Department of Agriculture June 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Notice
RUS published a notice in the Federal Register on February 18, 1997, at 62 FR 7205 that the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, (108 Stat. 4954, Pub. L. 103-465, December 8, 1994), amended the ``Buy American'' provision, (7 U.S.C. 903 note) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) (the ``RE Act''). Under the amendment, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is authorized to determine which countries (``eligible countries'') are eligible to have their products receive the same treatment as manufactured and unmanufactured products produced in the United States. This notice revises the list of eligible countries for purchases made by telecommunications borrowers by adding new countries to the list to reflect the March 17, 2014, Federal Register Notice (FRN), ``Agreement on Government Procurement: Effective Date of Amendments, and the April 18, 2014 FRN, ``Agreement on Government Procurement: Effective Date of Amendments for Japan'', published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Please refer to the Federal Register notice published February 18, 1997, at 62 FR 7205, for additional information on RUS Buy American requirements.
Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces Rural Development's intention to request a revision for a currently approved information collection in support of loan programs administered by the Rural Housing Service, Business Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service.
Cherokee Resource Advisory Committee
The Cherokee Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Alcoa, Tennessee. 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 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 projects authorized under Title II of the Act.
National School Lunch Program: Independent Review of Applications Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010; Approval of Information Collection Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is announcing the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of information collection requirements contained in a final rule published in the Federal Register.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Self-Certification Medical Statement
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request extension of approval of an information collection for self-certification medical statements.
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2014 Amendment)
This proposed rule is a companion document to the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) direct final rule (published today in the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of the Federal Register), amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by decreasing the value assigned to imported cotton for calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. An amendment is required to adjust the value assigned to imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products so that it is the same as those paid on domestically produced cotton. AMS is publishing this amendment as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the agency is contemplated by statute and required by regulation in 7 CFR 1205.510 and anticipates no significant adverse comment. AMS has explained its reasons in the preamble of the direct final rule. If AMS receives no significant adverse comment during the comment period, no further action on this proposed rule will be taken. If, however, AMS receives significant adverse comment, AMS will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. In that case, AMS will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. AMS will not institute a second comment period on this rule. Any parties interested in commenting must do so during this comment period.
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2014 Amendment)
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations, decreasing the value assigned to imported cotton for the purposes of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. This amendment is required each year to assure that assessments collected on imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products will be the same as those paid on domestically produced cotton.
Forest Resource Coordinating Committee Meetings
The Forest Resource Coordinating Committee (Committee) will meet via teleconference. The Committee is established consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. II), and the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the Act) (Pub. L. 110-246). Additional information concerning the Committee can be found by visiting the Committee's Web site at: https://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/ frcc/.
Eastern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee
The Eastern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) 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 projects authorized under title II of the Act.
Prince of Wales Island Resource Advisory Committee
The Prince of Wales Island Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Craig, Alaska. 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 and recommend projects authorized under Title II of the Act.
Fremont and Winema Resource Advisory Committee
The Fremont and Winema Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Lakeview, Oregon. 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 meetings are open to the public. The purpose of the meetings is FACA orientation, project presentations, and caucus voting (prioritization meeting).
Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee
The Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Winona, Missouri. 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 meetings are open to the public. The purpose of the meetings is to review proposed projects to make recommendations for 2014 Title II funds.
Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Forage Seed Crop Provisions; Correction
This document contains a correction to the final regulation that was published Thursday, May 29, 2014 (79 FR 30703-30708). The regulation pertains to the insurance of Forage Seed.
Advisory Committee Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this constitutes notice of the upcoming meeting of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). The Advisory Committee meets annually to advise the GIPSA Administrator on the programs and services that GIPSA delivers under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Recommendations by the Advisory Committee help GIPSA better meet the needs of its customers who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace.
Notice of Solicitation of Members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., the United States Department of Agriculture announces solicitation for nominations to fill 8 vacancies on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
Davy Crockett Resource Advisory Committee
The Davy Crockett Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Ratcliff, 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 Title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposal of new Title II projects.
