Agricultural Marketing Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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California and Imported Kiwifruit; Handling Regulations
This rule implements a recommendation from the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (Committee) to modify the handling regulations prescribed under the Federal marketing order for kiwifruit grown in California. This action revises the size and uniformity requirements for all varieties of Actinidia chinensis species kiwifruit, which is commonly known as golden kiwifruit, regulated under the marketing order. A corresponding change is also made to the kiwifruit import regulation as required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937.
Milk in the Appalachian, Southeast, and Florida Areas; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and Orders
A public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on proposals to amend the inter-market transportation credits in the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs) and adopt distributing plant delivery credits (intra-market transportation credits) in the Appalachian, Southeast, and Florida FMMOs.
National Organic Program (NOP); Strengthening Organic Enforcement
This rulemaking amends the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations to strengthen oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic agricultural products. The amendments protect integrity in the organic supply chain and build consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label by strengthening organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, and providing robust enforcement of the USDA organic regulations. Topics addressed in this rulemaking include: applicability of the regulations and exemptions from organic certification; National Organic Program Import Certificates; recordkeeping and product traceability; certifying agent personnel qualifications and training; standardized certificates of organic operation; unannounced on-site inspections of certified operations; oversight of certification activities; foreign conformity assessment systems; certification of producer group operations; labeling of nonretail containers; annual update requirements for certified operations; compliance and appeals processes; and calculating organic content of multi-ingredient products.
Amendments to the Marketing Order for Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Pummelos Grown in Florida
This rulemaking proposes amendments to Marketing Order 905, which regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos grown in Florida. The proposed amendments reduce the size of the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee) and lower quorum requirements, revise the nomination and selection processes, remove the requirement to allocate committee seats on the basis of volume from each district, and add a new section to provide the Committee authority to receive voluntary contributions for promotion and research projects. Conforming changes to align the marketing order with the proposed amendments are also proposed.
Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products; Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of a currently approved information collection for Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh & Processed Fruits, Vegetables, & Other Products.
Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program
This rule establishes the Cattle Contracts Library pilot program. Under this pilot program, the Agricultural Marketing Service will collect, maintain, and report aggregated information on contracts between packers and cattle producers for the purchase of fed cattle. The library will include different types of contracts and contract terms, including contract terms on any schedules of premiums or discounts, delivery and transportation, terms and payments, financing, risk-sharing or profit sharing, and other financial arrangements. In addition to contract term information, the Agricultural Marketing Service will also report on the number of head of cattle purchased under these contracts.
Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act
The Agricultural Marketing Service is providing an additional 45 days for submission of comments and information from the public regarding the proposed revisions to the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 that promote inclusive competition and market integrity in the livestock, meats, poultry, and live poultry markets.
Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this constitutes notice of the upcoming meeting of the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). The Advisory Committee meets no less than once annually to advise the Secretary on the programs and services delivered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Recommendations by the Advisory Committee help AMS meet the needs of its customers, who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace.
Transportation and Marketing Program; Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for extension of a currently approved collection titled ``Local Food Directories and Survey'' (OMB 0581-0169). Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, AMS is responsible for conducting research to enhance market access for small and medium sized farmers. The role of the Marketing Services Division (MSD) of AMS is to facilitate distribution of U.S. agricultural products. This information is used to populate USDA's National Farmers Market Directory and periodically market managers are invited to participate in a comprehensive survey assessing the farmers market sector.
Information Collection Renewal for Country of Origin Labeling
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 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 Country of Origin Labeling.
Pecans Grown in Multiple States; 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) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, Marketing Order No. 986.
Decrease of Assessment Rate for Texas Oranges and Grapefruit
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2022-23 and subsequent fiscal periods. The proposed assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances per October 2020 and April 2021 NOSB Recommendations (Handling, Crops)
This rule amends the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) section of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic regulations to implement recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This rule allows low-acyl gellan gum, a food additive used as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer, as an ingredient in processed organic products. This rule also allows paper- based crop planting aids for organic crop production. Finally, this rule replaces the term ``wood resin'' on the National List with the term ``wood rosin'' to reflect the popular spelling of the substance.
