Search Results for keywords:"Agriculture Department"

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reopened the comment period for their draft programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) concerning the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry. This EIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts of three different action plans. The public now has until January 17, 2025, to submit their comments. This extension provides additional time for interested individuals to review and contribute their feedback.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), a branch of the USDA, has extended its pilot program for simplifying transfers of certain rural rental housing properties. This program, which now includes Section 514 properties, aims to reduce application requirements, lower costs, and improve processing times for ownership changes. There are three transfer options focusing on expedited ownership change, rehabilitation, and future rehabilitation plans, each tailored to different property conditions and needs. The program will run until December 9, 2025, and any changes or termination will be publicly announced by the RHS.

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 Department of Agriculture has submitted a request for review of its information collection requirements related to two loan programs: the Community Facility Loans and the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. These programs provide financial assistance to develop rural communities by financing facilities and housing projects. The collected information helps the agency assess eligibility and ensure funds are used properly. Public comments on this request are being accepted until January 21, 2025.

The Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), under the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, will have public meetings on several dates in April 2025. These meetings will discuss funding and project proposals related to Lassen National Forest, as well as recreation fee suggestions. Participants can attend both in-person and virtually, but they must pre-register if they wish to make oral comments. For further details or to make accommodations for disabilities, contact the designated officials provided in the notice.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review a new information collection requirement. This collection is related to data security for accessing confidential data through a process established by the Evidence Act, called the Standard Application Process (SAP). The SAP permits various entities to apply for access to sensitive data for research purposes. The goal is to ensure that applicants understand the strict security and confidentiality rules they must follow when handling this data. Public comments on this initiative are invited until February 12, 2025.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced new user fee rates for veterinary services related to imports and exports of live animals and animal products. These changes aim to ensure the fees cover the actual costs of providing services, as the program relies solely on these fees due to a lack of direct funding. Although some commenters supported the fee increases, many expressed concerns about the financial impact on businesses, customer service issues, and the abrupt nature of the changes. APHIS responded by emphasizing the necessity of the fee adjustment to maintain service availability and program solvency, while also committing to transparency regarding cost data and acknowledging stakeholder feedback.

The Forest Service, part of the Agriculture Department, has approved a Revised Land Management Plan (LMP) for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho. This plan guides how the forest will be managed and was developed using scientific research and input from the public and government agencies, including consulting with the Nez Perce Tribe. Covering over four million acres, the plan addresses various activities like recreation, timber harvesting, and wildlife conservation while honoring tribal treaties. The Revised LMP will take effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announced a delay in starting the sampling of not-ready-to-eat breaded stuffed chicken products for Salmonella. Originally scheduled for May 1, 2025, this will now begin on November 3, 2025. This delay allows time to finalize instructions, ensure inspection readiness, and help the industry prepare. It also gives the new FSIS leadership a chance to review policies regarding this issue.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposed a rule affecting spearmint oil production in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and parts of Nevada and Utah. For the 2024-2025 marketing year, which started on June 1, 2024, they plan to increase the allowable quantity of Native spearmint oil that can be sold from 678,980 pounds to 731,220 pounds, and to raise the allotment percentage from 26 percent to 28 percent. This change is intended to better match supply with estimated demand and maintain market stability. The public has until December 19, 2024, to comment on this proposed adjustment.