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

Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Scrapie in Sheep and Goats; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Indemnity Program
Document Number: 2016-10122
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request a revision to and extension of approval of an information collection associated with the current regulations for the interstate movement of sheep and goats and an indemnity program to control the spread of scrapie.
Notice of New Fee Site; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)
Document Number: 2016-10039
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Carson National Forest is proposing to charge a $175 fee for the overnight rental of the Aldo Leopold House and a $50 fee for the overnight rental of the Lagunitas Guard Station. Neither facility has been available for recreation use prior to this date. Rentals of other cabins in the Southwestern Region have shown that people appreciate and enjoy the availability of historic rental cabins. Funds from both the rentals will be used for the continued operation and maintenance of each of the facilities. These fees are only proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and public comment.
Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program; Portable Storage Facilities and Reduced Down Payment for FSFL Microloans
Document Number: 2016-09949
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the FSFL Program on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). This rule amends the FSFL Program regulations to add eligibility for portable storage structures, portable equipment, and storage and handling trucks, and to reduce the down payment and documentation requirements for a new ``microloan'' category of FSFLs up to $50,000. These changes are intended to address the needs of smaller farms and specialty crop producers. This rule also includes technical and clarifying changes that are consistent with how the FSFL Program is already implemented, including specifying commodities that are already eligible for FSFLs but are not currently listed in the regulations, and changing the required life span of the storage facility from a minimum of 15 years to a minimum of the FSFL term, plus any extensions.
Tahoe National Forest; Placer County, California; Squaw Valley to Alpine Meadows Base-to-Base Gondola Project
Document Number: 2016-09672
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In September 2015, the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) accepted an application from Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC which proposes to install, operate, and maintain an aerial ropeway system connecting the Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows ski areas. This proposal also included an alteration to current avalanche mitigation techniques including the installation of Gazex[supreg] exploders. Implementation of the proposal would require an amendment to an existing Special Use Permit (SUP) issued for the operation and maintenance of Alpine Meadows Ski Area (Alpine Meadows). The proposal is consistent with Alpine Meadows' current Master Development Plan (MDP) and passed the screening criteria for consideration to use National Forest System (NFS) lands and amend the existing permit consistent with Forest Service land use regulations.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records; USDA/Rural Development-1 Current or Prospective Producers or Landowners, Applicants, Borrowers, Grantees, Tenants, and Other Participants in RD Programs
Document Number: 2016-09938
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974 as amended; Section 12204 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm, 5 U.S.C. 552a) Rural Development (RD) gives notice of its proposal to revise the system of records entitled USDA/Rural Development-1 Applicant, Borrower, Grantee or Tenant File.
San Juan Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-09857
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The San Juan Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Durango Colorado. 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. RAC information can be found at the following Web site: https://cloudapps-usda-gov.force.com/ FSSRS/RAC_Page?id=001t0000002JcvFAAS.
National Organic Program (NOP); Sunset 2016 Amendments to the National List; Correction
Document Number: 2016-09838
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document contains a correction to the proposed rule which was published on December 16, 2015 (80 FR 78150). In the proposed rule, the Regulatory Information Number (RIN) appears as RIN 0581-AD39. This number is incorrect. The correct number is 0581-AD43. This document corrects the proposed rule.
Newspapers for Publication of Legal Notices in the Eastern Region
Document Number: 2016-09806
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Forest Service administrative review procedures at 36 CFR parts 218 and 219 require agency officials to publish legal notices in newspapers of record for certain opportunities to comment and opportunities to file pre-decisional objections. Forest Service officials in the Eastern Region will publish those legal notices in the newspapers listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. The Eastern Region consists of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. As provided in 36 CFR 218 and 36 CFR 219, the public shall be advised through Federal Register notice, of the newspaper of record to be utilized for publishing legal notice of comment and objection opportunities required by those Parts and their associated procedures. This notice fulfills that requirement for the Eastern Region.
Notice of intent to prepare a Joint Environmental Impact Statement and To Conduct Public Scoping
Document Number: 2016-09790
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This notice announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF) (collectively the ``Agencies'') intend to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify and assess potential impacts upon the environment of: Repairing and maintaining an approximately 5.6-mile section of the existing Bog Creek Road, which is located in the Selkirk Mountains in Boundary County, Idaho, within approximately two miles of the Canadian border, on land within the Blue-Grass Bear Management Unit (BMU) that is managed by the IPNF; and closing for motorized use additional roads within the Blue- Grass BMU to comply with the IPNF Forest Plan Amendments for Motorized Access Management within the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones (Access Amendment) and reduce road density in the Blue- Grass BMU. This notice initiates the public scoping process for the preparation of the EIS. The purpose of the public scoping process is to solicit public comments regarding the potential environmental impacts that may be addressed. This notice commences the public scoping period for which CBP and IPNF are requesting written comments. This process is being conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and CBP and Forest Service NEPA guidelines. Additionally, pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the public scoping process will allow members of the general public to provide CBP and IPNF comments on potential impacts to historic and cultural resources for the proposed action.