Ski Area Water Rights on National Forest System Lands
The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency) is proposing to amend its internal directives for ski area concessions by adding two clauses to the Special Uses Handbook, FSH 2709.11, chapter 50, to address water rights necessary for and that primarily support operation of ski areas on National Forest System (NFS) lands. A revised water rights clause for ski area permits is needed because the current water rights clause cannot be implemented as intended in many States and because the current clause does not ensure that sufficient water is available for operation of ski areas on NFS lands. Implementation of a revised water rights clause would ensure that water will be available for ski areas on NFS lands. Additionally, there would be greater consistency and accountability in authorization of water uses and ownership of water rights for ski areas.
Avocados Grown in South Florida and Imported Avocados; Clarification of the Avocado Grade Requirements
This proposed rule invites comments on changes to the minimum grade requirements currently prescribed under the Florida avocado marketing order (order) and a technical correction to the avocado import regulation. The order regulates the handling of avocados grown in South Florida, and is administered locally by the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee). For South Florida-grown avocados, this proposed rule would align the regulations with current industry practice. It would remove language permitting the commingling of avocados with dissimilar characteristics in containers for shipment within the production area. All avocado shipments within the production area would need to meet the provisions of a U.S. No. 2 grade, as provided in the United States Standards for Grades of Florida Avocados. For imported avocados, this rule would also make a technical correction to the avocado import regulation to clarify that the minimum grade requirement for imported avocados remains unchanged at a U.S. No. 2.
Wenatchee-Okanogan Resource Advisory Committee
The Wenatchee-Okanogan Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Wenatchee, 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. These meetings are open to the public. The purpose of these meetings is to review projects proposed for RAC consideration under Title II of the Act.
Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Section 610 Review
This document announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) plans to review the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). The review will be conducted under criteria contained in Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request revision and extension of a currently approved information collection, the Organic Survey. Revision to burden hours will be needed due to changes in the size of the target population, sample design, and questionnaire length.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-2014-15 and 2015-16 Subsistence Taking of Wildlife Regulations
This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, and methods and means related to the taking of wildlife for subsistence uses in Alaska during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) completes the biennial process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. This rulemaking replaces the wildlife taking regulations that expire on June 30, 2014. This rule also revises wildlife customary and traditional use determinations.
Use by Over-Snow Vehicles (Travel Management Rule)
Consistent with a court order on March 29, 2013, the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) is proposing to amend the agency's travel management rule (TMR) to require designation of National Forest System (NFS) roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands where over-snow vehicle (OSV) use is allowed, restricted, or prohibited. Under the amended subpart C, the responsible official could establish a system of routes and areas where OSV use is prohibited except where allowed or a system of routes and areas where OSV use is allowed unless prohibited. The proposed rule would continue to exempt OSV use from subpart B of the TMR, which provides for designation of a system of routes and areas where motor vehicle use is allowed and prohibits motor vehicle use off the designated system.
Notice of Request for Approval of an Information Collection; U.S. Origin Health Certificate Template
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request approval of a new information collection for a U.S. origin health certificate template.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Poultry Meat and Other Poultry Products From Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico
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 the regulations for the importation of poultry meat and other poultry products from Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico.
Notice of Funding Availability for the Repowering Assistance Program
The Notice announces the availability of up to $12 million to make payments to eligible biorefineries in fiscal year (FY) 2014. This Notice announces the acceptance of applications for payments to eligible biorefineries to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in the operation of these eligible biorefineries. To be eligible for payments, biorefineries must have been in existence on or before June 18, 2008.
Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees
The Secretary of Agriculture intends to renew the charter for the Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (the Act) (Pub. L. 110-343) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92-463). The purpose of the RACs is to improve collaborative relationships among the people that use and care for the National Forests and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act. Additional information concerning the RACs can be found by visiting the Secure Rural School Web site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/pts/.
Notice of Contract Proposals (NOCP) for the Advanced Biofuels Payment Program
This Notice of Contract Proposals announces the availability of $15 million in fiscal year 2014 to make payments to advanced biofuel producers for the production of eligible advanced biofuels. Applications for participating in the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program for fiscal year 2014 were accepted from October 1 through October 31, 2013. This Notice is to advise those who have already applied for fiscal year 2014 funding how much funding is available and how to qualify for those funds. The funding for fiscal year 2014 is from the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), Public Law 113-79.
Amended Designation for Gulf Country Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc.
