Search Results for agency_names:"Agricultural Marketing Service"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is holding a virtual meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee on April 6, 2021. The committee will discuss challenges in the fruit and vegetable industry and suggest ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture for improving USDA programs. The public can participate by submitting written comments by March 16, 2021, or by registering to provide oral comments at the meeting. The meeting is open to the public, and information on accessing the webinar will be available on the AMS website.

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 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 (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule that amends the pricing provisions in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These changes include updating milk composition factors and surveyed commodity products, revising Class III and IV formula factors, and modifying the Class I skim milk price calculation. Most amendments will take effect on June 1, 2025, while certain adjustments related to skim milk composition will be effective December 1, 2025. This rule aims to more accurately reflect current market conditions and ensure orderly milk marketing.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA proposes a rule to increase the assessment rate for oranges and grapefruit grown in Texas's Lower Rio Grande Valley from $0.03 to $0.04 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and beyond. This increase aims to cover expenses and restore financial reserves. The Texas Valley Citrus Committee, comprising local producers and handlers, recommended this change to ensure sufficient funds for the operation of the marketing order. A 30-day period is open for public comments, allowing interested individuals to express their views on the proposal.

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 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 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to amend the USDA organic regulations with new standards for organic mushroom production and pet food handling. This rule clarifies standards such as the composition and sourcing of materials used in organic mushroom production and the use of synthetic nutrients like taurine in organic pet food. These amendments aim to resolve inconsistencies in existing regulations to promote fair competition and market growth for both organic mushrooms and pet food. The rule is effective February 21, 2025, with compliance required by February 22, 2027.

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.