Department of Agriculture April 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Loan Guarantees Under the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), an agency within Rural Development (RD), announces updates in the process for competitive lender submissions (responses) regarding proposed projects for the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP). The amount of program dollars available for the GRRHP will be determined by the Appropriations Act for each fiscal year.
Notice of Intent To Publish for Public Comment Proposed Permanent Recreational Shooting Orders in the Boulder, Clear Creek, Canyon Lakes, and Sulphur Ranger Districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
The Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency), United States Department of Agriculture, is giving notice of its intent to publish for public comment a proposed permanent order prohibiting recreational shooting on approximately 94,900 acres of National Forest System lands in the Canyon Lakes, Sulphur, and Clear Creek Ranger Districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, and a proposed permanent order prohibiting recreational shooting on approximately 46,195 acres of National Forest System lands in the Clear Creek and Boulder Ranger Districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. At the end of the advance notice period, the Forest Service will seek public comments, as specified in this notice, on the proposed permanent recreational shooting orders.
Salmonella in Not-Ready-To-Eat Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to declare that not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) breaded stuffed chicken products that contain Salmonella at levels of 1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram or higher are adulterated within the meaning of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). Although the labeling of these products has undergone significant changes over time to better inform consumers that they are raw and to provide instructions on how to prepare them safely, NRTE breaded stuffed chicken products continue to be associated with Salmonella illness outbreaks. Therefore, FSIS has concluded that public health measures that focus primarily on product labeling and consumer handling practices have not been effective in preventing additional foodborne illnesses associated with NRTE breaded stuffed chicken products. FSIS is also proposing to carry out verification procedures, including sampling and testing of the chicken component of these products prior to stuffing and breading, to ensure producing establishments control Salmonella in these products.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) National Disqualified List
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 an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection for maintaining the National Disqualified List of institutions, day care home providers, and individuals that have been terminated or otherwise disqualified from Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation. These federal requirements affect eligibility under the CACFP. The State Agencies are required to enter data as institutions and individuals become disqualified from participating in the CACFP.
Marketing Order Regulations for Almonds Grown in California
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) to make changes to multiple provisions in the administrative requirements prescribed under the Federal marketing order regulating the handling of almonds grown in California (Order). This action would amend administrative requirements regulating quality control, exempt dispositions, and interest and late charges provisions. In addition, the proposed rule would stay two sections of the administrative requirements that define almond butter and stipulate disposition in reserve outlets by handlers to facilitate the efficient administration of the Order.
Almonds Grown in California; Amendments to the Marketing Order
This proposed rule invites comments on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 981, which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California. The proposed amendments would modify certain marketing order provisions to facilitate orderly administration of the program. Additionally, the proposed amendments would modernize, simplify, or align language with current industry practices and definitions, and would establish authority to borrow funds. The proposal would also establish authority for the Almond Board of California (Board) to accept advanced assessments.
Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request revision and extension of a currently approved information collection, the Agricultural Prices Surveys. Revision to burden hours will be needed due to the addition and/or deletion of surveys, changes in the size of the target population, sampling design, and/or questionnaire length.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is giving notice that we intend to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice standards in the NHCP.
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Continuance Referendum
The Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, published a document in the Federal Register of April 7, 2023, that directed a referendum be conducted among eligible Oregon and Washington pear growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of pears grown in Oregon and Washington. This correction addresses errors regarding certain dates contained in the narrative of the referendum order.
Origin of Livestock; New Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for a new information collection related to livestock production practices under the USDA organic regulations.
Agency Information Collection Activities, Comments Request: Understanding States' SNAP Customer Service Strategies
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed collection of information for the Understanding States' SNAP Customer Service Strategies study. This is a NEW information collection. This study seeks to describe the key characteristics of State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) agencies' customer service strategies through in-depth case studies in up to 9 States, review the current literature on customer service, particularly in government social safety net programs, and identify promising practices in improving, measuring, and monitoring customer service in SNAP.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Cooperative Development Grants for Fiscal Year 2023
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications for grants under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2023. Funding of $5.8 million will be available for FY 2023. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Agency Information Collection Activities, Proposed Collection: Request for Comments on How Have SNAP State Agencies Shifted Operations in the Aftermath of COVID-19? (SNAP COVID Study)
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 information collection for the contract of the study titled ``How Have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) State Agencies Shifted Operations in the Aftermath of COVID-19? (SNAP COVID study)''. The purpose of the SNAP COVID study is to help FNS develop a comprehensive understanding of how SNAP agencies have adapted their operations and norms during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased their preparedness for another major disruption.
