Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The U.S. Codex Office is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 29, 2021, to discuss agenda items and U.S. positions for the 5th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) scheduled for April 26-30, 2021. This event allows interested parties to learn about the session's topics, like standards for dried oregano and other spices, and to provide feedback. Registration for the public meeting is available online or via email until March 15, 2021. The U.S. Codex Office aims to promote awareness of these discussions and ensure equal access and opportunity for all participants.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), plans to request an extension for a currently approved information collection concerning Long-Term Contracting forms. This extension will support programs that provide financial and technical assistance for conservation practices on private lands through long-term contracts. The public is invited to submit comments on the necessity, accuracy, and methods of this information collection until February 10, 2025. These comments will be considered in the request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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 (United States Department of Agriculture) is setting up a new committee called the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee. This committee will help guide the USDA on how to develop policies and reach out to people related to urban, indoor, and cutting-edge farming practices. They are looking for people to nominate themselves or others to join this committee, which will have 12 members meeting at least three times a year across the country. The committee aims to include diverse members who can represent minorities, women, and people with disabilities while discussing innovative farming ideas.

The Agriculture Department and Food and Nutrition Service issued a correction to a previously published proposed rule concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control Review Handbook. The original document, dated January 3, 2025, erroneously listed the date "March 4, 2024" under the DATES section. This has been corrected to read "March 4, 2025". This change ensures that readers have the correct information regarding important dates in the proposed rule.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA has issued a final rule for the Rural eConnectivity Program, which aims to improve broadband access in rural areas through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations. The program outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding requirements. RUS is also seeking comments on aspects of this rule to refine future implementations. The program is designed to support rural infrastructure development and economic opportunities by providing reliable high-speed internet to underserved areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, announced a second notice about closing the Beattie Gulch Trailhead and McConnell Fishing Access areas in Montana to the discharge of firearms. This notice corrects the mailing address for comments sent by mail and extends the public comment period by another 60 days. The closure aims to protect public health and safety due to the risk posed by firearms near developed facilities and private property. Bow hunting will still be allowed in these areas.

The Tri-County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will have a virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Mountain Standard Time. This committee, under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, aims to improve collaboration and provide recommendations to the Forest Service on projects and funding under Title II of the Act. The public can request to make oral statements at the meeting, and written comments can be submitted to Jeanne Dawson, the RAC Coordinator. For further details or accommodations, people should contact Jeanne Dawson by phone or email.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is planning to revise and extend an information collection related to equine infectious anemia (EIA). This notice seeks public comments on the necessity, practical utility, and burden of this information collection, which involves activities such as lab approval, disease investigation, and safe movement of horses with EIA. The aim is to ensure accurate testing and protection of animal health. Feedback will be taken until April 13, 2021, and will contribute to a request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the continued use of these activities.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collected, and suggestions for reducing the burden on respondents using technological solutions. Specifically, this revision relates to the Food Delivery Portal (FDP) Data Collection for the WIC Program, which gathers data from 89 WIC State agencies to ensure program integrity and compliance. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) uses this information for oversight and to report to Congress and other stakeholders. The total number of respondents to this data collection is 356, with an annual reporting requirement resulting in 3,576 total burden hours.