Search Results for agency_names:"Agricultural Marketing Service"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has proposed a new order for promoting natural grass sod products. This initiative, called the Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order, aims to support the natural grass sod industry by funding market expansion and research activities through fees collected from sod producers. A key aspect of the proposal is a referendum where natural grass sod producers can vote on whether to adopt this program. If approved, the program will be financed by a small assessment on the sale of sod, with the goal of supporting industry education, promotion, and research efforts.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA is delaying the start date of a rule originally set for December 30, 2024, which revises fees for import inspections of fresh fruits and vegetables. These changes included adjusting fees from a per-carlot to a per-pound basis and reducing fees for additional sublots. The delay, effective January 29, 2025, gives the department more time to review these regulations, following a directive from the President for a regulatory freeze pending further review. The delay is immediate and skips public comment because the rule's start date was approaching quickly.

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) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to seek approval to extend a currently approved information collection known as the Agritourism Directory. This directory helps small and medium-sized farmers enhance market access by listing working farms, ranches, and related operations that provide recreational and educational opportunities. The information gathered will be used to update the USDA's National Local Food Directories, which connect consumers and wholesale buyers with local food sources. Comments on the notice are invited and must be received by March 24, 2025.

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.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has delayed the effective date of a rule regarding plant records for the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program. Originally set for January 16, 2025, the rule's new effective date is March 21, 2025. This rule allows butterfat tests to be conducted at either in-house or third-party labs and requires records to be available for USDA inspector review. The delay is part of a regulatory review to ensure compliance with a recent presidential memorandum.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA is announcing a virtual meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from April 28 to April 30, 2021, to discuss and vote on recommendations related to organic agriculture. The board will also receive updates from the USDA National Organic Program and hear public comments. Interested members of the public can submit their comments online by April 5, 2021, or participate in webinars on April 20 and April 22, 2021. The meeting is open to everyone, but registration is required for those who wish to provide oral comments.

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 Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order has been amended to increase the assessment rate from $0.35 to $0.41 per thousand board feet. This rule is administered by the Softwood Lumber Board under the oversight of the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA. The additional funds will support ongoing and new initiatives to promote softwood lumber. This change follows the review of past expenditures and revenues and aims to support the lumber industry's growth, addressing both current challenges and new opportunities.

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.