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

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-31692
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-31532
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-30
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that implemented a recommendation from the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico for the 2016-2017 and subsequent production years from $0.0035 to $0.0010 per pound of assessed weight pistachios handled under the marketing order (order). The Committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of pistachios operating within the area of production. The interim rule was necessary to allow the Committee to reduce its financial reserve while still providing adequate funding to meet program expenses.
Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services Under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA)
Document Number: 2016-31350
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is announcing the fee schedule for official inspection and weighing services performed 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. The USGSA provides GIPSA with the authority to charge and collect reasonable fees to cover the costs of performing official services and the costs associated with managing the program. This action publishes the annual review of fees in Schedule A and the resulting fees that will be effective January 1, 2017.
Newspapers Used for Publication of Legal Notices in the Pacific Northwest Region Which Includes Washington and Oregon
Document Number: 2016-31623
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
This notice provides the list of newspapers that will be used by the Pacific Northwest Region to publish legal notices required under 36 CFR part 218 and 36 CFR part 219. The intended effect of this action is to inform interested members of the public which newspapers will be used by the Forest Service to publish legal notices for public comment, notices for draft decisions and the opportunity to file an administrative review on USDA Forest Service proposals.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA); Farm-to-Fleet Feedstock Program Biofuel Production Incentive (BPI)
Document Number: 2016-31582
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation
In support and for the purposes of the Farm-to-Fleet Program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is announcing that funding is available to pay a BPI to companies that are refining biofuel in the United States from certain domestically grown feedstocks converted to drop-in biofuel. If eligibility requirements are met, subject to availability of funds, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will use CCC funds to pay a per gallon incentive amount for JP-5 and F-76 blended biofuels produced from eligible feedstocks and delivered to the U.S. Department of Navy (U.S. Navy). Up to $50 million of CCC funds is available for obligation through fiscal year (FY) 2018. USDA does not expect funding to be a constraint through FY 2018; however, should there be a demand in excess of $50 million, USDA would consider requesting additional funds be made available for BPI payments. As explained in this NOFA, the BPI payment rate will range between 8.335 to 25 cents per blended gallon of biofuel depending on the blended rate; the payment rate will not be based on which eligible feedstock is used to produce the biofuel. The total BPI payment will be determined by multiplying the payment rate by the number of gallons of qualifying biofuel blend delivered under a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy contract. Biofuel vendors that deliver blended biofuel under a DLA Energy contract on behalf of the U.S. Navy that was refined in the United States and was produced from a domestically grown eligible feedstock are referred to in this NOFA as ``claimants'' for the BPI payment. As further specified in the Background of this NOFA and subject to the availability of funds, FSA will make a BPI payment to the claimant upon receipt of the following information: Quantity of delivered biofuel blend, identification of the U.S. produced feedstock from which the biofuel was produced, and the blend rate.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; Okanogan, Chelan and Skagit Counties, Washington; Pack Stock Outfitter Guide Special Use Permits Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2016-31574
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is issuing this notice to advise the public of a 30-day extension to the public comment period on the Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter Guide Special Use Permit Issuance Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). The initial Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on November 25, 2016, and established a public comment period from November 25, 2016 through January 9, 2017. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is hereby extending the deadline for submitting public comments on this matter to February 8, 2017.
Sitka/Tenakee Springs/Port Alexander Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-31509
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Sitka/Tenakee Springs/Port Alexander Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Sitka, Alaska. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110-343) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to provide training to the public regarding Title II of the Secure Rural Act and the process for new project proposals
Notice of Request for Renewal and Revision of an Information Collection; Commercial Transportation of Equines for Slaughter
Document Number: 2016-31416
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-28
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 renewal and revision of an information collection associated with the regulations for the commercial transportation of equines for slaughter.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2016-31409
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agencies' intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for 7 CFR part 1942, subpart A, ``Community Facility Loans.''
2017 Rate Changes for the Basetime, Overtime, Holiday, and Laboratory Services Rates
Document Number: 2016-31255
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing the 2017 rates it will charge meat and poultry establishments, egg products plants, and importers and exporters for providing voluntary, overtime, and holiday inspection and identification, certification, and laboratory services. The 2017 basetime, overtime, holiday, and laboratory services rates will be applied on February 5, 2017.
Notice of Request for Revision of an Approved Information Collection (Procedures for the Notification of New Technology and Requests for Waivers)
Document Number: 2016-31252
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to request a revision of the approved information collection regarding the procedures for notifying the Agency about new technology and requests for waivers because the OMB approval will expire on April 30, 2017. Based on the latest available data, FSIS has increased its total annual burden estimate by 9,184 hours to account for in-plant trials, and monthly data collection and recordkeeping for establishments operating under a waiver.
