Department of Agriculture May 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Information Collection Request; Assignment of Payment; Joint Payment Authorization; and Request for Waiver
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirement, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and Farm Service Agency (FSA) are requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a revision and an extension of a currently approved information collection.
Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards (Committee). This meeting is being convened to review the Universal Standards for American Upland cotton that are prepared by USDA and make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding the establishment, revision, or change of the standards.
Implementation of Revised Lacey Act Provisions
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended the Lacey Act to provide, in part, that importers submit a declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant products. Enforcement of the declaration requirement began on April 1, 2009, and products requiring a declaration are being phased-in. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of another phase of the Federal Government's enforcement schedule.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program) Application and Performance Reporting
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement's intention to request a new information collection titled "Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program) Application and Performance Reporting."
Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input to support the preparation of proposed regulations intended to implement the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third- Party Verifier Program (the Program), particularly related to the criteria used to evaluate protocols and identification of specific protocols that should be considered for inclusion in the Program. The purpose of the Program is to facilitate farmer, rancher, and private forest landowner participation in voluntary carbon markets. This request for information provides an important step toward developing a meaningful Program consistent with the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA).
Bridger-Teton National Forest; Wyoming; Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is initiating the assessment phase of the Land Management Plan revision process for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, located in Wyoming. The assessment supports the subsequent planning phase, which will result in a revised land management plan to guide all resource management activities on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The assessment will identify and consider relevant and readily accessible material about ecological, social, and economic conditions and trends in the planning area and will identify best available scientific information including and Native or Indigenous knowledge. Findings will then help describe the need to change the plan and inform revision of the plan.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program: Virtual Public Listening Session
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is hosting a virtual public listening session to obtain stakeholder feedback about the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program. This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each otherand the worldovercoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. The sessions are open to the public and provide an opportunity for stakeholders and other interested parties to offer their comments and input on the DLT program.
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection used in support of the voluntary grading and certification of meat, meat products, shell eggs, poultry products, rabbit products, and Audit Verification and Accreditation Programs (OMB 0581-0128).
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-User Access Request Form FNS-674
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed information collection. This is a revision of a currently approved collection. The purpose of this information collection request is to continue the use of the electronic form FNS- 674, titled "User Access Request Form." This form will continue to allow access to current FNS systems, modified access or to remove user access.
Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate
This final rule implements a recommendation from the Idaho- Eastern Oregon Onion Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fiscal periods. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Revision to Electric Program Operating Policies and Procedures
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency), an agency in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Mission area, published a final rule with comment in the Federal Register on March 11, 2024, to provide more flexibility for the RUS Electric Program borrowers to complete emergency repairs while maintaining the ability to receive RUS financing, to delete unnecessary and outdated requirements imposed on electric borrowers and applicants, and to provide flexibility in selecting construction procurement methods that better support applicant needs in awarding construction contracts. Through this action, RUS is confirming the final rule as it was published.
Addition of Aruba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Timor-Leste, and Yemen to the List of Regions Affected by Screwworm
We are advising the public that we have added Aruba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Timor-Leste, and Yemen to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) list maintained on the APHIS website of regions considered affected with screwworm. We took this action because of the confirmation of screwworm in these regions.
Availability of FSIS Guideline To Assist With the Donation of Eligible Meat, Poultry and Egg Products to Non-Profit Organizations
On December 21, 2020, FSIS published and requested comments on a guideline addressing the donation of meat and poultry products from official establishments to non-profit organizations. FSIS is announcing updates to this guideline and responding to comments received on the previous version of the guideline.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2024-2025 Marketing Year
This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) for the 2024-2025 marketing year. This rule also removes references to past volume regulations no longer in effect.
Notice of Publication of RUS List of Eligible Countries
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture is issuing this notice to revise the list of eligible countries for purchases made by RUS Telecommunications and Electric Program awardees by adding new countries to the list to reflect the November 2023 RUS Eligible Countries published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as detailed in the Supplementary Information Section of this notice.