Award of Designations and Designation Amendments to Class X or Class Y Weighing Services Under the United States Grain Standards Act
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing designation awards of Amarillo Grain Exchange, Inc. (Amarillo); J.W. Barton Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Barton); Cairo Grain Inspection Agency, Inc. (Cairo); Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Departments, Inc. (Champaign); Detroit Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Detroit); Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc. (Eastern Iowa); Enid Grain Inspection Company, Inc. (Enid); Farwell Commodity and Grain Services, Inc. (Farwell Southwest); Fremont Grain Inspection Department, Inc. (Fremont); Keokuk Grain Inspection Service (Keokuk); Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (Louisiana); Michigan Grain Inspection Services, Inc. (Michigan); Omaha Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Omaha); Maryland Department of Agriculture (Maryland); North Carolina Department of Agriculture (North Carolina); North Dakota Grain Inspection Services, Inc. (North Dakota); Northeast Indiana Grain Inspection, Inc. (Northeast Indiana); Northern Plains Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Northern Plains); Plainview Grain Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc. (Plainview); D. R. Schaal Agency, Inc. (Schaal); Sioux City Inspection and Weighing Service Company (Sioux City); State Grain Inspection, Inc. (State Grain); and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (Utah) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended. The West Lafayette, Indiana area previously serviced by Titus Grain Inspection, Inc. (Titus), will now be serviced by two current official agencies: Champaign and North Dakota, as detailed below. AMS also announces that the designations of Plainview and Sioux City are amended to include Class X and Class Y weighing services.
Mycotoxin Test Kit Design Specifications and Performance Criteria
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing its decisions regarding proposed changes to its mycotoxin test kit performance criteria after evaluating public comments received during prior publications in the Federal Register (85 FR 82427 and 86 FR 10531).
Harmonized Tariff Schedule Numbers for the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Products
This proposal invites comments on updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers for paper and paper-based packaging products in the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). In addition, this action proposes new language that allows assessment collection to continue even if HTS numbers change in the future. The Paper and Packaging Board (Board) administers the Order with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Dried Prunes Produced in California; Increased Assessment Rate
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Prune Marketing Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2022-23 crop year and subsequent fiscal years. The proposed assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order-Decrease in Assessment Rate and Importer Assessments
Pursuant to the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985 (Act) and the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order) thereunder, this rulemaking decreases the current rate of assessment of 0.40 percent of the market value of live porcine animals to 0.35 percent and decreases the amount of assessment per pound due on imported pork and pork products (one- to three-hundredths of a cent per pound). These reductions in assessment rates are made in response to the approximately 47 percent increase in 2021 in the average prices of live hogs above its 3-year average from 2018-2020 and reflect the National Pork Producers Delegate Body's (Delegate Body) desire to lessen the assessment burden on producers and make such funds available to pork producers and the industry. The adjustment in importer assessments also brings the equivalent market value of live animals from which imported pork and pork products are derived in line with the market value of domestic porcine animals. This action also updates the Harmonized Tariff Schedule number for prepared or preserved pork in the regulation.
Adjustments to Mango Board Representation
This proposal invites comments on changes to the representation of the National Mango Board (Board) under the Mango Promotion, Research and Information Order (Order). This action would allocate the seven foreign producer Board seats to the top five mango exporting countries, based on mango volume exported to the United States, with an additional seat allocated to the top exporting country, and one at-large seat. In addition, the proposal would require no more than one Board member be employed by or be affiliated with the same company. The Board administers the Order with oversight by Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). This rule was recommended by the Board and is issued with the concurrence of AMS.
Barriers Facing Small Firms and Businesses Providing Halal, Kosher and Organic Products in Commodity Contracting With the Agricultural Marketing Service
In keeping with ongoing efforts to increase the number of small and underserved businesses participating in the USDA food procurement program, as well as increasing access to culturally appropriate foods, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public input on perceived barriers that small businesses, those owned by underserved businesses, and providers of organic, kosher, and halal agricultural products face in working with AMS' Commodity Procurement Program (CPP). This input will be used to update CPP's Small Business and New Vendor Strategy as appropriate.
