Agricultural Marketing Service July 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for report forms under the Federal milk marketing order program.

This rule suspends, for the 2010-2011 season only, the minimum quality, maturity, pack, marking, and inspection requirements currently prescribed for russet potato varieties under the Washington potato marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington, and is administered locally by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee). During the suspension of the russet potato handling regulation, reports from handlers will be required for the purpose of obtaining information necessary to administer the marketing order. This rule is expected to reduce overall industry expenses and increase net returns to producers and handlers while allowing the industry the opportunity to explore alternative marketing strategies.

This rule removes the grower district boundaries contained in the administrative rules and regulations of the kiwifruit marketing orders (order). The order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (committee). This rule makes necessary changes to the order's administrative rules and regulations to make them consistent with the recently amended order.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions to eighteen U.S. grade standards for frozen vegetables issued on or before July 22, 1985. AMS annually reviews its processed fruit and vegetable grade standards for suitability and has identified eighteen grade standards for frozen vegetables for possible revision.

The Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act) authorizes a program of promotion, research, and information to be developed through the promulgation of the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). The Act requires that the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) conduct a referendum among persons subject to assessments who, during a representative period established by the Secretary, have engaged in the production or importation of sorghum. This proposed rule establishes procedures the Department of Agriculture (USDA) would use in conducting the required referendum as well as future referenda. Eligible persons would be provided the opportunity to vote during a specified period announced by USDA. For the program to continue, it must be approved, with an affirmative vote, by at least a majority of those persons voting who were engaged in the production or importation of sorghum during the representative period.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that relaxed the size requirement prescribed under the Colorado potato marketing order. The interim rule provided for the handling of all varieties of potatoes with a minimum diameter of \3/4\ inch, if the potatoes otherwise meet U.S. No. 1 grade. This change is intended to provide potato handlers with greater marketing flexibility, producers with increased returns, and consumers with a greater supply of potatoes.

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board (Board) for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The initial Board was appointed by the Secretary and announced on December 5, 2002. USDA seeks nominations for individuals to be considered for selection as Board members for terms of office ending June 30, 2011, June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013. USDA values diversity. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, USDA encourages the nomination of men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Selected nominees sought by this action would fill two currently vacant industry representative positions for the remainder of terms of office ending June 30, 2011, six producer and industry representatives who are currently serving for the term of office that ended June 30, 2009, and six producer and industry representatives who are currently serving for the term of office that will end June 30, 2010. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and industry representatives. USDA had previously requested nominations for the two vacancies (terms ending June 30, 2011) and the six producer and industry representatives positions (terms ended June 30, 2009) in a Request for Nominations that was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2009. USDA is reissuing the notice in an effort to expand outreach to interested individuals.