GIPSA is announcing the designation of Gulf Country Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc. (Gulf Country) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended. Gulf Country's geographical area is amended to include the unassigned area of Southeast Texas announced in the Federal Register on March 19, 2014. In addition, GIPSA is announcing the designation of Gulf Country to provide Class X or Class Y weighing services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended.
Tongass National Forest; Alaska; Shoreline II Outfitter/Guide Environmental Impact Statement
The Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to allocate a portion of the overall visitor capacity to outfitter and guide (O/G) use within four ranger districts of the Tongass National Forest. The project will consider marine shoreline-based commercial non-motorized recreation use on Admiralty Island National Monument and Juneau, Hoonah and Sitka Ranger Districts. The Shoreline II project area includes all areas used by non-motorized outfitter and guide activities that originate from the marine shoreline areas. The project area generally extends \1/2\ mile inland. The project area extends further inland where specific outfitter and guide activities and locations are accessed from the shoreline (i.e., goat/deer hunting, canoe route/portage, freshwater fishing on anadromous and other fish-bearing streams and lakes). The Record of Decision will disclose how the Forest Service decides to allocate (or distribute) shoreline-based recreation capacity for O/G uses. This decision will replace the 2004 Shoreline Outfitter/Guide Record of Decision.
Shoshone Resource Advisory Committee
The Shoshone Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Greybull, Wyoming. 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 vote on projects proposed for the Big Horn RAC Title II funds.
Adjustment of Appendices to the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Regulation for the 2014 Tariff-Rate Quota Year
This document sets forth the revised appendices to the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Regulation for the 2014 quota year reflecting the cumulative annual transfers from Appendix 1 to Appendix 2 for certain dairy product import licenses permanently surrendered by licensees or revoked by the Licensing Authority.
Assessment of Fees for Dairy Import Licenses for the 2015 Tariff-Rate Import Quota Year
This notice announces a fee of $250 to be charged for the 2015 tariff-rate quota (TRQ) year for each license issued to a person or firm by the Department of Agriculture authorizing the importation of certain dairy articles, which are subject to tariff-rate quotas set forth in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States.
International Standard-Setting Activities
This notice informs the public of the sanitary and phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. This notice also provides a list of other standard-setting activities of Codex, including commodity standards, guidelines, codes of practice, and revised texts. This notice, which covers the time periods from June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, and June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, seeks comments on standards under consideration and recommendations for new standards.
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2014
This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Orders (EO) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 13563 ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.'' The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with EO 13563. The Agricultural Act of 2014 was signed into law on February 7. The new law makes major changes in commodity programs, streamlines conservation programs, modifies provisions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and expands programs for specialty crops, organic farmers, bioenergy, rural development, and beginning farmers and ranchers. Implementing these changes will require USDA to modify existing regulations and in some cases introduce new regulatory actions. Due to the rigorous process in place for modifying and proposing such actions, much of the information necessary for inclusion in the Spring Regulatory Agenda was unavailable at the time of publication. USDA takes seriously its commitments to transparency, collaboration and public participation, and strongly encourages the public to review the steps it is taking to implement the Agricultural Act of 2014, including up-to-date regulatory information, at its Farm Bill Web site: https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/ usdahome?navid=farmbill. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the date shown. USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Retail Exemptions Adjusted Dollar Limitations
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing the dollar limitations on the amount of meat and meat food products, poultry, and poultry products that a retail store can sell to hotels, restaurants, and similar institutions without disqualifying itself for exemption from Federal inspection requirements. In accordance with FSIS's regulations, for calendar year 2014, the dollar limitation for meat and meat food products is being increased from $69,600 to $70,400 and for poultry products from $54,500 to $57,100. FSIS is changing the dollar limitations from calendar year 2013 based on price changes for these products evidenced by the Consumer Price Index.
Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: Food Safety Education Campaign Tracking Research
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 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 food safety education campaign.
Notice of Availability of an Evaluation of the African Horse Sickness Status of Saudi Arabia
We are advising the public that we have determined that Saudi Arabia is free of African horse sickness (AHS). After reviewing the documentation submitted by Saudi Arabia in support of its request and considering other factors, the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that AHS is not present in Saudi Arabia. We are making that determination, as well as an evaluation we have prepared in connection with this action, available for review and comment.
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