Marketing Order for Walnuts Grown in California; Recommended Decision and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions
This recommended decision proposes amendments to Marketing Order No. 984 (Order), which regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California. The proposed amendments are based on the record of a public hearing held via videoconference technology on April 19 and 20, 2022. The California Walnut Board (Board), which locally administers the Order, recommended proposed amendments that would eliminate mandatory inspection and certification of inshell and shelled walnuts, and of shelled walnuts for processing; create a new mechanism for determining and collecting handler assessments; add authority to charge interest for late payments; establish an assessment rate of $0.0125 per inshell pound of walnuts; expand the definition of ``to handle'' to include ``receive''; and remove volume control authority. In addition, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposed to make any such changes to the Order as may be necessary to conform to any amendment that may result from the hearing.
Florida Citrus Marketing Order; Exemption for Pummelos
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee) to exempt pummelos from requirements prescribed under the Florida citrus marketing order. The proposed change would exempt pummelos from all requirements under the marketing order, including registration, assessment, and reporting requirements.
Washington Apricots; Termination of Marketing Order
This proposed rule invites comments on a recommendation from the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee (Committee) to terminate the Federal marketing order regulating the handling of apricots grown in designated counties in Washington (Marketing Order No. 922). The Committee determined the marketing order is no longer necessary to maintain orderly marketing conditions and unanimously recommended its termination. Following the Committee's recommendation, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) suspended the remaining reporting and assessment collection requirements under the marketing order while it considered termination of the marketing order. After reviewing the Committee's recommendation and other information submitted, AMS determined that the marketing order no longer tends to effectuate the declared policy of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. If implemented, this proposed rule would remove Marketing Order No. 922 from the Code of Federal Regulations.
Information Collection for National Science Laboratories
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for a new information collection ``National Science Laboratories.''
United States Standards for Beans: Chickpea/Garbanzo Beans
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing revision to the U.S. Standards for Beans, pertaining to the grade determining factors Moisture and Contrasting Chickpeas in the class Chickpea/ Garbanzo Beans, under the United States Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, (AMA). Stakeholders in the bean processing/handling industry requested AMS to amend the grading requirements for Moisture and Contrasting Chickpeas in Chickpea/Garbanzo Beans in the U.S. Bean Standards. To ensure that the bean standards remain relevant, AMS invites interested parties to comment on whether revising the Chickpea/ Garbanzo standard will facilitate the marketing of Chickpea/Garbanzo Beans. This action may revise or amend the table of Grades and Grade Requirements for Chickpea/Garbanzo Beans in the U.S. Standard for Beans.
United States Standards for Wheat
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is making no changes regarding the U.S. Standards for Wheat under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, as amended (USGSA).
Inert Ingredients in Pesticides for Organic Production
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is providing additional time for the public to submit comments and information about how to update the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations on inert ingredients in pesticides used in organic production. AMS seeks comments on alternatives to its existing regulations that would align with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulatory framework for inert ingredients. Information from public comments would inform AMS's approach to this topic, including any proposed revisions of the USDA organic regulations.
National Organic Program; Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards
On August 9, 2022, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published proposed amendments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations, with a 60-day comment period ending on October 11, 2022. The proposed rule would amend organic livestock and poultry production requirements. In response to multiple requests, AMS is announcing an extension of the public comment period by an additional 30 calendar days.
Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting comments on proposed revisions to the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921. The proposal would prohibit certain prejudices against market-vulnerable individuals that tend to exclude or disadvantage covered producers in those markets. The proposal would identify retaliatory practices that interfere with lawful communications, assertion of rights, and associational participation, among other protected activities, as unjust discrimination prohibited by the law. The proposal would also identify unlawfully deceptive practices that violate the Packers and Stockyards Act with respect to contract formation, contract performance, contract termination, and contract refusal. The purpose of the rule is to promote inclusive competition and market integrity in the livestock, meats, poultry, and live poultry markets.