Notice of Request for Revision of an Approved Information Collection (Sanitation SOPs and Pathogen Reduction/HACCP)
Document Number: 2016-31246
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to request a revision of the approved information collection regarding Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (Sanitation SOPs), pathogen testing and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems requirements because the OMB approval will expire on April 30, 2017. FSIS has increased its total annual burden estimate by 781,956 hours as a result of new available data.
Information Collection: Special Use Administration.
Document Number: 2016-31214
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the extension with revision of a currently approved information collection, Special Use Administration.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed collection; Comment Request-Study of Non-Response to the School Meals Application Verification Process
Document Number: 2016-31181
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
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 information collection. This is a new collection for the Study of Non-Response to the School Meals Application Verification Process.
Notice of Availability of the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Draft 2016-2017 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment for Review and Public Comment
Document Number: 2016-31064
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Deepwater Horizon Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies for the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group (MS TIG) have prepared a Draft 2016-2017 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment (Draft RP/EA). The Draft RP/ EA describes and proposes restoration project alternatives and proposed projects considered by the MS TIG to restore natural resources and ecological services injured or lost as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The proposed projects are consistent with the restoration alternatives selected in the Final Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan/Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PDARP/PEIS). The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the availability of the Draft RP/EA and to seek public comments on the document.
Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
Document Number: 2016-30861
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This document contains technical corrections to the Code of Federal Regulations regarding the final rule published in the Federal Register on July 29, 2016, ``Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.''
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities
Document Number: 2016-30857
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
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 an extension of approval of an information collection associated with regulations for permanent, privately owned horse quarantine facilities.
Nominations Open for the Vacancies on the National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant and Fetal Nutrition
Document Number: 2016-30849
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
FNS is seeking nominations for 9 vacancies on the National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant and Fetal Nutrition (Council). The Council is composed of 24 members. Members of the Council from outside USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are appointed for 3-year terms. State and local officials may serve only during their official tenure. Parent participants are appointed for 2- year terms. Members appointed from USDA and HHS serve at the pleasure of their respective Secretaries. The Council studies the operation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and related programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Categories of membership are specified by law. To ensure a balance of differing views, Council members are drawn from Federal, State and local governments, industry, and organizations with a common interest in the management of WIC and CSFP, including parent participants in both programs. The vacant positions include:
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Veterinary Services National Import Export Services Customer Service Survey Project
Document Number: 2016-30848
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
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 to evaluate service delivery by the National Import Export Services to the public.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-30833
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Document Number: 2016-30772
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation
The Farm Service Agency (FSA), on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), is announcing the availability of $12.5 million per year for fiscal year (FY) 2017 and 2018 under the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) for eligible certified organic and transitional producers and handlers. FSA is announcing the opportunity for States to apply in FY 2017 to administer the OCCSP program for FY 2017. States that establish an agreement for FY 2017 may be given the opportunity to extend their agreement and receive additional funds to administer the program in FY 2018; FSA has not yet determined whether an additional application period will be announced for FY 2018 for State agencies that do not establish an agreement to administer the program for FY 2017. In this document, FSA is providing the requirements for producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP payments, and for State agencies to establish agreements to receive funds in order to provide cost share assistance to eligible producers and handlers.
Virginia Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-30729
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Roanoke, VA. 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: www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-30672
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-30654
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Vegetables
Document Number: 2016-30619
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising 18 U.S. grade standards for canned vegetables issued on or before August 3, 1998. AMS is replacing the two-term grading system (dual nomenclature) with a single term to describe each quality level for the grade standards identified in this document. Terms using the letter grade will be retained and the descriptive term will be eliminated. For example, grade standards using the term ``U.S. Grade A'' or ``U.S. Fancy'' will be revised to use only the term ``U.S. Grade A.'' Likewise, grade standards using the term ``U.S. Grade B'' or ``U.S. Extra Standard'' will be revised to use the single term ``U.S. Grade B.'' These changes will bring the grade standards in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and provide guidance in the effective use of these products. Editorial changes will also be made to the grade standards that conform to recent changes made in other grade standards.
Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Proposed Amendment to Marketing Order 929 and Referendum Order
Document Number: 2016-30571
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule proposes an amendment to Marketing Order No. 929 (order), which regulates the handling of cranberries grown in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York. The amendment is based on a proposal made by the Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee), which is responsible for the local administration of the order. The amendment would authorize the Committee to receive and expend voluntary contributions from domestic sources. Contributed funds would be used solely for research and development activities authorized under the order and would be free from any encumbrances as to their usage by the donor.
