Search Results for keywords:"Agricultural Marketing Service"

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) is reopening the comment period for a proposed rule to amend the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order. This rule change involves requiring market agencies to fully collect and remit assessments on lamb sales. The comment period, initially closed on December 4, 2020, is now extended to March 24, 2021, providing more time for stakeholders to give input. AMS is particularly interested in feedback on allowing flexible remittance schedules for smaller market agencies to reduce their regulatory burden.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has made a final rule that changes how butterfat testing records are handled for the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program. The rule allows plants to do butterfat tests in-house or at approved third-party labs and obligates them to keep these records available for inspection by the USDA. This change aims to streamline processes by aligning with current industry practices and providing a more accurate picture of the butter's quality over time. The rule is expected to help butter plants save between $4,560 and $31,560 annually by eliminating the need for duplicate USDA inspections.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is asking for public comments about updating the Poultry Standards, which help classify poultry based on quality. These standards were last significantly revised in 1998 and need to be modernized to include new technology and consumer preferences. AMS wants feedback on how to make these standards more relevant for current technologies, industry practices, and the needs of consumers, companies, and smaller poultry operations. The public can submit comments electronically or by mail by March 17, 2025.

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 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.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve an extension of their current information collection regarding the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA). This extension, required by the Paperwork Reduction Act, ensures the continued collection and recordkeeping needed for inspecting and certifying various agricultural products. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and efficiency of this information collection before February 21, 2025. The collection helps maintain quality standards in agricultural trade and affects grain producers, buyers, sellers, and inspection agencies.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule revising the fee structure for Section 8e import inspections of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Inspections will now be charged on a per-pound basis instead of a per-carlot basis, with a significant reduction in additional sublot fees by 50%. This change aims to better reflect the actual inspection costs and reduce financial impact on smaller shipments. The rule is expected to result in equal or lower fees for about 77% of the inspections conducted over recent years and is designed to avoid disproportionately burdening small businesses.

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 Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The focus is on the Agricultural Marketing Service, which oversees standards for grains and other commodities. These requirements involve recordkeeping and reporting to ensure quality control and proper marketing, with associated burdens and procedures outlined for various stakeholders. Comments on these proposals are invited and should be submitted by April 21, 2025, to enhance quality and reduce unnecessary burdens.