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods: Public Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, FSIS is announcing that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold a virtual public meeting on June 24, 2024. The Committee will provide updates on FSIS' Genomics charge and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Cronobacter spp. in Powdered Infant Formula charge.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service is extending the public comment period on the proposed rule, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023," which was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024. This action extends the public comment period from May 30, 2024, to June 14, 2024, to give the public additional time to review the proposed rule.
Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee 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. 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 make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Siuslaw National Forest within Benton, Coos, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill counties, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee
The Central Idaho 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. 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 make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Salmon-Challis National Forest within Custer and Lemhi counties, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Retail Exemptions Adjusted Dollar Limitations
FSIS is announcing the dollar limitations on the amount of meat and meat products and poultry and poultry products that a retail store can sell to hotels, restaurants, and similar institutions without disqualifying itself for exemption from Federal inspection requirements.
Spotted Lanternfly Cooperative Control Program; Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a programmatic environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact relative to the Spotted Lanternfly Cooperative Control Program in the conterminous United States. The environmental assessment documents our review and analysis of environmental impacts associated with the Spotted Lanternfly Cooperative Control Program. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.
Notice of Withdrawal of Select Agent Regulatory Exclusion for African Swine Fever Virus-G-ΔI177L
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has withdrawn the select agent regulatory exclusion for African swine fever virus (ASFV) strain, ASFV-G- [Delta]I177L. Possession, use, and transfer of this strain must now comply with the select agent and toxin regulations. APHIS withdrew the select agent regulatory exclusion for this strain because it has evaluated new information and determined that this strain, when adapted to cell lines other than that used for virus development, has the potential to pose a severe threat to animal health or animal products.
Notice of Request for Extension or Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) to request a renewal to a currently approved information collection. OASCR will use the information collected to process Respondent's program discrimination complaints conducted or assisted by USDA.
Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Digitized Advisory Committee and Research and Promotion Background Information Revised Supplemental Lists and Including Marketing in Collection
This notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) intention to revise to the currently approved through December 31, 2025, Advisory Committee and Research and Promotion Background Information AD-755 and Supplemental ListsAgricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Research and Promotion Commodity specific questionnaire and include a new Marketing specific questionnaire. The revised form and supplemental information will allow applicants to answer questions in more detail of their foreign citizenship identification (passport number, passport expiration date, and issuing country). In addition, if an applicant is a foreign national, identify if this person resided in the United States (U.S.) for 3 years or more continuous years. The primary objective is to determine the qualifications, suitability and availability of a candidates to serve on advisory committees and/or research and promotion boards. Lastly, the AD-755 Form and supplemental questionnaire are being digitized to allow applicants to access and complete the application form electronically.
Notice of Information Collection, Request for Comment
The Office of the Chief Information Officer, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the public to comment on the "Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery" for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This collection was developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval and solicit comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.
Announcement of the Availability of Puerto Rico Rural Partners Network Rural Community Development Initiative
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Puerto Rico Rural Partners Network (RPN) Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program to provide authorized activities in Puerto Rico areas affected by a disaster declared by the President or the Secretary of Agriculture. These grants will be made to qualified intermediary organizations that will provide financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development that will support the community. The maximum grant award amount available to an intermediary is $250,000. The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, created the Disaster Assistance Fund (DAF) and the Secretary of Agriculture has authorized $1,000,000 of DAF funds to be utilized in Puerto Rico for the RCDI program for the purposes described in this NOFA.
Removing Reference to SAM Managed Identifier (SAMMI)
The Rural Utilities Services (RUS), an agency in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Mission area, is issuing a final rule to update this part by removing the reference to a SAM Managed Identifier (SAMMI) as the reference became obsolete when the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) became the official term.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Repayment Demand and Program Disqualification
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 revision of currently approved information collection requirements associated with initiating collection actions against individuals/households (I/HH) who have received an overissuance in SNAP.
Proposed Recreation Fee Site
The Inyo National Forest is proposing to establish a recreation fee site. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreation fee sites would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites with similar amenities shows the proposed recreation fees that would be charged at the new recreation fee sites are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites in the area.