Revisions to Inspection Application Requirements
Document Number: 2016-30570
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends the inspection, certification and standards requirements for fresh fruits, vegetables and other products and processed fruits and vegetables, processed products and certain other processed food products (7 CFR parts 51 and 52) by adding an option to allow for electronic submissions of inspection applications. This rule also eliminates outdated terminology referencing submission of inspection applications by telegraph.
Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority
Document Number: 2016-29976
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Inspector General (OIG) amends its regulation relating to organization, functions, and delegations of authority. The amendments are necessary to reflect reorganizations within OIG.
Confidentiality Pledge Revision Notice
Document Number: 2016-30658
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Under 44 U.S.C. 3506(e), and 44 U.S.C. 3501, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is renewing a revision to the confidentiality pledge it provides to its respondents under CIPSEA and Title 7, Chapter 55, Section 2276. This renewal will be valid for three years. The revision was originally approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 1, 2016 under an emergency request. The original request was warranted by the passage and implementation of provisions of the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 (H.R. 2029, Division N, Title II, Subtitle B, Sec. 223), which permits and requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide federal civilian agencies' information technology systems with cybersecurity protection for their Internet traffic. More details on this announcement are presented in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Promotion
Document Number: 2016-30621
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This final rule implements Section 4018 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. Section 4018 created new limitations on the use of Federal funds authorized in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended (FNA), for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) promotion and outreach activities. Specifically, Section 4018 of the 2014 Farm Bill prohibits the use of Federal funds appropriated in the FNA from being used for: recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to apply for SNAP benefits; television, radio, or billboard advertisements that are designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment; or agreements with foreign governments designed to promote SNAP benefits and enrollment. The prohibition on using funds appropriated under the FNA for television, radio, or billboard advertisements does not apply to Disaster SNAP. Section 4018 also prohibits any entity that receives funds under the FNA from compensating any person engaged in outreach or recruitment activities based on the number of individuals who apply to receive SNAP benefits. Lastly, Section 4018 modifies Section 16(a)(4) of the FNA to prohibit the Federal government from paying administrative costs associated with recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to apply for program benefits or that promote the program through television, radio, or billboard advertisements. This final rule also impacts the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), both of which receive funding and/or foods authorized under the FNA.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
Document Number: 2016-30600
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) are sponsoring a public meeting on January 24, 2017. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States (U.S.) positions that will be discussed at the 25th Session of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 27-March 3, 2017. 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 25th Session of the CCFO and to address items on the agenda.
Notice of Request for a New Information Collection: In-Home Food Safety Behaviors and Consumer Education: Annual Observational Study
Document Number: 2016-30599
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intention to collect information in the form of observational studies to inform the development of food safety communication products and to evaluate public health education and communication activities.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-30567
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Unfair Practices and Undue Preferences in Violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act
Document Number: 2016-30430
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) is proposing to amend the regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and supplemented (P&S Act). The proposed amendments will clarify the conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or live poultry dealers that GIPSA considers unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive and a violation of section 202(a) of the P&S Act. The proposed amendments will also identify criteria that the Secretary will consider in determining whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or live poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage and a violation of section 202(b) of the P&S Act. This proposed rule identifies the conduct or action that is a per se violation of section 202(a) of the P&S Act, includes an illustrative list of conduct or action, absent demonstration of a legitimate business justification, GIPSA believes is unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive and a violation of section 202(a) of the P&S Act regardless of harm to competition, and clarifies that any conduct or action that harms or is likely to harm competition is a violation of section 202(a) of the P&S Act. The proposed rule also includes criteria the Secretary will consider in determining whether conduct or action constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage and a violation of section 202(b) of the P&S Act.
Poultry Grower Ranking Systems
Document Number: 2016-30429
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) is proposing to amend the regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and supplemented (P&S Act). The proposed amendments will identify criteria that the Secretary may consider when determining whether a live poultry dealer's use of a poultry grower ranking system for ranking poultry growers for settlement purposes is unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive or gives an undue or unreasonable preference, advantage, prejudice, or disadvantage. The proposed amendments will also clarify that absent demonstration of a legitimate business justification, failing to use a poultry grower ranking system in a fair manner after applying the identified criteria is unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive and a violation of section 202(a) of the P&S Act regardless of whether it harms or is likely to harm competition.
Scope of Sections 202(a) and (b) of the Packers and Stockyards Act
Document Number: 2016-30424
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) is amending the regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and supplemented (P&S Act). GIPSA is adding a paragraph addressing the scope of sections 202(a) and (b) of the P&S Act. This interim final rule clarifies that conduct or action may violate sections 202(a) and (b) of the P&S Act without adversely affecting, or having a likelihood of adversely affecting, competition. This interim final rule reiterates USDA's longstanding interpretation that not all violations of the P&S Act require a showing of harm or likely harm to competition. The regulations would specifically provide that the scope of section 202(a) and (b) encompasses conduct or action that, depending on their nature and the circumstances, can be found to violate the P&S Act without a finding of harm or likely harm to competition. This interim final rule finalizes a proposed amendment that GIPSA published on June 22, 2010. GIPSA is now publishing as an interim final rule what was proposed on June 22, 2010, with slight modifications, in order to allow additional comment on these provisions.
Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-30303
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that implemented a recommendation from the California Date Administrative Committee (committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the committee for the 2016-17 and subsequent crop years from $0.10 to $0.05 per hundredweight of dates handled under the marketing order (order). The committee locally administers the order and is comprised of producers and handlers of dates operating within the area of production. The interim rule was necessary to allow the committee to reduce its financial reserve while still providing adequate funding to meet program expenses.
Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-30302
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-2017 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.15 to $0.25 per ton of Washington cherries handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order and is comprised of growers and handlers of cherries operating within the production area. Assessments upon cherry handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the marketing order. The fiscal period begins April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.
Almonds Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-30264
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) for an increase of 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) is available as credit-back for handlers who conduct their own promotional activities. The assessment rate will return to $0.03 for the 2019-20 and subsequent crop years, and the amount available for handler credit- back will 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 began on August 1 and ends on July 31. The $0.04 assessment rate will remain in effect until July 31, 2019. Beginning August 1, 2019, the assessment rate will return to $0.03 and will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated. Two comments period were provided to interested individuals. Comments will be addressed later in this document.
Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations
Document Number: 2016-30463
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is establishing January 1, 2020, as the uniform compliance date for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations that are issued between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. FSIS periodically announces uniform compliance dates for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations to minimize the economic impact of label changes.
Notice of Request for an Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Interstate Movement of Certain Land Tortoises
Document Number: 2016-30458
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
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 an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the regulations for the interstate movement of certain land tortoises.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Table Eggs From Regions Where Newcastle Disease Exists and Exportation of Poultry and Hatching Eggs
Document Number: 2016-30456
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
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 regulations for the importation of table eggs from regions where Newcastle disease exists and exportation of poultry and hatching eggs from the United States.
Deschutes Provincial Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-30449
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Deschutes Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) will meet in Bend, Oregon. 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/detail/deschutes/workingtogether/advisorycomm ittees.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland; Wyoming; Thunder Basin National Grassland Prairie Dog Amendment Environmental Impact Statement; Cancellation
Document Number: 2016-30440
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
On September 13, 2013, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Thunder Basin National Grassland Prairie Dog Amendment on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland was published in the Federal Register (78 FR 56650). The Forest Service has decided to cancel the preparation of this EIS. The NOI is hereby rescinded.
Roadless Area Conservation; National Forest System Lands in Colorado
Document Number: 2016-30406
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reinstating the North Fork Coal Mining Area exception to the Colorado Roadless Rule. The Colorado Roadless Rule is a State-specific rule that establishes management direction for the conservation of roadless area values and characteristics across approximately 4.2 million acres of land located within the State of Colorado in Roadless Areas on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The North Fork Coal Mining Area exception to the Colorado Roadless Rule provides for the construction of temporary roads, if needed, for coal exploration and coal-related surface activities in the 19,700-acre area defined as the North Fork Coal Mining Area. The Colorado Roadless Rule was promulgated on July 3, 2012, but the U.S. District Court for the State of Colorado ruled that the environmental analysis performed by the U.S. Forest Service on behalf of the USDA pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act was deficient. The Forest Service prepared a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to respond to the specific deficiencies identified in that U.S. District Court ruling. In addition, an administrative correction is being conducted by the USDA for Colorado Roadless Area (CRA) boundaries associated with the North Fork Coal Mining Area based on updated information. The correction adds an additional 200 acres to the roadless area in the 2012 Colorado Roadless Rule. These boundary corrections address changes identified by new road survey information.
Walnuts Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2016-30307
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the California Walnut Board (Board) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0379 to $0.0465 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts. The Board locally administers the marketing order and is comprised of growers and handlers of walnuts operating within the area of production. Assessments upon walnut handlers are used by the Board to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The marketing year began on September 1 and ends August 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
National Forest System Land Management Planning
Document Number: 2016-30191
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is amending regulations pertaining to the National Forest System Land Management Planning. This final rule amends the 2012 rule and is intended to clarify the Department's direction for plan amendments, including direction for amending land management plans developed under the 1982 rule.
General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan; Intent To Reestablish
Document Number: 2016-30124
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are giving notice that the Secretary of Agriculture intends to reestablish the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (Committee) for a 2-year period. The Secretary of Agriculture has determined that the Committee is necessary and in the public interest.
Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-30118
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
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.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-30060
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture
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