Agricultural Marketing Service March 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Importer Membership Requirements
Document Number: 2014-07024
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-31
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan's (Plan) importer membership requirements to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board). The Board recommended eliminating the requirement that an importer import more than 50 percent of the total volume handled and imported in order to qualify as an importer member. This change allows for additional parties to qualify as an importer member. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department) conducted a referendum among eligible producers, handlers, and importers of watermelons from January 13 through 27, 2014. Seventy- four percent of those voting in the referendum favored amendment of the Plan. Additional revisions are made to remove unnecessary language in the Plan and regulations. Also, a section of the regulations is clarified and revised accordingly.
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2014-07012
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-31
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2014 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0165 to $0.0200 per 18-pound lug of grapes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order, which regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California. Assessments upon grape handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period began on January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Specified Commodities Imported into the United States, Exempt from Import Regulations; Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2014-07011
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-31
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501), this document announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension and revision to currently approved forms utilized by importers of commodities that are exempt from section 8e import regulations.
Beef Promotion and Research; Reapportionment
Document Number: 2014-06174
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-25
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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 cattle inventories as well as cattle and beef imports that have occurred since the most recent Board reapportionment rule became effective in July 2011. These adjustments are required by the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order) and would result in a decrease in Board membership from 103 to 99, effective with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) appointments for terms beginning early in the year 2015. The proposed rule also would make technical amendments to update and correct information in the Order and regulations.
Extension of Dairy Forward Pricing Program
Document Number: 2014-06189
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule extends the Dairy Forward Pricing Program in accordance with the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill). The Dairy Forward Pricing Program was first authorized in section 1502 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. The program allows handlers regulated under the Federal milk marketing order program to pay producers and cooperative associations in accordance with the terms of a forward contract and not have to pay the minimum Federal order uniform price for milk. Establishing new contracts under the Dairy Forward Pricing Program has been prohibited since the expiration of the program on September 30, 2013. The 2014 Farm Bill (H.R. 2642) was signed into law on February 7, 2014, and extends the program to allow new contracts to be entered into until September 30, 2018. Any forward contract entered into up and until the September 30, 2018, deadline is subject to a September 30, 2021, expiration date to meet the terms of the contract.
Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Amendment to Primary Peanut-Producing States and Adjustment of Membership
Document Number: 2014-06181
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule adds the State of Arkansas as a primary peanut- producing State under the Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). The Order is administered by the National Peanut Board (Board) with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This rule also adds a seat on the Board for the State of Arkansas. Under the Order, primary peanut-producing States must maintain a 3-year average production of at least 10,000 tons of peanuts. Arkansas's peanut production meets this requirement. Primary peanut-producing States also have a seat on the Board. This action was recommended by the Board and ensures that the Board's representation reflects changes in the geographical distribution of the production of peanuts.
Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program: Notice of Emergency Approval of New Information Collection for Local Food Promotion Program
Document Number: 2014-06099
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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 emergency approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new collection under the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program. The Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program, includes two AMS competitive grant programs: Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). This new collection establishes forms and documentation under the Local Food Promotion Program.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Collection
Document Number: 2014-06085
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection ``Laboratory Approval Programs''.
Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Suspension of Handling Regulations
Document Number: 2014-06084
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that suspended the handling regulations and inspection requirements prescribed under the marketing order for apricots grown in designated Counties in Washington (order). The interim rule suspended the minimum grade, size, quality, maturity, and inspection requirements of the order for the remainder of the 2013- 2014 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods. This rule is expected to reduce overall industry expenses and increase net returns to growers and handlers.
Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2014-06083
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos produced in the production area.
Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico; Modification of Aflatoxin Regulations
Document Number: 2014-05834
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule invites comments on revisions to the aflatoxin sampling regulations currently prescribed under the California, Arizona, and New Mexico pistachio marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico, and is administered locally by the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (Committee). This action would allow the use of mechanical samplers (auto-samplers) for in-line sampling as a method to obtain samples for aflatoxin analysis. The use of auto-samplers is expected to reduce handler costs by providing a more efficient and cost-effective process.
National Organic Program Notice of Request for New Information Collection
Document Number: 2014-05809
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget for a new information collection: National Organic Program (NOP); Organic Certification Cost-Share Programs.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2014-2015 Marketing Year
Document Number: 2014-05587
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule invites comments on proposed limits to the quantity of Far West Scotch and Native spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2014-2015 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2014. The Far West includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and designated parts of Nevada and Utah. The salable quantity and allotment percentage for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil would be set at 1,149,030 pounds and 55 percent, respectively. For Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil, the salable quantity and allotment percentage would be set at 1,090,821 pounds and 46 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these quantities.
Onions Grown in South Texas; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2014-05586
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of onions grown in South Texas to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order that regulates the handling of onions produced in the production area.