Meeting Notice of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, and the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces a meeting of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The Board will meet to continue to determine its advice and recommendations on the top priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics; discuss progress on their `Relevance and Adequacy' evaluation of USDA's precision nutrition efforts; and visit the North Carolina Agriculture and Technology (A&T) University Center for Post Harvest Technologies and the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab.
Sierra Vista Ranger District; Coronado National Forest; Arizona; Hermosa Critical Minerals Project
The USDA Forest Service, Coronado National Forest, is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate and disclose the potential environmental effects from the proposed Hermosa Critical Minerals Exploration and Mine Plan of Operations, submitted by South32 Hermosa Inc. (proponent), to occupy and use National Forest System lands for operations associated with an expansion of an underground polymetallic development. The proposed mine plan of operations (MPO) may also require an amendment to the 2018 Coronado National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (forest plan) to include site-specific exceptions to plan direction to accommodate the proposed exploration and mining operations. The Forest Service is providing this public scoping opportunity to gather information to inform the environmental review and decision-making process.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing Loans and Section 516 Off-Farm Labor Housing Grants for New Construction for Fiscal Year 2024; Correction
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is correcting a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) that published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024, entitled, "Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing Loans and Section 516 Off-Farm Labor Housing Grants for New Construction for Fiscal Year 2024." The notice described the methods used to distribute funds, the pre-application and final application process, and submission requirements. The purpose of this document is to correct the inadvertent errors to the commitment letter requirements published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024.
Notice of Funds Availability; Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
The Farm Service Agency (FSA), on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, is issuing this notice to announce the availability of cost share assistance through OCCSP for fiscal year (FY) 2024. FSA is giving the opportunity for State Agencies to apply for grant agreements to administrator the OCCSP program to establish agreements to provide cost share assistance to eligible producers and handlers and for producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP payment at FSA county office.
Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison
We are amending the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after a date 180 days after publication in the Federal Register of this final rule be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. We are also clarifying certain record retention and record access requirements and revising some requirements pertaining to slaughter cattle. These changes will enhance the ability of Tribal, State and Federal officials, private veterinarians, and livestock producers to quickly respond to high-impact diseases currently existing in the United States, as well as foreign animal diseases that threaten the viability of the U.S. cattle and bison industries.
Dairy Margin Coverage Production History Adjustment and Program Extension; Correction
CCC and FSA are making a technical correction to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) regulations published on February 27, 2024. The technical correction will apply to the 2024 DMC coverage election period to allow dairy operations that dissolved prior to or during the 2024 DMC coverage election period the opportunity to enroll in 2024 DMC for the days they marketed milk in the 2024 calendar year.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Pleasant Creek Supplemental Watershed Plan in Sanpete County, Utah
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Pleasant Creek watershed in Sanpete County, Utah. The proposed EIS will examine alternative solutions to address watershed structure rehabilitation, flood damage prevention and reduction, agricultural water management, water conservation, and public recreational efforts in Mt. Pleasant City and portions of unincorporated Sanpete County. The Pleasant Creek watershed includes Mt. Pleasant City; existing water resource facilities, including the Upper Debris Basin, Lower Debris Basin, the Surge Pond, and the Agricultural Reservoir; private agricultural land; and U.S. Forest Service-managed land in the upper watershed. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Wellsville Canyon Watershed Plan, Cache County, Utah
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State Office, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Cache Water District (project sponsor), announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Wellsville Canyon Watershed Plan located within the Little Bear River Watershed in Cache County, Utah. The proposed Wellsville Canyon Watershed Plan will examine alternative solutions to provide flood protection and conveyance infrastructure, reduce irrigation water loss, enhance recreational facilities, and reduce erosion and nutrient loading to the Little Bear River in Wellsville and Mendon cities and portions of unincorporated Cache County. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Horse Protection Amendments
We are amending the horse protection regulations to provide that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will screen, train, and authorize qualified persons for appointment by the management of any horse show, horse exhibition, or horse sale or auction to detect and diagnose soring at such events for the purposes of enforcing the Horse Protection Act. These and other regulatory amendments will strengthen the Agency's efforts to protect horses from the cruel and inhumane practice of soring as the Act requires and by so doing eliminate unfair competition.
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