Department of Agriculture 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 environmental monitoring.

This proposed rule sets forth the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) intention to pursue one of several actions on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule (FR) published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017, by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). USDA is asking the public to comment on the possible actions USDA should take in regards to the disposition of the FR. The FR amends the organic livestock and poultry production requirements in the USDA organic regulations by adding new provisions for livestock handling and transport for slaughter and avian living conditions; and expands and clarifies existing requirements covering livestock care and production practices and mammalian living conditions. The FR was originally set to take effect on March 20, 2017, and is now being extended to November 14, 2017.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Appeals Division's request for an extension to a currently approved information collection for Customer Service Survey.

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 fresh baby kiwi from Chile into the continental United States.

The Forest Service, USDA, is issuing this notice to advise the public that the Coronado National Forest Supervisor is expected to sign the Record of Decision for the Rosemont Copper Project.

We are updating the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Program Standards document. In a previous notice, we made available to the public for review and comment proposed changes to the NPIP Program Standards document to establish new biosecurity principles, amend testing procedures for Mycoplasma, clarify laboratory procedures for Salmonella, add new diagnostic tests for Mycoplasma and Salmonella, and reduce confusion between references to the regulations and the Program Standards.

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 strawberry described in U.S. Plant Patent Application Serial No. 15/330,507, ``STRAWBERRY PLANT NAMED `MARY'S PEAK','' filed on September 29, 2016.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is publishing as a final rule, a set of general and specific administrative requirements applicable to competitive and non- competitive non-formula programs. The purpose of this final rule is to implement sections of the Agriculture Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79 or the 2014 Farm Bill), making it necessary to add a new section for centers of excellence by modifying Subparts A, B, C and D of the general administrative provisions. Although this final rule becomes effective on the date of publication, NIFA is requesting comments for a 30-day period as identified below.

This Notice announces a series of teleconferences and/or web conference meetings regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Multi-Family Housing program, which will be scheduled on a quarterly basis, but may be held more often at the Agency's discretion. This Notice also outlines suggested discussion topics for the meetings and is intended to notify the general public of their opportunity to participate in the teleconference and/or web conference meetings.

This notice helps to improve applicants' awareness of the Guarantee Fee rates for Guaranteed Loans for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, Maximum Portion of Guarantee Authority Available for FY 2017, Annual Renewal Fee for FY 2017 when applying for guaranteed loans under the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program. The Agency has the authority to charge a guarantee fee and an annual renewal fee for loans made under the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program. Pursuant to that authority, and subject to the current Continuing Resolution, the Agency is establishing an initial guarantee fee rate of 3 percent and an annual renewal fee rate of one-half of 1 percent for the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program. The initial guarantee fee is paid at the time the Loan Note Guarantee is issued. The annual renewal fee is paid by the lender to the Agency once a year. Payment of the annual renewal fee is required in order to maintain the enforceability of the guarantee.

We are giving notice that the Secretary of Agriculture is soliciting nominations for the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee.

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 credit account approval for reimbursable services.

We are giving notice of a meeting of the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan.

The Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board (Board) will meet in Rapid City, South Dakota. The Board is established consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, the National Forest Management Act of 1976, and the Federal Public Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Additional information concerning the Board, including the meeting summary/minutes, can be found by visiting the Board's Web site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/blackhills/workingtogether/ advisorycommittees.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service Agency published a document in the Federal Register on March 2, 2016 (81 FR 11000), entitled ``Environmental Policies and Procedures.'' The rule replaced two existing rules relating to the Agencies' procedures for implementing NEPA. These corrections will replace references in several paragraphs to one of the former rules, 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G, which is now obsolete.

The Little Boulder project was released for public scoping in November 2014. The anticipated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis level at that time was an environmental assessment. Upon further environmental impact analysis, the responsible official decided to proceed with an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose any significant effects which may result from the proposed action. Those who submitted comments in response to the initial scoping request within the allotted timeframe already have standing to object. To establish standing to object, comments may still be submitted in response to this notice no later than 30 days from May 26, 2017 OR by providing comments during the 45-day comment period following distribution of the draft EIS.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 199, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request the reinstatement of an information collection associated with the National Animal Health Reporting System.

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 interstate movement of regulated articles to prevent the spread of Phytophthora ramorum.