Department of Agriculture July 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 83
Mountain Run Watershed Dam No. 50, Culpeper County, Virginia
Pursuant to Section 102[2][c] of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations, NRCS gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Mountain Run Watershed Dam No. 50, Culpeper County, Virginia.
Request for Nominations of Members for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board and Specialty Crop Committee
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., the United States Department of Agriculture announces the solicitation for nominations to fill vacancies on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board and its subcommittees. There are 7 vacancies on the NAREEE Advisory Board, 3 vacancies on the Specialty Crop Committee, 4 vacancies on the National Genetics Advisory Council, and 6 vacancies on the Citrus Disease Committee.
Ontonagon Resource Advisory Committee
The Ontonagon Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Ewen, Michigan. The Committee is meeting as 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 the 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=001t0000002JcvqAAC.
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.
Assessment Report of Ecological, Social and Economic Conditions, Trends and Sustainability for the Manti-La Sal National Forest
The Manti-La Sal National Forest (Forest), located in central and southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, is initiating the first phase of the Forest Planning process pursuant to the 2012 National Forest System Land Management Planning rule (36 CFR part 219). This process will result in a revised forest land management plan (Forest Plan) which provides strategic direction for management of resources on the Manti-La Sal National Forest for the next fifteen years. The first phase of the planning process involves assessing ecological, social and economic conditions and trends in the planning area and documenting the findings in an Assessment report. The Assessment phase is just beginning on the Manti-La Sal National Forest and interested parties are invited to contribute to the development of the Assessment. The Forest will be hosting public meetings to explain the revision process and invite the public to share information relevant to the Assessment. At the public meetings the Forest will seek sources of existing information and local knowledge of current conditions and trends in the natural resources, social values, and goods and services produced by lands within the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
Information Collection; Forest Industries and Logging Operations Data Collection Systems
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the renewal of a currently approved information collection, Forest Industries and Residential Fuelwood and Post Data Collection Systems with a revision adding a Logging Operations Data Collection System.
Reauthorization of the United States Grain Standards Act
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is revising existing regulations and adding new regulations under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended, in order to comply with amendments to the USGSA made by the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act of 2015. Specifically, this rulemaking eliminates mandatory barge weighing, removes the discretion for emergency waivers of inspection and weighing, revises GIPSA's fee structure, revises exceptions to official agency geographic boundaries, extends the length of licenses and designations, and imposes new requirements for delegated States.
National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Eliminating Applications Through Community Eligibility as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
This final rule establishes requirements for State agencies, local educational agencies, and schools operating the Community Eligibility Provision, a reimbursement option that allows the service of school meals to all children at no-cost in high poverty schools without collecting household applications. By eliminating the household application process and streamlining meal counting and claiming procedures through the Community Eligibility Provision, local educational agencies may substantially reduce administrative burden related to operating the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This rule codifies many requirements that were implemented through policy guidance following enactment of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, as well as provisions of the proposed rule. These requirements will result in consistent, national implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision.
Administrative Reviews in the School Nutrition Programs
As required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, this final rule revises the State agency's administrative review process in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program to establish a unified accountability system designed to ensure that school food authorities offering school meals comply with program requirements. The updated administrative review process includes new procedures, retains key existing requirements from the Coordinated Review Effort and the School Meals Initiative, provides new review flexibilities and efficiencies for State agencies, and simplifies fiscal action procedures. In addition to establishing a unified administrative review process, this rule requires State Agencies public disclosure of a summary of the administrative review results. These changes are expected to strengthen program integrity through a more robust, effective, and transparent process for monitoring school nutrition program operations.
Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
This final rule requires all local educational agencies that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to meet expanded local school wellness policy requirements consistent with the requirements set forth in section 204 of the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010. The final rule requires each local educational agency to establish minimum content requirements for the local school wellness policies, ensure stakeholder participation in the development and updates of such policies, and periodically assess and disclose to the public schools' compliance with the local school wellness policies. These regulations are expected to result in local school wellness policies that strengthen the ability of a local educational agency to create a school nutrition environment that promotes students' health, well-being, and ability to learn. In addition, these regulations will increase transparency for the public with regard to school wellness policies and contribute to integrity in the school nutrition program.