Ecosystem Restoration Policy
Document Number: 2016-09750
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service is issuing a permanent Ecosystem Restoration policy that replaces the Interim Directive, ``Ecological Restoration and Resilience Policy,'' in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2020. The policy provides broad guidance for restoring ecosystems on National Forest System lands so that they are self-sustaining and, if subject to disturbances or environmental change, have the ability to reorganize and renew themselves. This policy recognizes the adaptive capacity of restored ecosystems, the role of natural disturbances, and uncertainty related to climate and other environmental factors.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09747
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09746
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09743
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Information Collection; Secure Rural Schools Act
Document Number: 2016-09670
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
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 of the information collection, Secure Rural Schools Act.
Forest Resource Coordinating Committee
Document Number: 2016-09669
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
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). Committee information can be found at the following Web site at https://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/frcc/.
Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program 2016 Industry Forums-Open Teleconference and/or Web Conference Meetings
Document Number: 2016-09642
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
This Notice announces a series of teleconference and/or web conference meetings regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing (GRRH) program, which are scheduled to occur during 2016 and 2017. This Notice also outlines suggested discussion topics for the meetings and is intended to notify the general public of their opportunity to participate in the teleconference and/or web conference meetings.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Revision to the Administrative Rules and Regulations for Shipments to Charitable Organizations
Document Number: 2016-09620
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) to revise the administrative rules and regulations of the Federal marketing order for grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California (order) and the table grape import regulation. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of grapes grown in the production area. This rule allows handlers and importers to ship grapes that do not meet the minimum grade and size quality requirements to be donated to charitable organizations. Any such grapes shall not be used for resale. The import regulation is authorized under section 608e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and regulates the importation of table grapes into the United States. This final rule provides an additional outlet for grapes regulated under the order and assists USDA's efforts to reduce food waste in support of the U.S. Food Waste Challenge.
Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection, OMB 0581-0125 Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products 7 CFR Part 51 and 52, and To Merge 0581-0292 Specialty Crops Inspection Order Forms into OMB 0581-0125
Document Number: 2016-09619
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension and revision to the currently approved information collection of 0581-0125 Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products 7 CFR part 51 and 52, and request approval to merge the previously approved, 0581-0292 Specialty Crops Inspection Division Order Forms into 0581-0125 Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products 7 CFR part 51 and 52. By this action, all services and related forms used to collect information will be in one collection with no duplicative burden.
Request for an Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the Seed Service Testing Program
Document Number: 2016-09617
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection for the Seed Service Testing Program.
Transportation and Marketing Program; Notice of Extension and Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection and To Merge the Collections of 0581-0235 Farmers Market Promotion Program, 0581-0240 Federal-State Market Improvement Program, 0581-0248 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill, Specialty Crop Multi-State Program, and 0581-0287 Local Food Promotion Program
Document Number: 2016-09612
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-20), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request Office of Management and Budget approval of a revised information collection that combined four previously approved collections into a single information collection. AMS recently consolidated its grant programs into one Grants Division. Due to this consolidation, AMS intends to combine the following collections, 0581-0235 ``Farmers Market Promotion Program,'' 0581-0240 ``Federal-State Market Improvement Program,'' 0581-0248 ``Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill,'' ``Specialty Crop Multi-State Program,'' and 0581-0287 ``Local Food Promotion Program.'' This revised collection will be retitled 0581-0240 ``AMS Grant Programs,'' and increase efficiency among programs and reduce the burden on the public.
Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the Federal Seed Act Program
Document Number: 2016-09607
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension and revision to the currently approved information collection of the Federal Seed Act Labeling and Enforcement.
Agency Information Collection Activities-Identifying Program Components and Practices That Influence Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application Processing Timeliness Rates
Document Number: 2016-09569
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-25
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 proposed new information collection.
1994 Tribal Scholars Program; Notice of Request for Reinstatement of a Previously Approved Collection
Document Number: 2016-09562
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Office of Advocacy and Outreach's (OAO) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the reinstatement of a previously approved data collection for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994 Tribal Scholars Program.
Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-09530
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Corvallis, Oregon. 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. RAC information can be found at the following Web site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/siuslaw/ workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
Document Number: 2016-09516
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-25
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), is sponsoring a public meeting on June 10, 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 39th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) taking place in Rome, Italy, June 27-July 1, 2016. The Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety recognizes the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 39th Session of the CAC and to address items on the agenda.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09447
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09440
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
Document Number: 2016-09412
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This final rule updates the meal pattern requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program to better align them with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This rule requires centers and day care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program to serve more whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables and fruit, and reduces the amount of added sugars and solid fats in meals. In addition, this final rule supports mothers who breastfeed and improves consistency with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and with other Child Nutrition Programs. Several of the changes are extended to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Special Milk Program. These changes are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, science-based recommendations made by the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies), cost and practical considerations, and stakeholder's input. This is the first major revision of the Child and Adult Care Food Program meal patterns since the Program's inception in 1968. These improvements to the meals served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program are expected to safeguard the health of young children by ensuring healthy eating habits are developed early, and improve the wellness of adult participants.
Del Norte County Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-09363
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Del Norte County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Crescent City, California. 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. RAC information can be found at the following Web site: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/main/srnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittee.
Fishlake Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-09362
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Fishlake Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Richfield, Utah. 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. RAC information can be found at the following Web site: https://cloudapps-usda-gov.force.com/ FSSRS/RAC_Page?id=001t0000002JcvHAAS.
Fishlake Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-09353
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Fishlake Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Richfield, Utah. 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. RAC information can be found at the following Web site: https://cloudapps-usda-gov.force.com/ FSSRS/RAC_Page?id=001t0000002JcvHAAS.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 989
Document Number: 2016-09144
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 989 (order) that regulates the handling of raisins grown in California. Five amendments are proposed by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: Authorize production research; establish new nomination procedures for independent grower member and alternate member seats; add authority to regulate quality; add authority to establish different regulations for different markets; and add a continuance referenda requirement. In addition, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes two amendments. These amendments would remove order language pertaining to volume regulation and reserve pool authority and would establish term limits for Committee members. In addition, AMS proposes to make any such changes as may be necessary to the order to conform to any amendment that may result from the hearing. These proposed amendments are intended to update the order to reflect past changes in the industry and potential future changes, and to improve the operation and administration of the order.
Eligibility of the Republic of Poland To Export Poultry Products to the United States
Document Number: 2016-09185
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to add the Republic of Poland (Poland) to the list of countries in the regulations eligible to export poultry products to the United States. FSIS has reviewed Poland's poultry laws, regulations, and inspection system as implemented and has tentatively determined that they are equivalent to the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), the regulations implementing this statute, and the U.S. food safety system for poultry. Should this rule become final, slaughtered poultry, or parts or other products thereof, processed in certified Polish establishments, would be eligible for export to the United States. Although Poland may be listed in FSIS's regulations as eligible to export poultry products to the United States, the products must also comply with all other applicable requirements of the United States, including those of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), before any products can enter the United States. All such products would be subject to re- inspection at U.S. ports-of-entry by FSIS inspectors.
Amendment to the Definition of “Condition” and Prerequisite Requirement for Shell Eggs Eligible for Grading and Certification Stated in the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs
Document Number: 2016-09139
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs to clarify the definition of ``condition'' and revise the prerequisite requirement for shell eggs eligible for voluntary USDA grading and certification. The proposed revision to the prerequisite requirement will prohibit the use of Salmonella Enteritidis-adulterated or recalled shell eggs from being presented to USDA for grading and certification. AMS is proposing to revise the definition of ``condition'' to remove any food safety implications resulting from the use of the term ``wholesomeness'' and clarify that AMS' role in grading and certification of shell eggs is solely for a quality determination.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-09115
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standard Utility Allowances Based on the Receipt of Energy Assistance Payments Under the Agricultural Act of 2014
Document Number: 2016-09114
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This proposed rule would revise Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations in accordance with amendments made to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) that requires States that elect to use a heating or cooling standard utility allowance (HCSUA) in SNAP eligibility determinations to make the HCSUA available to households that have received a payment under the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAA) (known as a Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment), or other similar energy assistance program payment, greater than $20 annually in the current month or in the immediately preceding 12 months.
