Agricultural Marketing Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Organic Program (NOP) is announcing the availability of four draft guidance documents intended for use by accredited certifying agents and certified operations. The draft guidance documents are entitled as follows: ``The Use of Kelp in Organic Livestock Feed (NOP 5027)''; ``Responding to Results from Pesticide Residue Testing (NOP 5028)''; ``Seeds, Annual Seedlings, and Planting Stock in Organic Crop Production (NOP 5029)''; and ``Evaluating Allowed Ingredients and Sources of Vitamins and Minerals For Organic Livestock Feed, Feed Supplements, and Feed Additives (NOP 5030)''. These draft guidance documents are intended to inform the public of NOP's current thinking on these topics. A notice of availability of final guidance on these topics will be issued upon their final approval. Once finalized, these guidance documents will be available from the NOP through ``The Program Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) and Certified Operations.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is withdrawing a notice soliciting comments on its proposed revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins. Based on the petitioner's request to withdraw their petition, the agency has decided not to proceed with this action.

This rule suspends 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.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing the 2011 amendments to the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by increasing the value assigned to imported cotton for the purpose of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. An amendment is required to adjust the supplemental assessment and ensure that assessments collected on imported raw cotton and the cotton content of imported cotton-containing products and assessments collected on domestically produced cotton are the same. In addition, AMS proposes to update textile trade conversion factors used to determine the raw fiber equivalents of imported cotton-containing products and to expand the number of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) statistical reporting numbers from the current 706 to 2,371 to assess all imported cotton and cotton-containing products.

AMS is revising the Federal Seed Act (FSA) regulations. The rule amends the list of prohibited noxious-weed seeds to reflect the recent addition of four species, deletion of two species, and changes in the nomenclature of four species listed in the Federal Noxious Weed Act (FNWA). The rule updates the seed labeling regulations, noxious- weed seed tolerances, seed testing regulations, and seed certification regulations. The rule also revises the nomenclature of kinds regulated under the FSA and corrects several minor errors. The list of noxious- weed seeds is amended to help prevent the spread of these highly destructive weeds. The labeling regulations and noxious-weed seed tolerances are amended to prevent potential conflicts with State regulations, reflect currently used terms, and reflect current industry practices. The seed testing and seed certification regulations are amended to incorporate the latest in seed testing and seed certification knowledge and to prevent potential conflicts with State regulations.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra. The standards for frozen okra would be changed from a ``variable score point'' system to an ``individual attribute'' grading system; the ``dual grade nomenclature'' would be replaced with single letter grade designation and editorial changes would be included. These changes would bring the standards for frozen okra in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and would provide guidance in the effective utilization of frozen okra.

As provided for by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing its intention to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers favor continuation of amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order. This notice invites all interested parties to submit written comments to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA will consider these comments in determining whether a referendum is warranted. USDA should announce review results sometime during the latter part of 2011.

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) requires sunset (expiration) of the exempted or prohibited use of substances on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) under the National Organic Program (NOP). The exemptions and prohibitions granted on the National List under the OFPA are required to be reviewed every 5 years by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The Secretary of Agriculture has authority under the OFPA to renew such exemptions and prohibitions. If the substances are not reviewed by the NOSB and renewed by the Secretary within 5 years of their inclusion on the National List, then their authorized use or prohibition expires. As required by the OFPA, the allowed use of 11 synthetic and nonsynthetic substances in organic production and handling will expire on November 3, 2013. A prohibition on one nonsynthetic substance in organic production will expire on November 3, 2013. This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) begins the public comment process on whether the identified existing exemptions or prohibition should be continued. This ANPR also establishes that the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded by November 3, 2013. Finally, this ANPR discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the notice soliciting comments on its request for approval to use new forms to collect information related to the Federal marketing orders for nectarines and peaches grown in California (orders). Continuance referenda were conducted among growers of California nectarines and peaches in January and February 2011. Fewer than two-thirds of participating growers, by number and production volume, voted in favor of continuing the nectarine and peach orders. USDA has suspended the quality, inspection, reporting, and assessment requirements under the orders (76 FR 21615), effective April 19, 2011. USDA intends to seek termination of the orders.

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 and revision to the currently approved information collection for the Child Nutrition Labeling Program.

This rule establishes the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class, that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2011-2012 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2011. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 694,774 pounds and 34 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,012,983 pounds and 44 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 limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.

The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that added an exemption to the marketing order for Oregon-Washington pears that provides for the sale of fresh pears directly to consumers without regard to regulation. For each customer, the interim rule provided an exemption for consumer- direct sales of up to 220 pounds of fresh pears per transaction, for home use only, made directly at orchards, packing facilities, roadside stands, or farmers' markets without regard to the marketing order's assessment, reporting, handling, and inspection requirements. This action is intended to provide increased marketing flexibility to small pear handlers, while facilitating the sale of fresh, local pears directly to consumers.

This proposed rule invites comments on changes to the delinquent assessment requirements in effect under the marketing order for Vidalia onions grown in Georgia (order). The order regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia and is administered locally by the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee). This rule would establish a late payment charge of 10 percent on unpaid assessments that are 10 days past due and would increase the interest rate applied to delinquent assessments from 1 percent to 1.5 percent per month. This action would improve handler compliance with the assessment and reporting provisions of the order and would help reduce the Committee's collection expenditures.

