Department of Agriculture January 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

United States Standards for Oats
Document Number: 2016-00848
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-01-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is seeking comment from the public regarding the United States (U.S.) Standards for Oats under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA). To ensure that standards and official grading practices remain relevant, GIPSA invites interested parties to comment on whether the current oats standards and grading practices need to be changed.
Request for Public Comment on Services Currently Offered or Needed To Facilitate the Marketing of Grain and Related Products
Document Number: 2016-00847
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is informing the public that it is soliciting comments to ensure that current services reflect market needs to facilitate the marketing of grain and related commodities. Specifically, GIPSA is inviting comments from producers, handlers, processors, food manufacturers, exporters, importers, consumers, scientists, academicians, industry stakeholders, and other interested persons on how GIPSA can best facilitate the marketing of grains, oilseeds, rice, pulses, and related products or products made from them, including co-products of ethanol production, commonly referred to as distillers' grains, based on market-identified quality attributes. To ensure that standards and official grading practices remain relevant in the market, GIPSA invites interested parties to comment on the relevance of current standards, methods, and grading practices, and on potential market needs for new standards or services.
Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for Domestic and Imported Peanuts Marketed in the United States; Change to the Quality and Handling Requirements
Document Number: 2016-00843
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-01-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Peanut Standards Board (Board) to revise the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States (Standards). The Board advises the Secretary of Agriculture regarding potential changes to the Standards and is comprised of producers and industry representatives. This proposed rule would revise the minimum quality, positive lot identification, and reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the Standards. It would also make numerous other changes to better reflect current industry practices and to revise outdated language. The Board believes these changes would make additional peanuts available for sale, help increase efficiencies, and reduce costs to the industry.
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List; Amendments to the Select Agent and Toxin Regulations
Document Number: 2016-00681
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-01-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
In accordance with the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002, we are proposing to amend and republish the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. The Act requires the biennial review and republication of the list of select agents and toxins and the revision of the list as necessary. This action would implement the findings of the fourth biennial review of the list. In addition, we are proposing several amendments to the regulations, including the addition of provisions to address the inactivation of select agents, provisions addressing biocontainment and biosafety, and clarification of regulatory language concerning security, training, incident response, and records. These changes would increase the usability of the select agent regulations as well as provide for enhanced program oversight.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Review of Major Changes in Program Design and Management Evaluation Systems
Document Number: 2016-00674
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-01-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This rule finalizes provisions of the proposed rule entitled Review of Major Changes in Program Design and Management Evaluation Systems, which was published May 3, 2011. This final rule amends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) regulations to implement section 4116 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA). Section 4116 of the FCEA, Review of Major Changes in Program Design, requires the United States Department of Agriculture (the Department) to identify standards for major changes in operations of State agencies' administration of SNAP. The provision also requires State agencies to notify the Department if they implement a major change in operations and to collect and report data that can be used to identify and correct problems relating to integrity and access, particularly for certain vulnerable households. This final rule establishes criteria for changes that would be considered ``major changes'' in program operations and identifies the data State agencies must report in order to identify problems relating to integrity and access. It also sets forth when and how State agencies must report on the implementation of a major change. This rule also amends Management Evaluation (ME) Review regulations by modifying the requirements for State reviews. The rule revises the definitions of large, medium and small project areas. Finally, it removes sections of the regulations pertaining to coupons and coupon storage since they are obsolete.
National Organic Program: Notice of Final Guidance on Substances Used in Post-Harvest Handling of Organic Products
Document Number: 2016-00678
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-01-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The National Organic Program (NOP) is announcing the availability of a final guidance document intended for use by accredited certifying agents, and certified and exempt organic operations. The guidance document is entitled: Substances Used in Post- Harvest Handling of Organic Products (NOP 5023). This guidance document is intended to inform the public of NOP's current thinking on this topic.
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants
Document Number: 2016-00479
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-01-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
Title VI, Section 6006 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79)(2014 Farm Bill) authorized the Essential Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Program. The Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, (such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations) that will serve Rural Areas for the purpose of providing technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs. This rule implements Section 6006 of the 2014 Farm Bill, by establishing the policies and procedures for the Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) grants program. The intended effect of this action is to assist rural communities in meeting the community facility needs.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk
Document Number: 2016-00514
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this information collection. This is a revision of a currently approved collection for determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk as stated in 7 CFR part 245. These federal requirements affect eligibility under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program and are also applicable to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program when individual eligibility must be established. The current approval for the information collection burden associated with 7 CFR part 245 expires on April 30, 2016. The revisions being requested are primarily adjustments due to updating the number of respondents.
