Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced a reestablished computer matching program with State agencies that manage the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program allows these agencies to access the Electronic Disqualified Recipient System (eDRS), which is a national database that keeps track of individuals disqualified from SNAP due to intentional program violations. By accessing this system, State agencies can verify an individual's SNAP eligibility and determine the appropriate length of disqualifications. The program aims to maintain program integrity and reduce errors in SNAP benefit distribution.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of the US Department of Agriculture, has announced its intention to request an extension of an existing information collection related to providing assistance to rural communities with high energy costs. Members of the public and affected agencies are invited to comment on various aspects of the proposed information collection, including its necessity, accuracy, and ways to minimize the burden on respondents. Comments must be submitted by March 12, 2021. The information collection is part of a program initiated under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which was amended in 2000 to authorize financial assistance to these communities.

The Office of Property and Environmental Management at the USDA is requesting public comments on extending a current approval for collecting information related to transferring excess computers or technical equipment, as authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. They aim to verify eligibility of requestors and ensure proper transfer to designated recipients. Public comments must be submitted within 60 days of the notice's publication in the Federal Register. Interested individuals can submit feedback through the federal eRulemaking portal, mail, or hand delivery.

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 Department of Agriculture has asked for comments on a new information collection plan under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This collection is involved with several areas in the Forest Service, like tracking visitors to national forests and ensuring small businesses get fair opportunities in timber sales. The plan also includes gathering information about non-timber forest products, such as plants and mushrooms, from individuals and organizations. The agency is looking to gauge the necessity, accuracy, and ways to reduce the data collection burden on respondents.

The Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments on an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request involves the Community Facilities Grant Program, which provides grants to public agencies, nonprofits, and Indian tribes for essential community services in rural areas, like schools, hospitals, and fire stations. The Department is asking for feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collected, as well as suggestions for minimizing the burden on respondents. Comments are due by March 28, 2025, and can be submitted online at the designated government website.

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 Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the funding for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), as part of the 2025 American Relief Act. This program will provide financial aid to eligible producers of specific crops affected by natural disasters in the 2024 crop year. Eligible commodities include wheat, corn, soybeans, and several other crops, and financial limits apply depending on the income of the producer from farming. Applications are open until August 15, 2025, and the necessary steps and documentation for applying have been outlined by the FSA.

The Department of Agriculture has forwarded an information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are seeking public comments on this requirement, specifically asking about its necessity and utility, and suggestions for minimizing the burden on respondents. The focus of this request is the USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Database Form (FNS 543), which helps compile information on organizations aiding low-income communities with nutrition and food assistance. Public comments must be submitted by May 21, 2025, either online or through specific recommendations for this data collection.

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.