmit it to the sponsoring organization; modify the method of determining administrative payments to sponsoring organizations of day care homes by basing payments on a formula; and allow sponsoring organizations of day care homes to carry over up to 10 percent of their administrative funding from the previous fiscal year into the next fiscal year. This rule also proposes to incorporate several changes to the application and renewal process which are expected to improve the management of CACFP and to make a number of miscellaneous technical changes.
National Forest System Land Management Planning
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is adopting a new National Forest System land management planning rule (planning rule). The new planning rule guides the development, amendment, and revision of land management plans for all units of the National Forest System (NFS), consisting of 155 national forests, 20 grasslands, and 1 prairie. This planning rule sets forth process and content requirements to guide the development, amendment, and revision of land management plans to maintain and restore NFS land and water ecosystems while providing for ecosystem services and multiple uses. The planning rule is designed to ensure that plans provide for the sustainability of ecosystems and resources; meet the need for forest restoration and conservation, watershed protection, and species diversity and conservation; and assist the Agency in providing a sustainable flow of benefits, services, and uses of NFS lands that provide jobs and contribute to the economic and social sustainability of communities.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP)
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, community- supported agriculture (CSA) programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures. AMS hereby requests proposals from eligible entities within the following categories: Agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and Tribal governments. Based on the available funding, AMS will award the most competitive applications that demonstrate measurable, outcome- based strategies that help increase farmers' or agricultural producers' revenue through direct producer to consumer marketing opportunities. The minimum award per grant is $5,000 and the maximum award per grant is $100,000. No matching funds are required.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Energy for America Program
The Agency published a document in the Federal Register on January 20, 2012, at 77 FR 2948 to announce the acceptance of applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year 2012 for financial assistance as follows: Grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and guaranteed loans for the development and construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; grants for conducting energy audits; grants for conducting renewable energy development assistance; and grants for conducting renewable energy system feasibility studies. The document contained two errors on page 2951 in reference to deadline dates for National competitions.
National Tree-Marking Paint Committee Meeting
The National Tree-Marking Paint Committee will meet in Flagstaff, Arizona on May 15-17, 2012. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the 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 Intent To Request an Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) intention to seek approval to collect information in support of research and related activities.
United States Standards for Grades of Cultivated Ginseng
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Cultivated Ginseng. AMS received a request from the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin (GBW), to amend the standards to reflect current market values. To ensure the integrity of the standards, the revisions will be based on quality and percentage defects. The new grades will replace the current ones and promote the orderly and efficient marketing of ginseng in an evolving global economy. Other changes will include a revised General Section, new tolerances, reclassified sizes, removed table ``values'' and amended definitions. These revisions are needed to determine and complement the new grades.
Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting
This notice is intended to notify the public of their opportunity to attend an open meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board.
Revision of Cotton Classification Procedures for Determining Cotton Leaf Grade
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the procedures for determining the official leaf grade for Upland and Pima cotton. The leaf grade is a part of the official classification which denotes cotton fiber quality used in cotton marketing and manufacturing of cotton products. Previously, the leaf grade was determined by visual examination and comparison to the Universal Cotton Standards for Leaf Grade that serves as the official cotton standards by qualified cotton classers. Amended procedures replace the classer's leaf determination with the instrument leaf measurement made by the High Volume Instrument (HVI) system, which has been used in official cotton classification for Upland Cotton since 1991.
United States Warehouse Act; Export Food Aid Commodities Licensing Agreement
This notice specifies the fee schedule for the new Export Food Aid Commodities (EFAC) licensing agreement offered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) under the United States Warehouse Act (USWA). Agricultural products that may be stored under an EFAC licensing agreement include, but are not limited to, corn soy blend, vegetable oil, and pulses such as peas, beans, and lentils. USWA licensing is a voluntary program. Warehouse operators that apply for USWA licensing agree to be licensed, comply with the licensing agreement, and pay associated user fees. The fees announced in this notice are intended to cover the costs of administering the licensing program, including the costs of inspections.
Designation of Product Categories for Federal Procurement
In compliance with the February 21, 2012 Presidential Memorandum ``Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs In Rural America through Biobased and Sustainable Product Procurement,'' the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is amending the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement, to add 13 sections to designate product categories within which biobased products will be afforded Federal procurement preference, as provided for under section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (referred to in this document as ``section 9002''). USDA is also establishing minimum biobased contents for each of these product categories.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Status of Claims Against Households (Form FNS-209)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed information collection for the FNS-209, Status of Claims Against Households. This is a revision of an approved collection. The purpose of the Status of Claims Against Households is to provide a standardized format for State agencies submitting reports to the Food and Nutrition Service. Sections 11, 13, and 16 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) are the basis for the information collected on Form FNS-209, Status of Claims Against Households. Section 11 of the Act requires that State agencies submit reports and other information that are necessary to determine compliance with the Act and its implementing regulations. Section 13 of the Act requires State agencies to establish claims and collect overpayments against households. Section 16 of the Act authorizes State agencies to retain a portion of what is collected. The FNS-209 is used as the mechanism for State agencies to report the claim establishment, collection and retention amounts.