Rocky Mountain Region; Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests; Grand Valley Ranger District; Mesa County, Colorado; Enlargement of Monument No. 1 and Hunter Reservoirs
Document Number: 2016-00508
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) intends to prepare a Supplement to the June 2007 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Hunter Reservoir Enlargement to also include enlargement of the Monument No. 1 Reservoir in the Proposed Action. The original notice of intent (NOI) for the Hunter Reservoir Enlargement was published in 70 FR 61781 on October 26, 2005; and the notice of availability (NOA) was published in 72 FR 39808 on July 20, 2007. Both reservoirs are owned by the Ute Water Conservancy District (Ute Water) and are located on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Leon Creek watershed in the eastern portion of Mesa County, Colorado.
Summer Food Service Program 2016 Reimbursement Rates
Document Number: 2016-00506
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This notice informs the public of the annual adjustments to the reimbursement rates for meals served in the Summer Food Service Program for Children. These adjustments address changes in the Consumer Price Index, as required under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The 2016 reimbursement rates are presented as a combined set of rates to highlight simplified cost accounting procedures. The 2016 rates are also presented individually, as separate operating and administrative rates of reimbursement, to show the effect of the Consumer Price Index adjustment on each rate.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery
Document Number: 2016-00505
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public to comment on the ``Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery '' for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This collection is being developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this ``fast track'' collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval and to solicit comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.
Request for Information: Software Vendors of State and Local Management Information Systems (MIS) and Other Technology Solutions for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
Document Number: 2016-00504
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This is a request for information from Management Information Systems (MIS) software and hardware vendors and developers (``vendors'') to learn about the functionality of State and School Food Authority National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program (NSLP/SBP) data management information systems. It is not a request for proposal and does not commit the Government to issue a solicitation, make an award, or pay any costs associated with responding to this announcement. All submitted information shall remain with the Government and will not be returned. All responses will become part of the public record and will not be held confidential. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking information that will inform future data reporting requirements for the Department's oversight and management of NSLP/SBP. The Department is aware that all States and many school districts have installed and implemented MIS or other technology solutions to improve State and local program management. To better understand the availability and implementation of these solutions, USDA is requesting information from vendors about NSLP/SBP data systems they offer and have deployed at the State and local levels. The objectives of this request for information (RFI) are to: 1. Obtain background data to inform later research on State and School Food Authority (SFA) NSLP/SBP data management information systems. 2. Describe the functionality and capabilities of systems currently in use by State agencies and SFAs, or available to States and SFA for purchase. 3. Describe the typical costs of system development, installation, maintenance, and upgrades. 4. Identify which States and SFAs are using particular systems.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants for Off-Farm Housing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016
Document Number: 2016-00483
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces the timeframe to submit pre-applications for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and Section 516 FLH grants for the construction of new off-farm FLH units and related facilities for domestic farm laborers and for the purchase and substantial rehabilitation of an existing non-FLH property. The intended purpose of these loans and grants is to increase the number of available housing units for domestic farm laborers. This Notice describes the method used to distribute funds, the application process, and submission requirements. RHS will publish on its Web site, https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs- services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants, the amount of funding available in FY 2016 based on current appropriations. The Agency will assign additional points to pre-applications for projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater than or equal to 20 percent over the last 30 years. This emphasis will support Rural Development's mission of improving the quality of life for rural Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need them.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Additives
Document Number: 2016-00482
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are sponsoring a public meeting on February 16, 2016. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States (U.S.) positions to be discussed at the 48th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), taking place in Xi'an, China March 14-18, 2016. The Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety and the FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 48th Session of the CCFA and to address items on the agenda.
Revision To Incorporate the Electronic Submission of the Import Request of Shell Eggs
Document Number: 2016-00438
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-01-13
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the regulations governing the inspection of eggs to streamline the importation process for table eggs, hatching eggs, and inedible liquid egg by allowing the import request to be filed electronically through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) International Trade Data System.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-00445
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-12
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency
Withdrawal of United States Standards for Livestock and Meat Marketing Claims
Document Number: 2016-00440
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This Notice informs the public that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is withdrawing the U.S. Standards for Livestock and Meat Marketing Claims. Specifically, AMS is withdrawing: (1) The Grass (Forage) Fed Claim for Ruminant Livestock and the Meat Products Derived from Such Livestock (Grass (Forage) Fed Marketing Claim Standard); and (2) the Naturally Raised Claim for Livestock and the Meat and Meat Products Derived From Such Livestock (Naturally Raised Marketing Claim Standard).
United States Standards for Grades of Pecans
Document Number: 2016-00439
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Shelled Pecans and the United States Standards for Grades of Pecans in the Shell. AMS is proposing to replace the term ``midget'' with ``extra small'' in the Shelled Pecan standards. AMS is also proposing to remove from both standards references to plastic models of pecan kernels, and information on where the color standards may be examined. These changes would modernize the terminology and information in the standards.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: 2016-00405
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-12
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), herein referred to as RUS or the Agency, announces its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016. This notice is being issued in order to allow potential applicants time to submit proposals and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. RUS will publish on its Web site at https:// www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-no sas the amount of funding received in the final appropriations act. In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for DLT grants applicable for the fiscal year. The DLT Grant Program regulation can be found at 7 part CFR 1703 (Subparts D through E).
Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions
Document Number: 2015-32951
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-01-12
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) proposes to amend the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions. The intended effect of this action is to provide policy changes to better meet the needs of policyholders, to clarify existing policy provisions, and to reduce vulnerability to program fraud, waste, and abuse. Specifically, this proposed rule intends to modify or clarify certain definitions, clarify unit establishment, clarify substantive provisions for consistency with terminology changes, modify the insured causes of loss, clarify required timing for loss notices, modify portions of loss calculation formulas, and address potential misinterpretations or ambiguity related to these issues. The proposed changes will be effective for the 2018 and succeeding crop years.
Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-292
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-11
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (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. Additional RAC information, including the meeting agenda and the meeting summary/ minutes can be found at the following Web site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ main/ipnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
The Scotts Co. and Monsanto Co.; Availability of Petition for Determination of Nonregulated Status of Creeping Bentgrass Genetically Engineered for Resistance to Glyphosate
Document Number: 2016-160
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-08
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a petition from the Scotts Company and Monsanto Company seeking a determination of nonregulated status of creeping bentgrass designated as event ASR368, which has been genetically engineered for resistance to the herbicide glyphosate. The petition has been submitted in accordance with our regulations concerning the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms and products. We are making the Scotts Company and Monsanto Company petition available for review and comment to help us identify potential environmental and interrelated economic issues and impacts that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service may determine should be considered in our evaluation of the petition.
Notice of the Specialty Crop Committee's Stakeholder Listening Session
Document Number: 2015-33042
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-07
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App 2, and the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-465), the United States Department of Agriculture announces a stakeholder listening session of the Specialty Crop Committee, a subcommittee of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
Rural Utilities Service Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes
Document Number: 2015-33285
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-06
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is hereby giving notice that it intends to publish in the near future a notice of solicitation for Fiscal Year 2016 (the ``Notice of Solicitation for Applications'') specifying the timeframe for the submission of applications and program requirements for cooperative and other not-for-profit lenders wishing to participate in RUS's program involving the guarantee of loans for eligible electrification and telephone purposes, as authorized by Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) (the ``Act'') and 7 CFR part 1720 (the ``Program Regulations'').
National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule
Document Number: 2015-33275
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-06
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule Committee (Committee) will meet in Sacramento, California. Attendees may also participate via webinar and conference call. The Committee operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92- 463). Additional information relating to the Committee, including the meeting summary/minutes, can be found by visiting the Committee's Web site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/committee.
Information Collection; Fire & Aviation Management Medical Qualifications Program
Document Number: 2015-33273
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-06
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the extension with revisions to the information collection, Fire & Aviation Management Medical Qualifications Program. With this extension, the Agency has changed the name of the information collection to Fire & Aviation Management Medical Qualifications Program.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Photo Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Implementation Requirements
Document Number: 2015-33053
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-01-06
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
Under Section 7(h)(9) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended (the Act), States have the option to require that a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card contains a photo of one or more household members. The Act and existing program regulations further provide that a State that implements a photo on the EBT card shall establish procedures to ensure that any other appropriate member of the household or any authorized representative of the household may use the card. This proposed rule would provide clear parameters on these requirements. In addition, this rule proposes to amend program regulations to codify guidance that was issued December 29, 2014, requiring States that intend to implement the photo EBT card option to submit a comprehensive Implementation Plan that addresses certain operational issues to ensure State implementation is consistent with all Federal requirements and that program access is protected for participating households. In this proposed rule, the United States Department of Agriculture (the Department or USDA) would clarify that the State option to place a photo on an EBT card is a function of issuance. Pursuant to this, State agencies would be prohibited from having photo EBT card requirements affect the eligibility process. This includes ensuring that the option is appropriately implemented in a manner that does not impose additional conditions of eligibility or adversely impact the ability of appropriate household members to access the nutrition assistance they need. Failure to cooperate may result in penalties, including loss of federal financial participation. The proposed rule would also codify other program updates to reflect the current operations of the program.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2015-33205
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-05
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency
The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Regional Office Administered Program (ROAP) Child Nutrition Payment Center (for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special Milk Programs)
Document Number: 2015-33027
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this existing information collection. This collection is a renewal of a currently approved collection for reporting annual application and monthly claim data via the Child Nutrition Payment Center for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program for schools and institutions administered by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Regional Office Administered Program.
Klamath National Forest, California; Craggy Vegetation Management Project
Document Number: 2015-32522
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-01-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Klamath National Forest is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to improve fire resiliency on National Forest System lands by reducing fuels and stand density. The project area includes about 6,270 acres of private land and 29,500 acres of National Forest System lands. Project treatments will be limited to National Forest System lands. The project is about 10 miles north of Fort Jones and one mile west of Yreka, in Siskiyou County, California.
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