Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

Rural Development, part of the USDA, is adopting seven Categorical Exclusions (CEs) from the Department of Energy to use in their programs, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These CEs will help streamline environmental reviews for projects improving infrastructure like electric power, water systems, and renewable energy in rural areas. The agency has consulted with the DOE to ensure appropriateness and plans to apply these CEs while considering environmental impact safeguards. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency of RD projects while maintaining environmental compliance.

The Economic Research Service (ERS) of the US Department of Agriculture is planning to renew a previously approved information collection effort known as the Generic Clearance for Survey Research Studies, which is due to expire in April 2025. This collection helps ERS improve survey methods and data by using various research techniques and ensures feedback from individuals, households, and businesses. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and usefulness of this data collection, as well as on any potential burdens it may create for respondents. Comments are due by February 18, 2025.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the 2021 fee schedule for the official inspection and weighing of grain, required by the United States Grain Standards Act. The schedule adjusts fees based on the annual evaluation of operational costs and reserve funds. As the operating reserve was short of the target, all Schedule A service fees increased by 5% for 2021. Information on these fees is available on the agency's public website.

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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed new regulations to establish the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP). This program aims to improve biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance for swine health in the U.S. by certifying sites for disease-free status regarding African swine fever and classical swine fever. US SHIP will be a voluntary program, following the model of a pilot program, and is designed to help reduce disruptions in trade during disease outbreaks. Participants in the program will include various swine facilities that comply with outlined standards and regulations.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service have announced the availability of the Records of Decision for a new Resource Management Plan for parts of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. This plan includes immediate changes for BLM lands and amendments for Forest Service lands to enhance management and conservation efforts. The plan was developed with input from the public, state, local, and tribal entities and focuses on protecting the area's natural and cultural resources. Both departments have addressed and resolved protests and concerns from the Governor of Utah regarding the plan.

On November 27, 2024, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) updated their Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations and Common Crop Insurance Policy. They later found some mistakes in these changes, such as missing provisions and included ones that shouldn’t have been there. This document corrects those errors, especially in the Small Grains and Green Pea Crop Insurance Provisions. The corrections are effective as of December 27, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is holding a virtual meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee on April 6, 2021. The committee will discuss challenges in the fruit and vegetable industry and suggest ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture for improving USDA programs. The public can participate by submitting written comments by March 16, 2021, or by registering to provide oral comments at the meeting. The meeting is open to the public, and information on accessing the webinar will be available on the AMS website.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is correcting a final rule regarding improvements in food distribution programs. This correction, effective December 30, 2024, aims to enhance access and parity for eligible populations and simplifies requirements for program operators. It involves ensuring adherence to programs' caseload allocations, updating online information about local agencies and state plans, correcting definitions and instructions in the regulations, and providing clear guidelines on eligibility and income deductions.

The Forest Service of the USDA is inviting public comments regarding the continuation of a current information collection program, known as the Small Business Timber Sale Set-Aside Program. This initiative aims to ensure that small businesses have the opportunity to purchase timber from the National Forest System. Every five years, the Forest Service evaluates and adjusts the amount of timber reserved for small businesses, considering factors like manufacturing capability and business size changes. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to enhance the process of this information collection by April 26, 2021.