Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating its rules on indemnity payments for losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry. New requirements mandate that premises either at risk or affected by HPAI must undergo biosecurity audits to receive indemnity payments. These audits will verify that proper safety measures to prevent disease spread are in place and maintained. Virtual audits will generally suffice for buffer zones, while previously affected premises need in-person audits, unless there are exceptions.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, had planned a new rule regarding how credit reports are obtained for their Multifamily Housing Programs. This rule was initially set to go into effect on January 30, 2025, but the effective date has now been delayed until March 31, 2025. The delay is due to a presidential memorandum that called for a review of new regulations. This action allows department officials more time to review the changes without the need for public comments, as the delay is intended to ensure orderly implementation of the rule.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has released a draft policy statement related to brucella research for public review and comment. This statement provides guidance for creating biosafety plans for outdoor animal studies involving swine, elk, bison, and cattle, in line with current select agent regulations. The policy aims to aid research efforts to better understand and address brucellosis, a disease affecting livestock and potentially humans, by allowing for the development of diagnostics and vaccines. Comments on the draft policy are welcome until February 16, 2021, and can be submitted through various methods including a dedicated online portal.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of an information collection requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves using RUS Form 87, which collects data on the officers and officials of borrowing entities in the Rural Utilities Service's Electric and Telecommunications Programs. The information ensures that communications are correctly targeted and that proper officials are responsible for documents, helping to safeguard the government's interests in loan eligibility and administration. Public comments on this proposal are open until January 21, 2025.

The El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will conduct a series of virtual meetings authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. These meetings aim to enhance cooperation and provide recommendations to the Forest Service about projects and funding. The meetings are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PST on February 3 and February 17, 2021, and are open to the public. Participants can submit written comments or request to speak at the meetings by contacting Kristi Schroeder.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comments on a proposed new information collection related to testing and reporting SARS-CoV-2 in animals. This initiative aims to gather data from laboratories and state animal health officials to monitor the emergence and spread of the virus in animals. The feedback from the public will help APHIS assess the necessity, utility, and efficiency of this information collection process and its impact, ensuring compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are due by March 5, 2021, and all submitted comments will become a public record.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request focuses on collecting data related to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) testing, surveillance, and reporting in livestock, including dairy cattle. The collection aims to assist with controlling the spread of HPAI, which is highly contagious and deadly to domestic poultry and has been detected in dairy cattle. Interested parties have until January 15, 2025 to submit comments on the necessity and utility of the information collection, its accuracy, and ways to reduce the burden on respondents.

The U.S. Codex Office under the USDA announced a public meeting to be held on April 13, 2021, to discuss the U.S. positions on topics for the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling session in Budapest, Hungary. This meeting aims to inform and gather comments from the public on agenda items such as methods of analysis for dairy, fats and oils, cereals, and more. Individuals interested in participating can submit comments and register for the virtual meeting by April 1, 2021. The meeting will also offer an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide feedback.

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 Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are seeking public input regarding food date labeling. They aim to gather information on industry practices, consumer perceptions, and the impact of date labels on food waste. Both agencies are concerned that inconsistent labeling terms like "Sell By" and "Use By" may confuse consumers, leading to unnecessary food waste. They encourage the use of the phrase "Best if Used By" to reduce confusion and are asking for public comments to guide future policies by February 3, 2025.