Department of Agriculture June 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 104
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Amending Importer Line-Item De Minimis
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations to remove the cotton import de minimis provision. The Cotton Research and Promotion (R&P) Program assesses U.S. cotton producers and importers of cotton and cotton- containing products. Importers are exempt from paying the cotton import assessment (known commonly among importers as the ``cotton fee'') if a line item on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) documentation is $2.00 or less. The exemption was initially established to lessen the administrative burden of collecting an import assessment, which was originally estimated to be $2.00 per line item, in instances in which the transactions costs of the collection would exceed the actual value of the assessment; however, technological advances in the CBP documentation process significantly reduced the transactions costs associated with collecting import assessments, and CBP has since stopped charging USDA for the processing and collecting of assessments. Given that transactions costs no longer exceed assessment rates of $2.00 or less, AMS is removing this de minimis provision from the regulations. In addition, the definition of cotton with respect to procedures for conducting the sign-up period is being modified.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Revision of Optimum Supply Requirements and Establishment of Inventory Release Procedures
This proposed rule would implement recommendations from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) to add inventory release procedures and revise optimum supply 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. This rule would establish procedures for releasing inventory from reserves and increase the maximum carry-out volume available when calculating optimum supply from 20 million pounds to 100 million pounds. These changes would provide clear procedures should an inventory release be necessary and would provide more flexibility when calculating optimum supply.
Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board (Board). The meeting is being held to discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to, work and outreach plans, subcommittee activities, and proposals for procedure changes. The meeting is open to the public. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2016-2017 Marketing Year
This rule implements a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee) to establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class, that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2016-2017 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2016. The Far West production area includes the states of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, and designated parts of Nevada and Utah. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 958,711 pounds and 45 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,209,546 pounds and 50 percent, respectively. The Committee locally administers the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West and recommended these salable quantities and allotment percentages to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Relaxation of Container and Pack Requirements
This rule implements a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) to relax the container and pack requirements currently prescribed under the Texas Citrus Marketing Order (order). The order regulates the handling of oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers operating within the production area. This rule adds the word ``approximate'' to the size specifications of three regulated containers to make the language consistent with other containers specified under the order. This change provides uniformity in the descriptions of containers and helps prevent potential compliance violations stemming from slight variations in container dimensions.
Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Late Payment and Interest Charges on Past Due Assessments
This rule prescribes late payment and interest charges on past due assessments under the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). The Order is administered by the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (Board) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the Order, assessments are collected from domestic producers and importers and used for research and promotion projects designed to maintain and expand the market for fresh cut Christmas trees. This rule implements authority contained in the Order that allows the Board to collect late payment and interest charges on past due assessments. Late payment and interest charges will begin to accrue on unpaid assessments beginning 30 days after the effective date of this rule. This action contributes to effective administration of the program. This rule also provides authority for the crop year and fiscal period to be changed through administrative action. These changes were unanimously recommended by the Board.
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule implements a recommendation from the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) for an increase of the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.30 to $0.35 per 55-pound bushel container of Florida avocados handled under the marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers of avocados operating within the area of production. Assessments upon Florida avocado handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period began on April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Hood and Willamette Resource Advisory Committee
The Hood and Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Salem, 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/detail/willamette/workingtogether/advisorycom mittees/ ?cid=STELPRDB5048434.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Live Swine, Pork and Pork Products, and Swine Semen From the European Union
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 regulations for the importation of live swine, pork and pork products, and swine semen from the European Union.
