Agricultural Marketing Service October 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this document announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of a revision to the currently approved information collection for the Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading of Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products Recordkeeping (Subpart B).

This proposed rule invites comments on the establishment of a minimum quality regulation for lots of pistachios imported into the United States. The regulation would specify maximum aflatoxin tolerance levels as well as mandatory aflatoxin testing and certification requirements. The proposed import quality requirements would be the same as or comparable to those in effect for the domestically produced commodity. Under this proposal, aflatoxin levels in imported pistachios could not exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb), as certified by aflatoxin inspection certificates issued by an accredited laboratory. This action is intended to assure consumers that all pistachios offered for sale in the United States meet the same aflatoxin standards, thus promoting high quality product in the market place and fostering consumer satisfaction. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a new information collection requirement, including two new forms that would be completed by either laboratories or pistachio importers.

This rule continues in effect the interim rule that suspended the marketing order for Irish potatoes grown in Southeastern states (order), and the rules and regulations implemented thereunder, through March 1, 2014. The order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Southeastern states and is administered locally by the Southeastern Potato Committee (Committee). The Committee believes advances in farming technology and production quality have reduced the need for the order. When considering the costs associated with continuing the order, the Committee unanimously recommended that the order be suspended.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) for the 2011-12 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.12 to $0.14 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Assessments upon orange and grapefruit handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period began on August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.