Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

In a notice from the Food and Nutrition Service, under the Department of Agriculture, public comments are invited on a new information collection named Waivers and State Plans (WiSP). This initiative aims to streamline the process for state agencies by transitioning from individual collections to a single application for requesting program waivers and submitting state plans. It supports programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and aims to enhance efficiency and compliance with legislation such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Access to Baby Formula Act. The public is encouraged to comment on the utility and burden of this collection effort by February 28, 2025.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) of the Department of Agriculture announced updates to the competitive process for lenders submitting applications for the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP). The updates include new scoring criteria focusing on priorities like maturing mortgages and Qualified Contract waivers, adjustments in scoring points, and changes to the application process such as requiring lenders to include closing dates and details about commercial spaces. Applications are being accepted continuously, and funding will depend on allocations provided by the Appropriations Act each fiscal year. The goal of the GRRHP is to increase affordable rental housing in rural areas by supporting partnerships between private lenders and public agencies.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This collection focuses on monitoring antimicrobial use and resistance in U.S. broiler chicken production through the National Animal Health Monitoring System. The study, conducted with the University of Minnesota, aims to provide insights into how antimicrobial use and resistance affect animal health and production over time. Comments on this proposal are invited until January 15, 2025, and can be submitted online.

The USDA's Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement is holding a public teleconference meeting for the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers (ACMF) on February 10, 2021. The meeting will address topics like USDA outreach, technical assistance, and capacity building for minority farmers. It will also discuss the implementation of the Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmer and Rancher Grant Program and strategies for increasing the participation of minority farmers in USDA programs. Public comments can be submitted via email, and accommodations can be made for participants with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced a reestablished computer matching program with State agencies that manage the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program allows these agencies to access the Electronic Disqualified Recipient System (eDRS), which is a national database that keeps track of individuals disqualified from SNAP due to intentional program violations. By accessing this system, State agencies can verify an individual's SNAP eligibility and determine the appropriate length of disqualifications. The program aims to maintain program integrity and reduce errors in SNAP benefit distribution.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule making clarifying changes to the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order. These changes update definitions and processes such as nominations, voting methods for Board meetings, financial reporting, and when exemptions can be requested, to better align with current industry practices. The updates also address how partnerships are recognized and clarify the obligations for paying assessments. Despite some mixed feedback during the public comment period, the rule aims to reduce confusion and improve fairness in the paper and paper-based packaging industry.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the USDA, is inviting commodity boards to propose topics for funding under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program. These topics, which should align with AFRI's priority areas like plant and animal health, food safety, or rural communities, will be co-funded by NIFA and the commodity boards. To have their topics considered for the fiscal year 2021, proposals must be submitted by March 5, 2021. If accepted, the commodity boards must provide funding equal to NIFA's contribution for grants awarded based on these topics.

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 U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing a new record system called the APHIS Student Outreach Programs System. This system will help manage applications and information from students and their guardians who apply for programs like AgDiscovery, which introduces teenagers to potential careers in agriculture. Information collected includes personal details and recommendation letters. The notice is issued under the Privacy Act of 1974 and comments on routine uses of the information in this system can be submitted by January 29, 2025.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), part of the USDA, plans to reinstate an information collection to gather data on local food marketing from farm producers to consumers or retailers. This collection seeks approval in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to support local agricultural economies and identify changes and growth in the local food industry nationwide. NASS will use mandatory reporting authority and ensure strict confidentiality under federal law. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by March 31, 2025.