Upland Cotton Base Quality
This rule makes technical changes to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) upland cotton marketing assistance loan (MAL) regulations to revise certain grade and quality references. Changes include revising references to specific quality characteristics of certain base quality grades to simply a reference to the ``base quality'' of the grade without further specification. CCC uses base quality to calculate upland cotton loan rates, Adjusted World Price (AWP), and related adjustments. This change will accommodate any future changes to the base quality specifications that define the base quality characteristics of a particular grade. This rule also changes a broad reference of a base grade to a more specific reference that names the particular relevant grade. None of these changes involve a change of policy and would not have affected any program determinations in past crop years, had these changes been in place at the time. They improve the regulations by maintaining consistency with base quality specifications as that may change in the future. This amendment will apply starting with the 2012 crop.
Solicitation of Input From Stakeholders Regarding the Proposed Crop Protection Competitive Grants Program
The President's budget proposal for FY 2013 consolidates six funding lines addressing pest management and integrated pest management (IPM) issues into a single budgetary line, called the Crop Protection Program (CPP). The six budgetary lines being consolidated are Expert Integrated Pest Management Decision Support System, IPM and Biological Control, Minor Crop Pest Management/IR-4, Pest Management Alternatives, Smith-Lever 3(d) Pest Management, and Regional Pest Management Centers. The new program is described broadly to encompass all of the functions of the existing programs. A listening session was previously announced in the Federal Register on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 to be held on March 29 to guide future Request for Applications (RFAs) of the Extension of IPM Coordination and Support Program (EIPM-CS), one of the programs affected by this realignment. That session has been redefined to collect stakeholder input on the broader Crop Protection topic. Additional opportunities for comment are also being scheduled. By this notice, NIFA is designated to act on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture in soliciting public comment from interesting persons regarding the future design and implementation of this proposed program.
Funding Opportunity Title: Risk Management Education in Targeted States (Targeted States Program); Announcement Type: Announcement of Availability of Funds and Request for Applications (RFA) for Competitive Cooperative Agreements
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces its intent to award approximately $5,000,000 (subject to availability of funds) to fund cooperative agreements under the Risk Management Education in Targeted States Program. Purpose: The purpose of the Targeted States program is to deliver crop insurance education and information to U.S. agricultural producers in States where there is traditionally, and continues to be, a low level of Federal crop insurance participation and availability, and producers are underserved by the Federal crop insurance program. These states, defined as Targeted States for the purposes of this RFA, are Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Any cooperative agreements that may be funded will not exceed the maximum funding amount established for each of the Targeted States. Awardees must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project. Applications submitted under this RFA must demonstrate how the proposed education and outreach activities will help producers in Targeted States understand: The kinds of risks addressed by crop insurance; The features of existing and emerging crop insurance products; The use of crop insurance in the management of risk; How the use of crop insurance can affect other risk management decisions, such as the use of marketing and financial tools; How to make informed decisions on crop insurance prior to the sales closing date deadline; and, Record-keeping requirements for crop insurance. Funding availability for this program may be announced at approximately the same time as funding availability for the similar but separate program, the Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program (CFDA No. 10.460). Prospective applicants must carefully examine and compare the notices of each announcement. The collections of information in this announcement have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under control number 0563-0067.
National School Lunch Program: School Food Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010; Approval of Information Collection Request
The Food and Nutrition Service published an interim final rule entitled ``National School Lunch Program: School Food Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010'' on June 17, 2011. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cleared the associated information collection requirements (ICR) on February 6, 2012. This document announces approval of the ICR.
Additional Changes to the Schedule of Operations Regulations
On March 19, 2012, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published a proposed rule to amend the meat and poultry products regulations pertaining to the schedule of operations. The Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) was inadvertently omitted. The RIN number for this proposed rule is 0583-AD48. Comments on the March 19 proposed rule must still be received by the agency on or before April 18, 2012, to be assured of consideration.
Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations regarding electric distribution specifications for 15kV and 25 kV primary underground power cable. This rule will rescind Bulletin 50-70 (U-1), ``REA Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable,'' and codify the material which was formerly incorporated by reference. The specifications and standards that appeared in the old RUS Bulletin 50-70 (U-1) will be incorporated by reference and will update the specifications for 15kV and 25kV underground power cable, and provide RUS borrowers with specifications for 35 kV underground power cable for use in 25 kV primary systems. These specifications cover single-phase and multi-phase primary underground power cable which RUS electric borrowers use to construct their rural underground electric distribution systems.
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