National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
This rule adopts as final, with some modifications, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program regulations set forth in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on June 28, 2013. The requirements addressed in this rule conform to the provisions in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 regarding nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools, other than food sold under the lunch and breakfast programs. Most provisions of this final rule were implemented on July 1, 2014, a full year subsequent to publication of the interim final rule. This was in compliance with section 208 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which required that State and local educational agencies have at least one full school year from the date of publication of the interim final rule to implement the competitive food provisions. Based on comments received on the interim final rule and implementation experience, this final rule makes a few modifications to the nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools implemented on July 1, 2014. In addition, this final rule codifies specific policy guidance issued after publication of the interim rule. Finally, this rule retains the provision related to the standard for total fat as interim and requests further comment on this single standard.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intent to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Tart Cherries Grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin, pursuant to Marketing Order No. 930.
Horse Protection; Licensing of Designated Qualified Persons and Other Amendments
We are proposing to amend the horse protection regulations to provide that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will train and license Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to inspect horses at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions for compliance with the Horse Protection Act. DQPs are currently trained and licensed through programs certified by APHIS and initiated and maintained by horse industry organizations (HIOs). Under this proposal, APHIS will train and license DQPs on an individual basis. The proposed changes to the regulations would relieve HIOs of all regulatory burdens and requirements. We would also establish a process by which APHIS could revoke the license of a DQP for professional misconduct or failure to conduct inspections in accordance with the regulations. We would establish requirements to minimize conflicts of interest between DQPs and others within the horse industry that enable the practice of soring. We are also proposing several changes to the responsibilities of management of horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, as well as changes to the list of devices, equipment, substances, and practices that can cause soring or are otherwise prohibited under the Horse Protection Act and regulations. Additionally, we are proposing to amend the inspection procedures that DQPs are required to perform. These actions would strengthen existing requirements intended to protect horses from the unnecessary and cruel practice of soring and eliminate unfair competition.
National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee; Meeting
We are giving notice of a meeting of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee.
Public Availability of FY 2015 Service Contract Inventories
In accordance with Section 743 of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), Department of Agriculture is publishing this notice to advise the public of the availability of the FY 2015 Services Contracts Inventory. This inventory provides information on FY 2015 service contract actions over $25,000. The information is organized by function to show how contracted resources are distributed throughout the agency. The inventory has been developed in accordance with guidance issued on November 5, 2010, by the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). OFPP's guidance is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/procurement /memo/ service-contract-inventories-guidance-11052010.pdf. The Department of Agriculture has posted its inventory and a summary of the inventory on the Office of Procurement and Property Management homepage at the following link: https://www.dm.usda.gov/ procurement/.
Pike/San Isabel National Forests; Colorado; Pike/San Isabel National Forests Travel Management Plan
The Forest Service proposes to undertake motorized travel management planning to designate roads, trails, and areas open to public motorized vehicle use on the six districts of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests (PSI), pursuant to 36 CFR part 212, subpart B. The proposed road and trail environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluation and record of decision (ROD) will determine which roads and trails will be designated or re-designated for public motorized use and published on future motor vehicle use maps (MVUMs), as described in subpart B of the Travel Management Final Rule, dated November 9, 2005. The PSI's MVUMs display all roads and motorized trails open to the public for motorized use. This action is in direct response to the PSI MVUM settlement agreement (hereafter referred to as the settlement agreement), which is the culmination of a multi-year lawsuit brought against the Forest Service by The Wilderness Society, Quiet Use Coalition, Wildlands CPR, Center for Native Ecosystems and Great Old Broads for Wilderness. The Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, which are administered in conjunction with the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, will not be included in this EIS. Scoping Process: Scoping is an ongoing process used to identify important issues and determine the extent of analysis necessary for an informed decision on a proposed action. This Notice of Intent (NOI) serves as formal initiation of the scoping process. The Forest Service is seeking comments from individuals, organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies that may be interested in or affected by the proposed action (described below). Comments may pertain to the nature and scope of the environmental, social, and economic issues, and possible alternatives related to the development of the travel management plan and EIS. Scoping notices have been sent to potentially affected persons and those that have expressed a continued interest in this project. Other interested individuals, organizations, or agencies may have their names added to the mailing list for this project at any time by submitting a request to the PSI Forest Planner, John Dow at 719-553-1476 (jrdow@fs.fed.us).
North Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee
The North Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Salkum, Washington. 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/giffordpinchot/workingtogether/advisoryc ommittees.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (the Program) to provide guaranteed loans to fund the development, construction, and Retrofitting of commercial scale biorefineries using Eligible technology and of Biobased product manufacturing facilities that use technologically new commercial scale processing and manufacturing equipment to convert Renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products, on a commercial scale.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Repowering Assistance Program
This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Repowering Assistance Program to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in the operation of eligible biorefineries. To be eligible for payments, biorefineries must have been in existence on or before June 18, 2008.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food
The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are sponsoring a public meeting on September 22, 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 23rd Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), taking place in Houston, Texas, October 17-21, 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 23rd Session of the CCRVDF and to address items on the agenda.
Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
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.
Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
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: http:/ /www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/specialprojects/racweb.
Missoula Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
The Missoula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Frenchtown, 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://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lolo/ workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
Gogebic Resource Advisory Committee
The Gogebic Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Watersmeet, Michigan. The Committee is meeting as 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 the 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=001t0000002JcvaAAC.
Assessment Report of Ecological, Social and Economic Conditions, Trends and Sustainability for the Ashley National Forest
The Ashley National Forest (Forest), located in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, is initiating the first phase of the forest planning process pursuant to the National Forest System Land Management Planning rule (36 CFR part 219). This process will result in a revised forest land management plan (forest plan) which provides strategic direction for management of resources on the Ashley National Forest for the next ten to fifteen years. The first phase of the planning process involves assessing ecological, social and economic conditions and trends in the planning area and documenting the findings in an assessment report. The assessment phase is just beginning on the Ashley National Forest and interested parties are invited to contribute to the development of the assessment. The Forest will be hosting public meetings to explain the revision process and invite the public to share information relevant to the assessment, including sources of existing information and local knowledge of current conditions and trends in the natural resources, social values, and goods and services produced by lands within the Ashley National Forest.
Procurement Methods; Correction
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is correcting its portion of USDA's uniform federal assistance final rule, that was published in the Federal Register on February 16, 2016 (81 FR 7695) by revising the procurement methods section.
Information Collection Request; Registration Form To Request Electronic Access Code Information
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506), this notice announces and requests comments on the intention of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to request approval for the continuation of and changes to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Registration Form to Request Electronic Access Code information collection to allow USDA customers to securely and confidently share data and receive services electronically. Authority for obtaining information from customers is included in the Freedom to E-File Act, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN, the E-Government Act of 2002. Customer information is collected through the USDA eAuthentication Service (eAuth), located at https://www.eauth.usda.gov. The USDA eAuth service provides both public citizens as well as federal government employees with a secure single sign-on capability for USDA applications, management of user credentials, and verification of identity, authorization, and electronic signatures. USDA's eAuth Application service obtains customer information through an electronic self-registration process provided through the eAuth Web site. This voluntary online self-registration process and online identity proofing service (either in person at a USDA Service Center or online with national credit bureaus) enables USDA customers, as well as employees, to obtain accounts as authorized users that will provide single sign-on capability, self-registration, and account management to access USDA Web applications and services via the Internet.