Walnuts Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: 2014-05585
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible California walnut growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of walnuts grown in California.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2014-05560
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of the currently approved information collection request Web-Based Supply Chain Management Commodity Offer Form, Paperwork Collection Notice. This information collection is necessary to support the procurement of agricultural commodities for domestic nutrition assistance programs. AMS issues invitations to purchase fresh and processed commodities for domestic nutrition assistance programs on a year round basis. The extension of the information collection request is required to continue using our Web- Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system, which allows respondents to submit information electronically. The information collection burden for respondents should not increase.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2014-05559
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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 approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection Dairy Request for Applicant Number OMB NO. 0581-0272.
Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2014-05557
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (Committee) for the 2014 and subsequent fiscal years from $21.16 to $15.21 per ton of assessable olives handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order, which regulates the handling of olives grown in California. Assessments upon olive handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2014-05373
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
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 approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection for the Child Nutrition Labeling Program.
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): Notice of Intent To Renew Charter and Call for Nominations
Document Number: 2014-05372
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was established to assist in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Through this Notice, USDA is announcing its intent to renew the Charter of the NOSB; the current charter expires on May 10, 2014. The USDA is also requesting nominations to fill four (4) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The positions to be filled are: environmentalist (1 position), producer (1 position), handler (1 position), and retailer (1 position). The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint one person to each of these 4 positions to serve a 5-year term of office that will commence on January 24, 2015, and run until January 24, 2020.
Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
Document Number: 2014-05111
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-03-10
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, (5 U.S.C. App.), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing an upcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Written public comments are invited in advance of the meeting, and the meeting will include scheduled time for oral comments from the public.
Milk in the Appalachian and Southeast Marketing Areas; Final Partial Decision on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and to Orders
Document Number: 2014-04693
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final decision proposes to permanently adopt revised transportation credit balancing fund provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing orders. Specifically, this document Establishes a variable mileage rate factor using a fuel cost adjustor to determine the transportation credit payments of both orders; increases the transportation credit assessment rate for the Appalachian order to $0.15 per hundredweight; and establishes a zero diversion limit standard on loads of milk requesting transportation credits. Separate decisions will address the proposed adoption of an intra- market transportation credit provision for the Appalachian and Southeast orders and for increasing the transportation credit rate assessment for the Southeast order. This final decision is subject to producer approval. Producer approval for this action will be determined concurrently with amendments adopted in a separate final decision that amends the Class I pricing and other provisions of the Appalachian, Southeast, and Florida milk marketing orders.
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Final Decision on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and to Orders
Document Number: 2014-04692
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-03-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final decision proposes to permanently adopt amendments that adjust the Class I pricing surface of the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. In addition, this decision seeks to adopt proposals that amend certain features of the diversion limit, touch-base, and transportation credit provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing orders. This decision also proposes to adopt amendments that increase the maximum administrative assessment for the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast marketing orders. The orders as amended are subject to approval by producers in the affected markets. Producer approval for this action will be determined concurrently with amendments adopted in a separate final decision that amends the transportation balancing fund and other provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing orders.
Dried Prunes Produced in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 2014-04691
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2013-14 and subsequent crop years from $0.22 to $0.28 per ton of salable dried prunes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order, which regulates the handling of dried prunes grown in California. Assessments upon dried prune handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program: Amendment of Procedures and Notification of Request for Referendum
Document Number: 2014-04690
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This interim final rule would amend the procedures to Request a Referendum by removing the specific number of soybean producers eligible to request a referendum under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information program, commonly known as the Soybean Checkoff Program. The number of soybean producers will be replaced with language that allows the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to update this number based on information provided by USDA. Additionally, this action would remove specific USDA and Farm Service Agency (FSA) Web site and office addresses and replace them with more flexible language. These changes will enable AMS to announce future Requests for Referendum without engaging in additional notice-and-comment rulemaking. This rule also serves as AMS' official notice that soybean producers may request a referendum to determine if producers want a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order (Order), as authorized under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act (Act). If at least 10 percent (not in excess of one- fifth of which may be producers in any one State) of eligible producers, as determined by USDA, participate in the Request for Referendum, a referendum will be held within 1 year from that determination. If results of the Request for Referendum indicate that a referendum is not supported, a referendum would not be conducted. The results of the Request for Referendum will be published in the Federal Register.
Kiwifruit Grown in California and Imported Kiwifruit; Relaxation of Minimum Grade Requirement
Document Number: 2014-04689
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-03-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that relaxed the minimum grade requirement under the marketing order for kiwifruit grown in California (order), and for kiwifruit imported into the United States that are shipped to the fresh market, by increasing the tolerance of kiwifruit which is ``badly misshapen'' from 7 percent to 16 percent. This change is intended to facilitate the packing of fruit to meet the minimum grade requirement of ``KAC No. 1,'' and reduce costs associated with re-sorting and repacking this grade of fruit.
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