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate an Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-08950
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to seek reinstatement of an information collection, the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
Minority Farmers and Ranchers Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-08932
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO) is announcing a meeting of the Minority Farmers and Ranchers Advisory Committee's (MFAC). The committee is being convened to consider issues involving minorities. The members will deliberate on recommendations to be prepared for USDA Secretarial consideration.
Requirements for the Distribution and Control of Donated Foods-The Emergency Food Assistance Program: Implementation of the Agricultural Act of 2014
Document Number: 2016-08639
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This rule revises and clarifies requirements to ensure that USDA donated foods are distributed, stored, and managed in the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective manner, at State and recipient agency levels. The rule also reduces administrative and reporting requirements for State distributing agencies, revises or clarifies regulatory provisions relating to accountability for donated foods, and rewrites much of the regulations in a more user-friendly, ``plain language,'' format. Lastly, the rule revises and clarifies specific requirements to conform more closely to related requirements in corresponding regulations and current law.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: 2016-08931
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-18
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 Community Connect 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. In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for Community Connect grants applicable for the fiscal year. The Community Connect Grant Program regulation can be found at 7 CFR part 1739 (Subpart A).
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Revision of Exemption Requirements
Document Number: 2016-08834
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule implementing a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) that revised the exemption provisions under the marketing order for tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin (order). The Board locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers operating within the production area. The interim rule changed the number of years that new market development and market expansion projects are eligible for handler diversion credit from one year to three years. The interim rule also revised the composition of the subcommittee which reviews exemption requests. These changes are intended to encourage handlers to participate in new market and market expansion activities to facilitate sales and help ensure impartiality during the review process.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Regulation; Removal of a Final Rule
Document Number: 2016-08832
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is rescinding and removing from the Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR part 1290 entitled ``Specialty Crop Block Grant Program'' (SCBGP) in its entirety. This regulation implemented the SCBGP for the fiscal years 2006 to 2008 and is now obsolete.
Forest Resource Coordinating Committee
Document Number: 2016-08805
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Resource Coordinating Committee (Committee) will meet in Washington, DC. The Committee is authorized under section 8005 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the Act) (Pub. L. 110-246). Additional information concerning the Committee, including the meeting agenda, supporting documents and minutes, can be found by visiting the Committee's Web site at https://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/ frcc/.
Importation of Fresh Apple and Pear Fruit Into the Continental United States From Certain Countries in the European Union
Document Number: 2016-08806
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would amend the regulations to allow the importation of fresh apple and pear fruit from certain countries in the European Union into the continental United States, provided that the fruit is produced in accordance with a systems approach, as an alternative to importation under the current preclearance program. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
Notice of Request for Applications for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program
Document Number: 2016-08764
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is announcing the release of the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) request for applications. General information regarding the VMLRP can be obtained at: www.nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp. The Request for Applications (RFA) can be obtained at: https:// nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp-request-applications-rfa.
Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-08721
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Challis, 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/scnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health; Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08651
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
This is a notice to inform the public of the next meetings of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health. The meetings are being organized by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to discuss matters of animal health.
Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License
Document Number: 2016-08634
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-14
Agency: Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to Chengdu Rong Cheng Jiu Tian Biotechnology Co., Ltd. of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/276,224, ``SPRAYABLE DISPERSED STARCH-BASED BIOPLASTIC FORMULATION TO CONTROL PESTS'', filed on May 13, 2014.
Classes of Poultry
Document Number: 2016-08488
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the definition and standard of identity for the ``roaster'' or ``roasting chicken'' poultry class to better reflect the characteristics of ``roaster'' chickens in the market today. ``Roasters'' or ``roasting chickens'' are described in terms of the age and ready-to-cook (RTC) carcass weight of the bird. Genetic changes and management techniques have continued to reduce the grow-out period and increased the RTC weight for this poultry class. Therefore, FSIS is amending the ``roaster'' definition to remove the 8-week minimum age criterion and increase the RTC carcass weight from 5 pounds to 5.5 pounds. FSIS is taking this action in response to a petition submitted by the National Chicken Council.
Margin Protection Program for Dairy
Document Number: 2016-08482
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation
This rule amends the regulations for the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) to allow dairy operations to update their production history when a son, daughter, grandchild, or spouse of a child or grandchild of a current producer participating in the MPP- Dairy program joins the operation. In addition, this rule provides for a later due date for the payment of the entire premium and clarifies that dairy operations that purchase buy-up coverage on less than 90 percent of their production history will also receive catastrophic coverage on the balance, up to 90 percent of the production history. The rule also makes corrections and clarifications.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.