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2022 Amendments)
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations, increasing the value assigned to imported cotton for the purposes of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. This amendment is required each year to ensure that assessments collected on imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products will be the same as those paid on domestically produced cotton. In addition, AMS is updating the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) statistical reporting numbers that were amended since the last assessment adjustment in 2021.
Poultry Growing Tournament Systems: Fairness and Related Concerns
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is providing additional time for the public to submit comments and information that will inform policy development and future rulemaking proposals regarding the use of poultry grower ranking systems commonly known as tournaments in contract poultry production. AMS seeks this input in response to numerous complaints from poultry growers about the use of tournament systems. Comments in response to this request would help AMS tailor further rulemaking in addition to that already planned and under way to address specific industry practices in relation to tournament systems.
Inert Ingredients in Pesticides for Organic Production
This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) seeks input from stakeholders about how to update the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations on inert ingredients in pesticides used in organic production. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) seeks comments on alternatives to its existing regulations that would align with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulatory framework for inert ingredients. Information from public comments would inform AMS's approach to this topic, including any proposed revisions of the USDA organic regulations.
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule implements a recommendation from the Avocado Administrative Committee to increase the assessment rate established for the 2022-23 and subsequent fiscal years. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Almonds Grown in California; Modification of Regulations; Withdrawal
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) withdraws a proposed rule recommended by the Almond Board of California (Board) that would have amended administrative requirements in the California Almond Marketing Order's (Order) roadside stand exemption, credit for market promotion activities, quality control, exempt dispositions, and interest and late charges provisions. In addition, the rule proposed to stay two sections of the administrative requirements that define almond butter and stipulate disposition in reserve outlets by handlers established under the Order. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the proposed rule is being withdrawn.
Opportunity for United States Grain Standards Act Designation in the Alabama: Essex, Illinois: Missouri; Hastings, Nebraska; Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Washington areas; and Request for Comments on the Official Agencies Servicing These Areas
The United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) designations of the official agencies listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below will end on the prescribed dates. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by these agencies to submit an application for designation. Designation provides for private entities or state governmental agencies to be an integral part of the official grain inspection system. Designated agencies work under the supervision of AMS's Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and are authorized to provide official inspection and weighing services in a defined geographical area. In addition, we request comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agencies: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (Alabama); Kankakee Grain Inspection, Inc. (Kankakee); Missouri Department of Agriculture (Missouri); Hastings Grain Inspection, Inc. (Hastings); Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen); and Washington Department of Agriculture (Washington). AMS encourages submissions from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. AMS encourages submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico; Continuance Referendum
This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible pistachio producers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of pistachios grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
This final rule implements a recommendation from the California Olive Committee to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2022 fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
2022/2023 Rates Charged for AMS Services: Revised Rates for Audit Services
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing revisions to the 2022/2023 rates it will charge for Federal and State Audit Services provided by the Specialty Crop Program. Revisions correct the base units for these user fee rates, which were published on June 14, 2022. All other AMS user fee rates will remain unchanged.
Almonds Grown in California; 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) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order No. 981.
National Organic Program (NOP); Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the organic livestock and poultry production requirements by adding new provisions for livestock handling and transport for slaughter and avian living conditions; and expanding and clarifying existing requirements covering livestock care and production practices and mammalian living conditions.
Revising U.S. Grade Standards for Pecans in the Shell and Shelled Pecans; Extension of Comment Period
Notice is hereby given that Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the comment period for the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2022 by 30 days. The proposed rule invited comments on proposed revisions to U.S. Standards for Grades of Pecans in the Shell and U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pecans.
Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments
The Agricultural Marketing Service is extending the comment period for our proposed rule that would revise the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to promote transparency in poultry production contracting. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC): Notice of Intent To Reestablish Charter and Call for Nominations
Through this Notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the following: Its intent to reestablish the Charter of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC), which expires March 16, 2022; its call for nominations to fill up to 25 upcoming vacancies for appointments in 2022, and its call for nominations for a pool of candidates to fill future unexpected vacancies in any position categories should that occur. The FVIAC is seeking members who represent the fruit and vegetable industry including growers, shippers, wholesalers/distributors, brokers, retailers/restaurant representatives, state agencies, state departments of agriculture, foodservice suppliers, and fresh-cut and other fruit and vegetable processors. The FVIAC should also include representatives of farmers markets and food hubs, organic and non-organic fruit and vegetable representatives, farmer organizations, and produce trade associations. Please note, individuals who are federally registered lobbyists, appointed to committees to exercise their own individual best judgment on behalf of the government (e.g., as Special Government Employees) are ineligible to serve and cannot be considered for USDA advisory committee membership. Members can only serve on one USDA advisory committee at a time. All nominees will undergo a USDA background check. You must submit the following to nominate yourself or someone else to the FVIAC: a resume (required), a USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information Form AD-755available online at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf (required), a cover letter (required), and a list of endorsements or letters of recommendation (optional). The resume or curriculum vitae must be limited to five one-sided pages and should include a summary of the following information: Current and past organization affiliations; areas of expertise; education; career positions held; and any other notable positions held. For submissions received that are more than five one-sided pages in length, only the first five pages will be reviewed.
National Organic Program; National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances-Crops and Handling From October 2019 NOSB
This rule amends the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) section of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic regulations to implement recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This rule allows the following substances for organic production: potassium hypochlorite to treat irrigation water used in organic crop production and fatty alcohols for sucker control in organic tobacco production. This rule also removes the listing for dairy cultures, as it is redundant with an existing listing.
Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns
On July 9, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order titled ``Promoting Competition in the American Economy,'' which creates a White House Competition Council and directs Federal agency actions to enhance fairness and competition across America's economy. The Executive Order directs the Council and member agencies to ``identify and advance any additional administrative actions necessary'' to promote competition on an ongoing basis. The Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) takes note of wide-ranging concern from agricultural producers regarding access to and pricing of fertilizer. This notice requests comments and information from the public to assist the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in identifying relevant difficulties, including competition concerns, and potential policy solutions for the fertilizer market.
Competition in Food Retail and Distribution Markets and Access for Agricultural Producers and Small and Midsized Food Processors
On July 9, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order on ``Promoting Competition in the American Economy,'' which creates a White House Competition Council and directs Federal agency actions to enhance fairness and competition across America's economy. The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary), among other things, to submit a report on the effect of retail concentration and retailers' practices on the conditions of competition in the food industries. This notice requests comments and information from the public to assist the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in preparing the report required by the Executive Order and advancing policy steps to promote competition in the food and agricultural markets.
Competition and the Intellectual Property System: Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs
On July 9, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order titled ``Promoting Competition in the American Economy,'' which creates a White House Competition Council and directs Federal agency actions to enhance fairness and competition across America's economy. Among other things, the Executive Order directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to prepare a report on concerns and strategies for ensuring that the intellectual property (IP) system, while incentivizing innovation, does not also unnecessarily reduce competition in seed and other input markets. This notice requests comments and information from the public to assist the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department) in preparing the report required by the Executive Order and advancing policy steps on seeds and other inputs identified in and developed by the report.
Regional Food Business Centers; Request for a New Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget to collect information related to the new Regional Food Business Centers created by the AMS Transportation and Marketing Program.
Nomenclature Changes; Technical Amendment
This rule removes the undesignated center headings in a part of the Code of Federal Regulations administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Further, this rule organizes the part's sections into subparts and adds designated subpart headings. This action is intended to make the part more readable and easier to amend in the future. Finally, these revisions are made to conform to Office of the Federal Register formatting requirements.
Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Organic Program (NOP), is announcing a meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The publication of this notice opens the public comment docket so that the NOSB may receive comments from the public. The NOSB assists the USDA in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on other aspects of the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA).
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