Department of Agriculture August 27, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 9 of 9
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Enhancing Retail Food Store Eligibility-Listening Sessions
This Notice announces 5 listening sessions to support the Request for Information (RFI) published by FNS regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer eligibility requirements (78 FR 51136, August 20, 2013). As explained in the RFI, FNS is re- examining SNAP retailer eligibility requirements in part because of concerns raised in a recent FNS report examining the trafficking rates at different types of retail food stores and a 2006 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report suggesting that the minimal stocking requirements in SNAP contribute to corrupt retailers entering the program. The FNS report is available at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/ora/ menu/Published/SNAP/FILES/ProgramIntegrity/Trafficking2009_ Summary.pdf. The GAO report is available at: https://www.gao.gov/ products/GAO-07-53. Information on SNAP retailer eligibility requirements is available at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/ store-eligibility.htm. The scheduled listening sessions provide an opportunity for FNS to seek public input on potential changes to retailer authorization requirements.
Humboldt (NV) Resource Advisory Committee
The Humboldt (NV) Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Winnemucca, Nevada. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 112-141) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the RAC 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 purpose of the meeting is to review and recommend any new proposed projects authorized under Title II of the Act to the Humboldt- Toiyabe Forest Supervisor and/or review prior year project accomplishments; lacking any new monetary authority, this meeting may be cancelled.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Income Deductions and Resource Eligibility
This rulemaking establishes requirements to simplify and improve the administration of and expand access to the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Food Distribution Program for Indian Households in Oklahoma, both of which are referred to as ``FDPIR'' in this rulemaking. The rulemaking amends FDPIR regulations to promote conformity with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). First, the final rule revises FDPIR regulations to eliminate household resources from consideration when determining FDPIR eligibility. Second, the final rule will expand the current FDPIR income deduction for Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage premiums to include other monthly medical expenses in excess of $35 for households with elderly and/or disabled members. Third, the final rule will establish an income deduction for shelter and utility expenses. Finally, the final rule will provide new verification requirements related to the new income deductions, and provide revisions to the household reporting requirements that will more closely align FDPIR and SNAP regulations.
Request for Applications: The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP). This is a competitive grant program whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non- forest uses and provide community benefits such as sustainable forest management, environmental benefits including clean air, water, and wildlife habitat; benefits from forest-based educational programs; benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access. Eligible lands for grants funded under this program are private forest land that is at least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75 percent forested. The lands must also be threatened by conversion to non-forest uses, must not be held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian tribe, must not be Tribal allotment lands, must be offered for sale by a willing seller, and if acquired by an eligible entity, must provide defined community benefits under CFP and allow public access.
Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement. The intended effect of this action is to clarify existing policy provisions and to incorporate changes that are consistent with those made in the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions and to incorporate provisions regarding catastrophic risk protection coverage for area yield plans from the Area Risk Protection Insurance (ARPI) Basic Provisions. The changes will be effective for the 2014 and succeeding crop years for all crops with a contract change date on or after the effective date of this rule, and for the 2015 and succeeding crop years for all crops with a contract change date prior to the effective date of this rule.
Science-Based Methods for Entity-Scale Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks From Agriculture and Forestry Practices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has prepared a report containing methods for quantifying entity-scale greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals from the agriculture and forestry sectors. The purpose of this notice is to seek input from the public on the proposed methods. This report was prepared in part to meet requirements of Section 2709 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. The report was prepared by 38 technical experts and reviewed by 29 scientific reviewers. USDA anticipates that the methods will be used by landowners and USDA to improve management practices and identify actions to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The guidelines and methods could also be used by farmers, ranchers, and forest owners to facilitate their participation in voluntary state and regional GHG registries and programs. Notice of the project was announced in the Federal Register in February, 2011 (FR Doc. 2011-3731, p. 9534, Feb 18 2011). Comments received under this notice will be used to further refine the methods report in preparation for publication as a USDA Technical Bulletin. Comments submitted will help USDA to gauge the appropriateness and completeness of the proposed methods as well as methodological or data concerns that should be considered. A series of questions have been provided in the supplementary information below to aid review. When submitting responses, please annotate comments using the report section number designations. All information received will be included in the public docket and made available online at https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Do not include any information that might be considered proprietary or confidential.
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