Announcement of Application Deadlines and Requirements for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes Loan Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the application window, requirements and funding for up to $750 million of loan funds available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 under the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification or Telephone Purposes Program (the 313A Program) authorized under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, and related terms. Under the 313A Program, the Federal Financing Bank (FFB) will make loans to the selected applicant(s) and RUS will guarantee the applicant(s)'s repayment of the loans to FFB. Selected applicants may use the proceeds of loan funds made available under the 313A Program to make loans to borrowers for electrification or telecommunications purposes, or to refinance bonds or notes previously issued by applicants for such purposes. The proceeds of the guaranteed bonds and notes are not to be used by applicants to directly or indirectly fund projects for the generation of electricity.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Comment Request-Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a new collection for assisting state agencies to record, track and manage the required training hours in four major areas (Nutrition, Operations, Administration, Communications and Marketing) to meet the requirements of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 Professional Standards Rule. The HHFKA (section 306) requires Professional Standards for state and local school district nutrition professionals. In addition to hiring standards, mandatory annual training will be required for all individuals involved in preparing school meals. To meet the training requirements and assist in keeping track of training courses, FNS is developing a web-based application tool with a SQL- server database which will be made available to local educational agencies and school food authorities through the FNS public Web site. While training requirements are mandatory, using the USDA Tracking Tool is voluntary. School nutrition professionals can use any method to track and manage their trainings. These resources will facilitate compliance with HHFKA requirements and will be provided at no cost to the state, district, or individuals.
Notice of Request for Renewal of a Recordkeeping Burden
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 for renewal a recordkeeping burden for the information collection for the Export Fruit Acts covering exports of apples and grapes.
Notice of Proposed New Fee Site; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to charge a fee at Saddle Lake Recreation Area Campground. This includes a $5 fee at Saddle Lake Campground per site per night year round. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operations and maintenance, and market assessment. The fee is proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and maintenance and improvements of the campground. An analysis of the nearby state campground with similar amenities shows that the proposed fee is reasonable and typical of similar sites in the area.
Chippewa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
The Chippewa National Forest (NF) Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Walker Minnesota. 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/chippewa.
Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties Resource Advisory Committee
The Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Sonora, 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/pts/specialprojects/racweb.
Notice of Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393) the Kootenai National Forest's Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Forest Supervisor's Office in Libby, Montana for a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council) will meet via teleconference. The Council is authorized under section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, as amended by title XII, section 1219 of Public Law 101-624 (the Act) (16 U.S.C. 2105g) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. II). Additional information concerning the Council, can be found by visiting the Council's Web site at: https://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/ nucfac.shtml.
Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, intends to grant to Allison Tree, LLC of Verona, Wisconsin, an exclusive license to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/220,773, ``DEVICE TO DETECT STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF TREES AND WOOD USING BOTH STRESS WAVE TIME OF FLIGHT AND FREQUENCY CAPTURES AND LIMITS'' filed on September 18, 2015.
Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions, 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 final rule modifies or clarifies certain definitions, clarifies unit establishment, clarifies substantive provisions for consistency with terminology changes, modifies the insured causes of loss, clarifies required timing for loss notices, modifies portions of loss calculation formulas, and addresses potential misinterpretations or ambiguity related to these issues. The changes will be effective for the 2018 and succeeding crop years.
Sanders Resource Advisory Committee
The Sanders Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Thompson Falls, Montana. 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://cloudapps-usda- gov.force.com/FSSRS/RAC_Page?id=001t0000002JcwJAAS.
Sanders Resource Advisory Committee
The Sanders Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Thompson Falls, Montana. 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=001t0000002JcwJAAS.
Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee
The Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Baker City, 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/pts/specialprojects/racweb.
Notice of New Fee Site; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)
The Coronado National Forest is proposing to charge a $175 fee for the overnight rental of the Sollers Cabin, located on the Santa Catalina Ranger District. The Sollers Cabin has not been available for recreation use prior to this date. Rentals of other cabins on National Forests in Arizona have shown that the public appreciates the enhanced recreational opportunity afforded by these rehabilitated historic structures. Funds from the rental will be used for the continued operation and maintenance of this facility and other properties in the Arizona ``Rooms with a View'' Cabin Rental Program. This fee is only a proposal and will be determined upon further analysis and public comment.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Resource Advisory Committee
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in South Jordan, 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:// www.fs.usda.gov/main/uwcnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees .
Black Hills Resource Advisory Committee
The Black Hills Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Rapid City, South Dakota. 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/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommi ttees.
