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The USDA is asking for nominations to join the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods for the 2025-2027 term. They need 30 members with expertise in areas like microbiology and food safety from different sectors such as academia and government. The nominated individuals will help provide advice to ensure food safety, and those selected will need to undergo background checks and adhere to ethical standards. Nominations are due by February 18, 2025, and selected members will serve a two-year term, potentially reappointed for another term.

The Foreign Agricultural Service, part of the USDA, is planning to request an extension for a currently approved information collection concerning the Emerging Markets Program, as per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program involves collecting information from applicants seeking grants to evaluate the viability of proposed projects and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Public comments on this proposal must be submitted by May 5, 2025, via mail, email, or the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The estimated public reporting burden for respondents is about 6.4 hours per response, with an annual total burden of 2,100 hours.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of the USDA, has extended and reopened the application period for the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes Program, also known as the 313A Program. This program is now accepting applications until January 31, 2025. The program supports loans used for utility infrastructure projects and refinancing, aimed at borrowers who have received or are eligible for loans under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Applicants must submit their completed applications electronically to RUS.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing extra support to farmers impacted by COVID-19. This final rule offers more help to swine producers who applied for CFAP 1 and extends aid to some swine and poultry contract producers under CFAP 2. It also updates eligible commodities, changes payment calculations for some crops, and includes new rules based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Eligible producers don't have to reapply if they've applied before but must meet certain criteria to receive aid.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has proposed a new order for promoting natural grass sod products. This initiative, called the Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order, aims to support the natural grass sod industry by funding market expansion and research activities through fees collected from sod producers. A key aspect of the proposal is a referendum where natural grass sod producers can vote on whether to adopt this program. If approved, the program will be financed by a small assessment on the sale of sod, with the goal of supporting industry education, promotion, and research efforts.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule that amends the pricing provisions in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These changes include updating milk composition factors and surveyed commodity products, revising Class III and IV formula factors, and modifying the Class I skim milk price calculation. Most amendments will take effect on June 1, 2025, while certain adjustments related to skim milk composition will be effective December 1, 2025. This rule aims to more accurately reflect current market conditions and ensure orderly milk marketing.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule establishing procedures for a referendum among natural grass sod producers. This rule aims to determine support for a proposed order that would implement a research and promotion program for natural grass sod, funded by a mandatory assessment. The order requires a simple majority vote in favor among producers for it to proceed. The rule also outlines voting methods, including electronic voting, to ensure broad participation and includes provisions for ensuring the confidentiality of ballots.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), part of the USDA, has announced its plan to renew the information collection requirements for labeling mechanically tenderized beef products. These requirements mandate that labels must include the term "mechanically tenderized" to ensure that consumers are informed about the product. The FSIS is seeking public comments on these requirements before they expire on July 31, 2021. They have invited feedback on whether these information collection efforts are useful and whether the burden it places on respondents is reasonable.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA has issued a notice for public comment on a proposed information collection related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This involves using data from the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) to verify employment information for SNAP applicants and recipients. The goal is to ensure that households receive the correct amount of benefits based on accurate employment data. Public comments are invited on the effectiveness and efficiency of this information collection.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA is seeking a three-year extension on information collection to control and eradicate highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. In response to the 2024 HPAI outbreak, APHIS has issued Federal Orders requiring testing of dairy cattle and raw milk before interstate movement and has mandated the reporting of positive cases. APHIS aims to gather public comments on the necessity and effectiveness of the data collection, which will help improve the HPAI monitoring and control efforts. Public responses to this notice will be included in APHIS's request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget.