Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The focus is on the Agricultural Marketing Service, which oversees standards for grains and other commodities. These requirements involve recordkeeping and reporting to ensure quality control and proper marketing, with associated burdens and procedures outlined for various stakeholders. Comments on these proposals are invited and should be submitted by April 21, 2025, to enhance quality and reduce unnecessary burdens.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is reopening the comment period for a rule regarding crop insurance for 30 additional days. This rule involves revenue coverage for flax and aligns deadlines for dry bean insurance, while expanding options for some specialty and perennial crops. The initial rule was published on November 27, 2024, and became effective on November 30, 2024. The public can submit comments until March 12, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The Department of Agriculture has forwarded an information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are seeking public comments on this requirement, specifically asking about its necessity and utility, and suggestions for minimizing the burden on respondents. The focus of this request is the USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form (FNS 543), which helps compile information on organizations aiding low-income communities with nutrition and food assistance. Public comments must be submitted by May 21, 2025, either online or through specific recommendations for this data collection.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposed a rule affecting spearmint oil production in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and parts of Nevada and Utah. For the 2024-2025 marketing year, which started on June 1, 2024, they plan to increase the allowable quantity of Native spearmint oil that can be sold from 678,980 pounds to 731,220 pounds, and to raise the allotment percentage from 26 percent to 28 percent. This change is intended to better match supply with estimated demand and maintain market stability. The public has until December 19, 2024, to comment on this proposed adjustment.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Tribal Relations announced a public, hybrid meeting of the Tribal Advisory Committee. This meeting will take place on December 10th-11th, 2024, at the Palm's Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, with virtual options available. The Committee, established under the 2018 Farm Bill, advises the USDA on Tribal and Indian affairs. The public can register online to attend or provide comments, with written comments due by December 5th, 2024.

The Department of Agriculture is preparing to submit an information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. They are seeking public comments by April 3, 2025, on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the information collection. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) plans a change in their Agricultural Prices data collection, aiming to enhance efficiency by integrating data from a discontinued survey into another ongoing survey. The information collected helps compute prices received by farmers for various crops and plays a significant role in several government and economic analyses, including disaster payments and projections of farm income.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is announcing its plan to extend and update its current information collection process called "Organizational Information." This process is necessary for assessing the ability of grant applicants to manage federal funds. The update includes adjustments to meet current legal and regulatory standards and aims to make the information collection form more accessible. Public comments on this proposal are invited until February 4, 2025, and can be submitted electronically.

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 Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order has been amended to increase the assessment rate from $0.35 to $0.41 per thousand board feet. This rule is administered by the Softwood Lumber Board under the oversight of the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA. The additional funds will support ongoing and new initiatives to promote softwood lumber. This change follows the review of past expenditures and revenues and aims to support the lumber industry's growth, addressing both current challenges and new opportunities.

The Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to how states safeguard the personal information of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This request is part of a review process under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which ensures that any information collection is necessary and useful. The study aims to assess current state practices for protecting this personal data and to recommend improvements. The public has until March 8, 2021, to submit their comments and recommendations through the website www.reginfo.gov.