National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant and Fetal Nutrition; Notice of Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. APP., this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant and Fetal Nutrition. Date and Time: July 12-14, 2016, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Place: The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/ Shirlington, Environment Room, 4271 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Virginia, 22206.
Lincoln National Forest; New Mexico; Integrated Non-Native Invasive Plant Management
The Lincoln National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement to document and disclose projected effects of its management strategy for treating non-native invasive plants (NNIP) across the Forest. This strategy utilizes several management tools, including registered herbicides, biological treatments (biological controls and controlled grazing), and manual and/or mechanical methods. The strategy is adaptive, allowing for the treatment of new NNIP infestations and use of new treatment options, including new herbicides.
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), hereinafter referred to as the Agency, is confirming the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2015, which amends its regulation for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Loan Program).
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA); Cotton Ginning Cost-Share (CGCS) Program Payments to Cotton Producers
This NOFA announces the availability of cost-share funds to certain cotton producers of the United States, specifically for the 2015 cotton crop. Eligible CGCS participants will receive a one-time payment, calculated based on a cost-share not to exceed 40 percent of calculated ginning costs by region, the number of cotton acres that were planted, including failed acreage, for the 2015 crop year, and the percentage of share the participant had in the cotton. Similar to other Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) programs, certain eligibility requirements apply, such as a $40,000 per individual or entity payment limit and a requirement that each participant's 3-year average adjusted gross income (AGI) be $900,000 or less. CGCS Program payments will be made to help the domestic cotton industry find new and improved ways to market cotton.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Mangoes From India Into the Continental United States
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 regulations for the importation of mangoes from India into the continental United States.
Deschutes-Ochoco Resource Advisory Committee
The Deschutes and Ochoco Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Bend, 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/detail/deschutes/workingtogether/advisorycomm ittees.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA), invites comments on this information collection for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
National Organic Program (NOP); Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Proposed Rule; Extension of Comment Period
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on April 13, 2016 (71 FR 21956) on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices. This document extends the comment period for the proposed rule for 30 days from June 13, 2016 to July 13, 2016. Multiple stakeholders requested that AMS extend the comment period due to the complexity and importance of the proposal. AMS is granting an extension.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-Applicability and Scope; Tongass National Forest Submerged Lands
The U.S. District Court for Alaska in its October 17, 2011, order in Peratrovich et al. v. United States and the State of Alaska, 3:92-cv-0734-HRH (D. Alaska), enjoined the United States ``to promptly initiate regulatory proceedings for the purpose of implementing the subsistence provisions in Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) with respect to submerged public lands within Tongass National Forest'' and directed entry of judgment. To comply with the order, the Federal Subsistence Board (Board) must initiate a regulatory proceeding to identify those submerged lands within the Tongass National Forest that did not pass to the State of Alaska at statehood and, therefore, remain Federal public lands subject to the subsistence provisions of ANILCA. Following the Court's decision, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the USDA-Forest Service (USDA-FS) started a review of hundreds of potential pre-statehood (January 3, 1959) withdrawals in the marine waters of the Tongass National Forest. In April and October of 2015, BLM submitted initial lists of submerged public lands to the Board. This proposed rule would add those submerged parcels to the subsistence regulations to ensure compliance with the Court order. Additional listings will be published as BLM and the USDA-FS continue their review of pre-statehood withdrawals.
Child Nutrition Program Integrity; Extension of Comment Period
This rule proposes to codify several provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 affecting the integrity of the Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Special Milk Program for Children, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and State Administrative Expense Funds. The Department is proposing to establish criteria for assessments against State agencies and program operators who jeopardize the integrity of any Child Nutrition Program; establish procedures for termination and disqualification of entities in the SFSP; modify State agency site review requirements in the CACFP; establish State liability for reimbursements incurred as a result of a State's failure to conduct timely hearings in the CACFP; establish criteria for increased State audit funding for CACFP; establish procedures to prohibit the participation of entities or individuals terminated from any of the Child Nutrition Programs; establish serious deficiency and termination procedures for unaffiliated sponsored centers in the CACFP; eliminate cost-reimbursement food service management company contracts in the NSLP; and establish procurement training requirements for State agency and school food authority staff in the NSLP. In addition, this rulemaking would make several operational changes to improve oversight of an institution's financial management and would also include several technical corrections to the regulations. The proposed rule is intended to improve the integrity of all Child Nutrition Programs. The comment period is being extended until July 7, 2016, to provide additional time for interested parties to review and submit comments on this proposed rule.
Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee
The Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) will meet in Wenatchee, Washington. The committee is authorized pursuant to the implementation of E-19 of the Record of Decision and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to provide advice and make recommendations to promote a better integration of forest management activities between Federal and non-Federal entities to ensure that such activities are complementary. PAC information can be found at the following Web site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/okawen/workingtogether/advisoryco mmittees.
Black Hills National Forest, Custer, South Dakota-Rushmore Connector Trail Project
The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), Black Hills National Forest, proposes to issue authorizations for the construction, operation and maintenance of a non-motorized trail connecting the existing George S. Mickelson (Mickelson) Trail near Hill City, South Dakota, to the Blackberry Trailhead at Mount Rushmore National Memorial (the Memorial). New trail construction would extend approximately 14 miles across National Forest System (NFS) land and approximately 1.4 miles across National Park Service (NPS) lands within the Memorial. The trail would be a combination of compacted tread and elevated walkway, with a trail tread of about eight feet and corridor of about twenty feet. The proposed Rushmore Connector Trail would be constructed, operated and maintained by the proponent, State of South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP).
Inviting Applications for Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grants
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces competitive grant funds for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) program, formerly known as the Small Socially- Disadvantaged Producer Grant program, as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Pub. L. 114-113). The purpose of this program is to provide technical assistance to Socially-Disadvantaged Groups in rural areas. Eligible applicants include Cooperatives, Groups of Cooperatives, and Cooperative Development Centers. The Agency is encouraging applications that direct grants to projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater than or equal to 20 percent. This emphasis will support Rural Development's (RD) mission of improving the quality of life for rural Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need them.
Rural Energy Savings Program; Measurement, Verification, Training and Technical Assistance; Correction
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published in the Federal Register, on May 24, 2016, a Notice of Comment Solicitation, Rural Energy Savings Program: Measurement, Verification, Training and Technical Assistance. Inadvertently, an inaccurate citation to the Code of Federal Register (CFR) was included in the Notice. This document removes the inaccurate CFR citation and replaces it with the correct citation to the Federal Register. The corrected citation directs readers to the CFR regulation that describes types of eligible borrowers who are entities that may also participate in the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP).
Forest Resource Coordinating Committee Meeting
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/.
Sabine-Angelina Resource Advisory Committee
The Sabine-Angelina Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Hemphill, Texas. 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=001t0000002JcvCAAS.
Guaranteed Loanmaking and Servicing Regulations
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is an agency within the Rural Development mission area of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for administering the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program. The B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and provides loan guarantees to banks and other approved lenders to finance private businesses located in rural areas. The Agency published a proposed rule on September 15, 2014, that proposed changes to refine the regulations for the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program in an effort to improve program delivery, clarify the regulations to make them easier to understand, and reduce delinquencies. The changes to the program are expected to reduce the subsidy rate and thereby lower program subsidy costs over time as the rule is implemented. By lowering the subsidy rate, the Agency may be able to provide greater leverage for the budget authority provided by Congress. This will allow the Agency to guarantee a higher total dollar amount of loan requests and, assuming the same average size of loans being guaranteed, to guarantee more loans. These changes could also result in increased lending activity, expanded business opportunities, and creation of more jobs in rural areas.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
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 of a currently approved information collection 0581-0263: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC).
Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
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 for an extension and revision of a currently approved information collection for Specialty Crops Market News Division. (This information collection was previously known as Fruit and Vegetable Market News Division. The Agency re-named the Division to Specialty Crops to more accurately reflect the range of commodities reported).
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