Department of Agriculture May 2, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the Rural Development mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency to request approval for a new information collection in support of compliance with the grantee accepting the conditions of the award that the grantee intends to meet them within a reasonable time.

This proposed rule would adjust representation on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board), established under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (Act), to reflect changes in domestic cattle inventories as well as changes in levels of imported cattle, beef, and beef products that have occurred since the Board was last reapportioned in July 2020. These adjustments are required by the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order) and, if adopted, would result in a decrease in Board membership from 101 to 99, effective with the Secretary of Agriculture's (Secretary) appointments from nominees requested in Spring of 2023. The proposed rule would also update the list of Qualified State Beef Councils (QSBCs) in the Order by removing the Maryland Industry Beef Council which voted to dissolve their State beef council.

On March 31, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register a notice of intent to re-establish and solicit nominations for membership on the USDA Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards (Committee). The nomination application period for this notice has been extended to provide additional opportunities for interested persons to submit their nomination application. The nomination application period for individuals who wish to serve and/or submit nominations to recommend potential candidates for the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards has been extended until July 1, 2023. USDA seeks nominations of individuals to be considered for selection as Committee members. Re-establishment of the Committee is necessary and in the public interest. The Committee will review official Universal Standards for American Upland cotton prepared by USDA and make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding the establishment or revision of standards.