Newspapers Used for Publication of Legal Notices in the Southwestern Region, Which Includes Arizona, New Mexico, and Parts of Oklahoma and Texas
This notice lists the newspapers that will be used by all Ranger Districts, Grasslands, Forests, and the Regional Office of the Southwestern Region to publish legal notices required under 36 CFR 218 and 219. The intended effect of this action is to inform interested members of the public which newspapers the Forest Service will use to publish notices of proposed actions, notices of decision, and notices of opportunity to file an objection or appeal. This will provide the public with constructive notice of Forest Service proposals and decisions, provide information on the procedures to comment, appeal, or object, and establish the date that the Forest Service will use to determine if comments, appeals, or objections were timely.
New Mexico Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel
The New Mexico Collaborative Forest Restoration Program (CFRP) Technical Advisory Panel (Panel) will meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Panel is established consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C. App. II), and Title VI of the Community Forest Restoration Act (Pub. L. 106-393). Additional information concerning the Panel, including the meeting summary/minutes, can be found by visiting the Panel's Web site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/cfrp.
National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures
We are proposing to amend the regulations that set out our National Environmental Policy Act implementing procedures. The amendments include clarifying and amending the categories of action for which we would normally complete an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment for an action, expanding the list of actions subject to categorical exclusion from further environmental documentation, and setting out an environmental documentation process that could be used in emergencies. The proposed changes are intended to update the regulations and improve their clarity and effectiveness.
Delta-Bienville Resource Advisory Committee
The Delta-Bienville Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Forest, Mississippi. 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:// fsplaces.fs.fed.us/fsfiles/unit/wo/secure_rural_schools.nsf/R AC/ ADA00765529071A58825754A0055730D?OpenDocument.
Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to Oregon State University of Corvallis, Oregon, an exclusive license to the variety of red raspberry described in U.S. Plant Patent Application Serial No. 14/999,027, ``RED RASPBERRY PLANT NAMED `KOKANEE','' filed on March 22, 2016.
Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Single Label Claim for Veterinary Biological Products
In a final rule published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2015, and effective on September 8, 2015, we amended the Virus-Serum- Toxin Act regulations to provide for the use of a simpler labeling format that would better communicate product performance to the user. Among other things, we provided the address of a Web site for accessing transmittal forms to be used with each submission of sketches and labels. However, the Web site address provided is incorrect. Therefore, we are amending the regulations to provide the correct address.
Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Withdrawal for a Continuance Referendum
On February 23, 2016, a document directing that a referendum be conducted in August 2016 among eligible domestic manufacturers and importers of softwood lumber to determine whether they favor continuance of the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order) was published in the Federal Register (81 FR 8822). The document is hereby withdrawn. The referendum has been postponed until a future date to be determined by the Secretary.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-FDPIR Nutrition Paraprofessional Training Assessment for Indian Tribal Organizations
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 information collection for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Designation for the West Sacramento, CA; and Richmond, VA Areas
GIPSA is announcing the designation of California Agri Inspection Co., Ltd. (California Agri); and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Virginia) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended.
Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Star Apple Fruit From Vietnam Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with importation of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam into the continental United States. Based on the analysis, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam. We are making the pest risk analysis available to the public for review and comment.
Final Directive for National Saw Program
The Forest Service is publishing a final directive revising Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2350 to establish training, evaluation, and certification requirements for the use of chain saws and crosscut saws on National Forest System (NFS) lands. In addition, the Agency is revising Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 6709.11, section 22.48 (Safety Handbook), to remove duplicate text. The final directive applies to the use of chain saws and crosscut saws by Forest Service and other governmental employees, volunteers, training consultants, and cooperators on NFS lands.
International Trade Data System Test Concerning the Electronic Submission to the Automated Commercial Environment of Data Using the Partner Government Agency Message Set
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is advising the public that a pilot plan to test and assess the International Trade Data System for the electronic submission of data required by APHIS Animal Care, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Plant Protection and Quarantine, and Veterinary Services for processing in the Automated Commercial Environment has proven successful and will end on August 15, 2016. After this date, all submissions of APHIS-required data must be submitted in accordance with the procedures on the CBP Web site.
