Search Results for agency_names:"Agricultural Marketing Service"

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has amended the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order to remove frozen mangos as a covered commodity, following a referendum where the majority of first handlers and importers voted against their inclusion. This change discontinues the collection of assessments for frozen mangos and reduces the National Mango Board's membership from 21 to 18 members. These changes are intended to relieve regulatory burdens on frozen mango importers and streamline the Order's provisions, including clarifying definitions and updating voting procedures. The rule became effective on February 25, 2021, and stakeholders are invited to submit comments by April 26, 2021.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing a virtual meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from April 29 to May 1, 2025. The meeting will discuss standards for organic production and substances allowed or prohibited in organic products. The public can submit written comments by April 28, 2025, or give oral comments during webinars on April 22 and 24, 2025. Access and more details are available on the AMS website.

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 Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking applications from individuals or organizations interested in providing official services in various areas currently served by designated agencies like Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Departments, Detroit Grain Inspection Service, and others. The current designations will end on specific dates, and interested parties must submit their applications by March 24, 2021. The AMS encourages diversity among applicants by welcoming submissions from traditionally underrepresented groups. Additionally, the AMS is inviting comments on the quality of services provided by these agencies, which will be considered in the designation process.

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 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 Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order was established to help boost the pecan industry in the United States. It introduces a system to collect assessments from producers and importers to fund marketing campaigns and research aimed at increasing demand for pecans. The rule sets up a governing Board to oversee these activities and requires a referendum after three years to decide on the continuation of the order. While most of the industry supports this program, there are concerns about the financial burden on producers due to existing marketing orders.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the USDA has reopened the comment period for changes to the mycotoxin test kit criteria. This extension is announced to ensure that interested individuals have sufficient time to review and comment on these proposed changes, with comments now due by March 24, 2021. This decision follows a request from four stakeholders to allow more time for feedback after the initial comment period ended on January 19, 2021. Participants are encouraged to submit their comments via the Federal e-rulemaking portal, with all submissions becoming public on the internet.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has issued a final rule suspending the reporting and assessment requirements for the marketing order regulating Irish potatoes grown in Washington. This suspension is in place as the USDA processes the State of Washington Potato Committee's request to terminate the marketing order. The Committee found that the suspension of these requirements has not negatively impacted the industry and determined that continuing the order is unnecessary. This action is expected to reduce the regulatory burden on handlers and producers of Washington potatoes.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA announced a delay in the effective date of a rule regarding the Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Originally set to take effect on January 21, 2025, the rule is now postponed until March 21, 2025. This delay allows for further review of the amendments, which clarify various processes like partnership definitions, nomination procedures, and voting formats for board meetings, along with financial reporting timelines. The postponement aligns with a presidential directive for regulatory review.