National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection
Pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), FSIS is announcing a virtual meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on State and Federal meat and poultry inspection programs, food safety, and other matters that fall within the scope of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). The committee will convene virtually on June 21-22, 2023, in a public meeting where FSIS will present one charge to the Committee: to offer input on ways FSIS can enhance outreach efforts to best promote equity and bring economic opportunity to underserved communities and individuals, while strengthening the food supply chain and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
Tobacco Inspection and Grading Services: Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension to the currently approved information collection in support of the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004, the Rural Development, Food and Drug Administrative, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2002 (Appropriations Act), and the Tobacco Inspection Act and Regulations Governing the Tobacco Standards.
Notice of Request for 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) intention to request for an extension and revision of a currently approved information collection for Specialty Crops Market News Division.
Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a renewal of a currently approved information collection request. This information collection is necessary to support the procurement of agricultural commodities for domestic and export food donation programs. AMS issues invitations to purchase or sell and transport commodities, as well as sample, inspect and survey, agricultural commodities at both domestic and foreign locations for use in international food donation programs on a monthly, multiple monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. The AMS Commodity Procurement Program contracts for marine cargo discharge survey services conducted at the foreign destinations to ascertain count and condition of the commodities delivered.
Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, FSIS is announcing its intention to request renewal of the approved information collection regarding poultry slaughter inspection. There are no changes to the existing information collection. The approval for this information collection will expire on August 31, 2023.
Flathead Resource Advisory Committee
The Flathead Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. 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 (FACA). 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 as well as to make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Flathead National Forest within Flathead County, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2023. The FY 2023 funding amount is $1,265,000.
Organization, Functions, and Procedures; Functions and Procedures; Forest Service Functions
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is inviting public feedback and initiating Tribal consultation on the following topic and additional questions: Given that climate change and related stressors are resulting in increasing impacts with rapid and variable rates of change on national forests and grasslands, how should the Forest Service adapt current policies to protect, conserve, and manage the national forests and grasslands for climate resilience, so that the Agency can provide for ecological integrity and support social and economic sustainability over time?
Notice of Funding Availability for the Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) for Fiscal Year 2023
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) mission area agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of funding under the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2023, making available grant funds to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low- income rural citizens under the HPG Program. The purpose of this notice is to announce the opening and closing dates for receipt of preapplications for HPG funds, including the availability of calendar year 2022 disaster assistance, from eligible applicants, as well as submission requirements. Expenses incurred in developing preapplications will be at the applicant's cost.
Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Broadband Technical Assistance for Fiscal Year 2023
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applicationsfor Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. Broadband Technical Assistance provides competitive cooperative agreement funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. Examples of broadband technical assistance projects may include conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications. This announcement lists the information needed to submit an application.
Directive Publication Notice
The Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency), U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides direction to employees through issuances in its Directive System, comprised of the Forest Service Manual and Forest Service Handbooks. The Agency must provide public notice of and opportunity to comment on any directives that formulate standards, criteria, or guidelines applicable to Forest Service programs. Once per quarter, the Agency provides advance notice of proposed and interim directives that will be made available for public comment during the next three months and notice of final directives issued in the last three months.
Notice of Issuance of Final Permanent Recreational Shooting Order in the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest
The Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency), United States Department of Agriculture, is issuing a final permanent order prohibiting recreational shooting in the proximity to canyon roads on the eastern side of the Huachuca Mountains in the vicinity of the City of Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca, and the communities of Hereford and Palominas of the Sierra Vista Ranger District in the Coronado National Forest, which covers approximately 5,090 acres in Cochise County, Arizona.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting the interim final rule on non-discretionary quality control provisions of Title IV of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, and its correction, as final. In this final rule, USDA is also removing one obsolete paragraph from the interim final rule due to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) subsequent approval of information collection activities associated with the rule.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; National Veterinary Accreditation Program
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 National Veterinary Accreditation Program application form.
Deregulation of Chrysanthemum White Rust and the Importation of Chrysanthemum spp. Cuttings, and In Vitro Plantlets, and Synonymous Genera From Certain Countries Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public that we have prepared an economic evaluation (EE) relative to deregulating chrysanthemum white rust (CWR) fungus as a quarantine pest. Based on the conclusions of this EE, we are proposing that CWR would no longer be subject to eradication if detected domestically. Additionally, we have prepared a pest risk analysis regarding the importation of Chrysanthemum spp. and synonymous genera cuttings and in vitro plantlets under a systems approach from Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, which are all CWR-affected countries, into the continental United States. We have also prepared a pest risk analysis regarding the importation of cuttings, in vitro plantlets, and plants with roots of the same Chrysanthemum spp. and synonymous genera from Canada under a separate protocol. We are making the EE and the pest risk analyses available for review and comment.
Cut Flowers Regulations; Removal of Chrysanthemum White Rust-Related Provisions
We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the importation of cut flowers to remove requirements for the importation of specific types of cut flowers from the regulations, and to list them in the U.S. Department of Agriculture database called the Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements instead. Updates to these requirements would occur through a noticed-based process rather than rulemaking. We are also proposing to remove entirely any restrictions on the importation of cut flowers of the genera Chrysanthemum, Leucanthemella, and Nipponanthemum from countries in which chrysanthemum white rust (Puccinia horiana P. Henn., CWR) is known to exist. For this latter proposed action, we have prepared an analysis, which we are making available for public review and comment, that evaluates the efficacy of the current regulatory requirements in precluding the spread of CWR and the possible economic impacts associated with removing these requirements. These changes would allow us to use a notice-based, streamlined approach to update the import requirements for cut flowers, and it would remove CWR-specific restrictions on the importation of cut flowers.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2023-2024 Marketing Year
This rule implements a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee) to establish salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and designated parts of Nevada and Utah (the Far West) for the 2023-2024 marketing year.
Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee
The Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. 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 (FACA). 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 as well as to make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Mark Twain National Forest, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) gives notice of the Secretary of Agriculture's intent to renew the charter for the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (Committee) for a 2- year period. The Secretary has determined that the Committee is necessary and in the public interest.
Southern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee
The Southern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. 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 (FACA). 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 as well as to make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Coronado National Forest within Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Notice of Request To Revise an Approved Information Collection: State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, FSIS is announcing its intention to request revision of the approved information collection regarding State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs. FSIS is adding 164 burden hours to the collection due to the addition of new states. The approval for this information collection will expire on July 31, 2023.
Notice of Request for Revision of an Approved Information Collection (Public Health Information System)
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 revise the approved information collection regarding its Public Health Information System (PHIS). The Agency has increased the burden estimate by 524 hours to include time for exporters to print meat and poultry export certificates. FSIS is expecting exporters with access to PHIS and a functional printer to print digitally signed export certificates. The approval for this information collection will expire on September 30, 2024.
Ashley National Forest; Utah and Wyoming; Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Ashley National Forest
The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is revising the Ashley National Forest's Land Management Plan (Plan). The Forest Service has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for its revised Plan and a draft Record of Decision (ROD). This notice is to inform the public that the Ashley National Forest is initiating a 60-day period where individuals or entities with specific concerns about the Ashley National Forest's revised Plan and the associated FEIS may file objections for Forest Service review prior to the approval of the revised Plan. This is also an opportunity to object to the Regional Forester's list of species of conservation concern for the Ashley National Forest.
National Organic Program: 2023 and 2024 Sunset Review and Substance Renewals
This document announces the renewal of substances listed on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic regulations. This document reflects the outcome of the 2023 and 2024 sunset review processes and addresses recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), through the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Laboratory Assessment Requests
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, FSIS is announcing its intention to request renewal of the approved information collection for non-FSIS laboratories (state, local, or private) that test food samples during illness outbreaks and recall investigations. There are no changes to the existing information collection. The approval for this information collection will expire on July 31, 2023.
Newspapers for Publication of Legal Notices in the Eastern Region
This notice lists the newspapers that will be used by the Ranger Districts, Forests and Regional Office of the Eastern Region to publish legal notices required under Agency regulations. 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 and notices of decisions. This will provide the public with constructive notice of Forest Service proposals and decisions, provide information on the procedures to comment, object, or appeal, and establish the date that the Forest Service will use to determine if comments, appeals, or objections were timely.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
The U.S. Codex Office is sponsoring a public meeting on May 16, 2023 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the 42nd Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which will meet in Budapest, Hungary from June 6-13, 2023. The U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius and the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 42nd Session of the CCMAS and to address items on the agenda.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Regulations-Reporting and Record-Keeping Burden
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 revision of a currently approved information collection in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for the reporting and record-keeping burdens associated with the WIC Program regulations.
United States Standards for Soybeans; Correction
This document corrects the preamble to a proposed rule published in the Federal Register of March 31, 2023 regarding revisions to the United States Standards for Soybeans. This correction provides the corrected docket number for the proposed rule and the necessary ADDRESSES and instructions for interested parties who wish to submit written comments.
Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board
The Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board will hold a federal advisory committee meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, the National Forest Management Act of 1976, the Federal Public Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The advisory board information and meeting details can be found at the following website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/blackhills/ workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
Domestic Sugar Program-2023 Cane Sugar Marketing Allotments and Cane and Beet Processor Allocations
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this notice to increase the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) overall sugar marketing allotment quantity (OAQ); increase beet and State cane sugar allotments; revise company allocations to sugar beet and sugar cane processors; and reassign beet and cane sugar marketing allocations to raw cane sugar imports already anticipated. These actions apply to all domestic beet and cane sugar marketed for human consumption in the United States from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Imported Seeds and Screening
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 importation of seeds and screenings from Canada into the United States.
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