This action is pursuant to the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (Dairy Act), as amended, and the Dairy Promotion and Research Order (Dairy Order), as amended, which require the Secretary of Agriculture to add importer representation, initially two members, to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (Dairy Board). USDA is seeking nominations of importers to be considered for appointment to the Dairy Board.

The National Organic Program (NOP) is announcing the availability of four final guidance documents intended for use by accredited certifying agents and certified operations. The four final guidance documents are entitled as follows: ``Compost and Vermicompost in Organic Crop Production (NOP 5021); Wild Crop Harvesting (NOP 5022)''; ``Commingling and Contamination Prevention in Organic Production and Handling (NOP 5025)''; and ``The Use of Chlorine Materials in Organic Production and Handling (NOP 5026)''. These final guidance documents are intended to inform the public of NOP's current thinking on these topics. These final guidance documents are now available from the NOP through ``The Program Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) and Certified Operations''. The current edition of the Program Handbook is available online at https://www.ams.usda.gov/NopProgramHandbook, or in print upon request.

This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of raspberries for processing and importers of processed raspberries to determine whether they favor the establishment of an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for processed raspberries. The proposed program, Processed Raspberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Proposed Order), was submitted to the Department of Agriculture (Department) by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC). Under the Proposed Order, producers of raspberries for processing and importers of processed raspberries would pay an assessment of up to one cent per pound, with the initial assessment rate being one cent per pound, which would be paid to the proposed National Processed Raspberry Council (Council). Producers and importers of less than 20,000 pounds annually of raspberries for processing and processed raspberries, respectively, would be exempt from the assessment. The proposed program would be implemented under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). The Department is conducting an initial referendum to ascertain whether the persons to be covered by and assessed under the Proposed Order favor the implementation of the program prior to it going into effect. The Proposed Order would be implemented if it is approved by a majority of producers and importers voting in the referendum.

This proposed rule would amend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on June 20, 2008, and May 30, 2004. The recommendations addressed in this proposed rule pertain to establishing exemptions (uses) for two substances, fenbendazole and moxidectin, on the National List as parasiticides in organic livestock production. Consistent with the recommendations from the NOSB, this proposed rule would amend the National List to add these two substances, along with their restrictive annotations.

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 Recordkeeping Requirements for Certified Applicators of Federally Restricted Use Pesticides (7 CFR part 110).

This recommended decision proposes the issuance of a marketing agreement (agreement) under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to cover the handling of fresh leafy green vegetables in the United States. Leafy green vegetables include lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and similar items. The proposed agreement would authorize the development and implementation of production and handling regulations (audit metrics) to reflect United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Good Handling Practices (GHPs). The program would be voluntary, and cover both United States and imported leafy green vegetables. Signatory handlers would agree to only handle leafy green vegetables that meet the requirements of the program. The program would be financed primarily by assessments collected from signatory first handlers. A Board, whose members would be appointed by the Secretary, would administer the proposed agreement with USDA oversight. This rule also announces USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget for new information collection requirements to implement this program.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on March 4, 2011 a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) (76 FR 12013). The March 4, 2011 notice provided for five-minute public comment slots. Due to the overwhelming number of people who have signed up to present comments, AMS is informing the public that each public comment slot will be three minutes.

This rule proposes a Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order). Softwood lumber is used in products like flooring, siding and framing. The program would be financed by an assessment on softwood lumber domestic manufacturers and importers and would be administered by a board of industry members selected by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary). The initial assessment rate would be $0.35 per thousand board feet of softwood lumber shipped within or imported to the United States. The purpose of the program would be to strengthen the position of softwood lumber in the marketplace, maintain and expand markets for softwood lumber, and develop new uses for softwood lumber within the United States. This rule also announces that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting a referendum among eligible domestic softwood lumber manufacturers and importers to determine whether they favor implementation of the program. The program would be implemented if it is favored by a majority of those voting in the referendum who also represent a majority of the volume of softwood lumber represented in the referendum. A separate final rule on referendum procedures is being published in this issue of the Federal Register.

This rule suspends the quality, inspection, reporting, and assessment requirements specified under the California nectarine and peach marketing orders (orders). The orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California. During recent referenda, less than the required two-thirds majority of growers, by number and production volume, favored continuation of the orders. After consideration of the referendum results and other factors, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to seek termination of the orders. Suspension of the handling regulations for the 2011 and subsequent marketing seasons will relieve handlers of all regulatory burden under the orders while USDA processes the terminations. Termination of the orders must be delayed until after a 60-day Congressional notification period following issuance of a proposed rule, which will be published in a future issue of the Federal Register.

This final rule terminates the Federal marketing order regulating the handling of fresh prunes grown in designated counties in Washington and in Umatilla County, Oregon, and the rules and regulations issued thereunder. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that the marketing order is no longer an effective marketing tool for the fresh prune industry, and that termination best serves the current needs of the industry while also eliminating the costs associated with the operation of the marketing order.

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2011 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.01 to $0.0125 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 January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.

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 and cattle and beef imports that have occurred since the most recent Board reapportionment rule became effective in October 2008. These adjustments are required by the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order) and would result in a decrease in Board membership from 106 to 103, effective with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) appointments for terms beginning early in the year 2012.