Department of Agriculture September 30, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Francis Marion National Forest, located in South Carolina, is initiating the development of a land management plan revision (forest plan) for the Francis Marion National Forest (NF). A Draft Assessment is being posted to our Web site. We are inviting the public to help us develop a preliminary ``need for change'' and a proposed action for the land management plan revision.

This rule amends the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order) to increase the assessment rate from $12 to $18 per ton (an increase of $0.003 per pound). The Order is administered by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the program, assessments are collected from domestic producers and importers and used for research and promotion projects designed to maintain and expand the market for highbush blueberries in the United States and abroad. Additional funds will allow the USHBC to expand its health research activities and promotional efforts. The USHBC uses its health information in its promotion messaging to help build demand for blueberries. Increasing demand will help move the growing supply of blueberries, which will benefit producers and consumers.