Search Results for keywords:"Agricultural Marketing Service"

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule recommending changes to pricing in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These proposed amendments update existing formulas for milk composition, surveyed commodity products, and milk pricing categories, among others, to better reflect current market conditions. The changes are aimed at improving the fairness and accuracy of milk pricing across different regions and market classes. The AMS will seek approval from milk producers before implementing any new rules, with the possibility of terminating the order if it doesn't receive enough support.

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 Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments on an information collection requirement related to rules and reporting for the livestock and poultry industries, as mandated by the Packers and Stockyards Act. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) collects this data to monitor practices in these industries and ensure fairness, preventing deceptive or anti-competitive actions. Public comments are invited until March 26, 2021, and interested individuals can submit feedback on the federal website indicated. The collection involves significant recordkeeping and affects businesses, with over 15,000 respondents expected to comply.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced proposed changes to the boundaries of areas where official service providers perform inspections and weighing services for grains under the United States Grain Standards Act. These updates are required because of changes to landmarks and infrastructures once used to mark these boundaries. The proposal aims to ensure that grain inspection services are delivered efficiently and accurately. AMS invites the public to comment on these proposals until February 12, 2025.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has ordered a referendum among potato producers in certain counties in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon. This referendum will determine whether these producers want to continue the existing marketing order that manages how their Irish potatoes are handled. The voting process will take place from April 12 to April 30, 2021, and is open to those who grew potatoes between August 1, 2019, and July 31, 2020. If at least two-thirds of the producers voting, or those representing two-thirds of the potato volume, support continuation, the order will remain in effect.

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 of the USDA has issued a rule to postpone the effective date of changes to the organic standards for mushrooms and pet food. Initially set to take effect on December 23, 2024, the new regulations will now be effective from March 21, 2025, with compliance required by March 22, 2027. This delay follows a presidential directive for a regulatory review, addressing aspects like mushroom growing materials and the use of certain synthetic substances in organic pet food. The decision is immediate to allow more time for review and was made without public comment, as it was considered impractical and against public interest to delay this process until after additional comments.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA announced its intent to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an existing information collection related to Dairy Market News. This effort aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and involves collecting market data on milk and dairy products without an OMB control number. The aim is to provide timely market insights for farmers and businesses. Comments on this proposal are invited, with a submission deadline of February 21, 2025.

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 United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has decided to withdraw the proposed "Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets" rule. This decision comes after receiving significant public feedback, with 13,241 comments during a 75-day comment period. Although the rule aimed to address unfair practices in livestock and poultry markets, the agency believes withdrawing it allows for reevaluation and further stakeholder engagement. The withdrawal does not change the agency's authority or existing legal requirements under the Packers and Stockyards Act.