Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule superseding the interim rule to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule outlines regulations for State and Tribal plans and a Federal plan for hemp production where State or Tribal plans are not USDA-approved. The program details requirements for record-keeping, THC level testing, disposal of non-compliant plants, producer licensing, and overall compliance. The rule also specifies procedures for land use data collection and cooperation with law enforcement and other agricultural agencies.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has extended the comment period for proposed changes to the United States Classes, Standards, and Grades for Poultry. Initially announced on January 16, 2025, and set to end on March 17, 2025, the period now extends until May 16, 2025. This extension comes after receiving a request from a U.S. trade association advocating for the poultry industry, suggesting that more time is needed to gather feedback on the revisions that aim to align with industry advancements and consumer preferences.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture is implementing a new rule to establish standardized formulas for calculating user fees for services provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). The changes aim to help FGIS charge fees that cover the costs of these services and maintain a reserve fund for operations, as required by law. The rule also includes some corrections and updates to existing regulations without imposing new requirements. These new fee regulations will ensure greater transparency and predictability for businesses using FGIS services.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has prepared an environmental assessment on releasing two insects, Bikasha collaris and Gadirtha fusca, to control the invasive Chinese tallow tree in the United States. This assessment suggests that the release of these insects is unlikely to harm the human environment. The public can review and comment on this assessment by February 22, 2021. The purpose is to use these insects as a biological control method to address the spread of the Chinese tallow tree, which has become a significant invasive species in several states.

The final rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture simplifies and unifies deadlines for submitting required documents for three disaster assistance programs: the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). It also clarifies assistance rules for transporting livestock feed, including eligible conditions and documentation requirements, such as needing verifiable records for claimed losses. The rule became effective upon its publication in the Federal Register and does not require a notice or comment period.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) of the USDA plans to revise an existing information collection for the Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program. They are inviting public comments on this proposal in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed changes aim to improve the effectiveness and coordination of programs supporting rural areas. Comments can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal until February 18, 2025.

The Department of Agriculture has asked the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review a requirement for collecting information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. They are inviting public comments by January 15, 2025, about whether this information collection is necessary and how it might be improved. The focus is on the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps rural businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy costs with grants and loans. Comments can be submitted online, and there are specific rules about how the collected information must display a valid OMB control number.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has issued a rule to postpone the effective date of changes to the organic standards for mushrooms and pet food. Initially set to take effect on December 23, 2024, the new regulations will now be effective from March 21, 2025, with compliance required by March 22, 2027. This delay follows a presidential directive for a regulatory review, addressing aspects like mushroom growing materials and the use of certain synthetic substances in organic pet food. The decision is immediate to allow more time for review and was made without public comment, as it was considered impractical and against public interest to delay this process until after additional comments.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the modernization of the Owyhee Irrigation District (OID) in Eastern Oregon. The project aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of water delivery to local farms by updating the outdated irrigation infrastructure, which has been in use for about 90 years. This modernization will involve activities like canal lining and installation of new control systems. Public input is being sought, with comments accepted until February 18, 2025, and further public meetings scheduled for early 2025.

The Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection concerning timber sale contract operations. This involves acquiring information from contractors working on timber sales, which helps manage contracts and assure safety and compliance. Forms used range from operational plans to consent for electronic business, with some new forms being introduced and old ones phased out. Comments can be submitted by mail or email before May 27, 2025, and all contributions will be made part of the public record.