Rural Business Lending National Stakeholder Forum 2016-Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an Agency within USDA Rural Development, is holding a forum to introduce the updated Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loanmaking and Servicing Regulations, as published in the Federal Register Friday, June 3, 2016. Major changes to the program include strengthened criteria for non- regulated lender participation, provisions for New Markets Tax Credit and Cooperative Stock Purchase Program, and modified loan scoring criteria. Speakers from the Agency will discuss the new rule to educate lenders and borrowers on changes to program eligibility and servicing. The National Stakeholder Forum can be attended via webinar or in person.
Requirements for the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Veal Calves
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending its regulations on ante-mortem inspection to remove a provision that permits establishments to set apart and hold for treatment veal calves that are unable to rise from a recumbent position and walk because they are tired or cold. FSIS is also amending its regulations to require all non-ambulatory disabled cattle to be promptly disposed of after they have been condemned. In addition, after review and consideration of comments to the proposed rule, FSIS is amending the regulations by removing a provision that requires ante-mortem inspection to be conducted in pens. This final rule makes clear that FSIS inspectors have the authority to conduct ante-mortem inspection and condemn non- ambulatory disabled veal calves the moment they arrive on the premises of the establishment. These amendments will improve compliance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978 (HMSA) and the humane slaughter implementing regulations. The amendments will also improve the Agency's inspection efficiency by eliminating the time that FSIS inspectors spend re-inspecting non-ambulatory disabled veal calves.
Importation of Sheep, Goats, and Certain Other Ruminants
We are proposing to amend the regulations that govern the importation of animals and animal products to revise the conditions for the importation of live sheep, goats, and certain other non-bovine ruminants, and products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie. We are proposing to remove BSE- related import restrictions on sheep and goats and most of their products, and to add import restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for certain wild, zoological, or other non- bovine ruminant species. The conditions we are proposing for the importation of specified commodities are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will in general align our regulations with guidelines set out in the World Organization for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Almonds Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 through the 2018-19 crop years from $0.03 to $0.04 per pound of almonds handled under the marketing order (order). Of the $0.04 per pound assessment, 60 percent (or $0.024 per pound) would be available as credit-back for handlers who conduct their own promotional activities. The assessment rate would return to $0.03 for the 2019-20 and subsequent crop years, and the amount available for handler credit-back would return to $0.018 per pound (60 percent). The Board locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers of almonds grown in California. Assessments upon almond handlers are used by the Board to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year begins August 1 and ends July 31. The $0.04 assessment rate would remain in effect until July 31, 2019. Beginning August 1, 2019, the assessment rate would return to $0.03 and would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Notice of New Fee Site
The Carson National Forest is proposing to charge a $100 fee for the overnight rental of the Amole Canyon Group Shelter. This facility has been recently constructed and has not been available for recreation use prior to this date. Rentals of other shelters in the Taos and Santa Fe area have shown that people appreciate and enjoy the availability of group meeting places for events and for family gatherings. Funds from the shelter reservation will be used for the continued operation and maintenance of the facility. These fees are only proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and public comment.
Olives Grown in California; Suspension and Revision of Incoming Size-Grade Requirements
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Olive Committee (Committee) to suspend the incoming size-grade authority under the California olive marketing order (order), which regulates the handling of olives in California. The rule also makes conforming changes to the corresponding size-grade requirements in the order's rules and regulations to adapt them to the suspension. The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of California olive producers and handlers operating within the production area. The suspension and revisions are intended to allow the Committee time to develop new incoming size-grade authority that will reflect currently- available technology and meet the industry's future needs.
Fishlake Resource Advisory Committee
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.
Cherokee Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
The Cherokee Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Alcoa, Tennessee. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (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/pts/.
Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information; Beef Promotion and Research; Amendments To Allow Redirection of State Assessments to the National Program; Technical Amendments
This proposed rule would amend the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Soybean Order) and the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Beef Order) to add provisions allowing soybean and beef producers to request, under certain circumstances, that their assessments paid to a State board or council authorized under their respective statutes, be redirected to the national program. The proposed rule also would make technical amendments to the Beef Order.
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