Search Results for keywords:"U.S. Department of Agriculture"

The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service plan to return human remains found on Federal or Tribal lands to the appropriate lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations. These remains, which are believed to be of Native American ancestry, were discovered in the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. The Forest Service encourages any rightful claimants to come forward by December 30, 2025; otherwise, the remains will be considered unclaimed. If conflicting claims arise, the Forest Service will determine the most suitable party for disposition.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has announced a revision to the list of eligible countries for its Telecommunications and Electric Program purchases. Japan has been added to this list, and the update aligns with the November 2023 list issued by the U.S. Trade Representative. This list defines which countries can be treated similarly to U.S. products under the "Buy American" provision of the Rural Electrification Act. The new eligibility list is available through a specified USTR link, and further details can be obtained by contacting designated RUS officials.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Angeles National Forest plans to return human remains and cultural objects to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, as per the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains and objects were found at two archaeological sites on federal land. The Forest Service has identified at least two individuals and determined that the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has priority for the disposition. Claims for these items can be made until April 13, 2026; otherwise, they will be considered unclaimed.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing a virtual meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from April 29 to May 1, 2025. The meeting will discuss standards for organic production and substances allowed or prohibited in organic products. The public can submit written comments by April 28, 2025, or give oral comments during webinars on April 22 and 24, 2025. Access and more details are available on the AMS website.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands intends to transfer human remains and funerary items back to Native American tribes under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items were originally removed from a site in New Mexico. The Pueblo of Isleta and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo have priority in claiming these remains and items. If no claims are made by January 20, 2026, the remains and items will be considered unclaimed.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, intends to return human remains and cultural items found in the Coronado National Forest. These items, which include ceramics, stone tools, and other artifacts, are linked to Native American heritage and will be rehomed with the communities currently holding priority, such as the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Tohono O'odham Nation. Claims for these items must be submitted by March 19, 2026, and if multiple claims are made, the Forest Service will determine the rightful owners. The process is managed by the National Park Service and is supported by federal law.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Chugach National Forest, plans to transfer the remains of a Native American individual, found near Eagle Glacier, to the Eklutna Native Village and the Knik Tribe, in line with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). If no claims are made by January 16, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed. Claims can be made by lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations with a connection to the remains, and joint requests for disposition will be treated as single claims.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the new rates for 2025 that will apply to various inspection and certification services related to meat, poultry, and egg products. These services include voluntary, overtime, and holiday inspections, along with laboratory services. FSIS also revised the fee for applying for export certificates electronically through its Public Health Information System. These updated rates will come into effect starting January 12, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service at the Hoosier National Forest plans to return human remains and funerary objects to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. These items, found at a site in Indiana, are associated with Native American ancestry and include bone fragments, a bear canine tooth, and a shell bead. The process follows the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and claims must be made by March 19, 2026, or they become unclaimed. The National Park Service oversees these actions but is not responsible for identifying the remains.

The Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has decided to withdraw its earlier plans to create an environmental impact statement for the greater sage-grouse in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. This decision was made because recent changes have reduced threats to the sage-grouse, including a rule from 2020 that limits oil and gas development in their habitat and a 2015 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stating that the species doesn't need protection under the Endangered Species Act.