Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a correction to a final rule regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program. This correction modifies specific sections of the rule to help meet the program's goal of helping participants acquire the skills necessary for employment. It addresses errors in the previously published document and clarifies requirements for E&T participants who have completed high school or an equivalent before joining the program. The amended rule will take effect on January 17, 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 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has postponed the effective date of a new rule concerning privacy for certain records systems until April 11, 2025. This rule was originally set to take effect on February 10, 2025, and involves exempting a USDA records system from some Privacy Act provisions to avoid interfering with law enforcement. This delay allows further review and aligns with a presidential memorandum that calls for regulatory review. The action uses a legal exemption that allows the immediate delay without public comment.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve an extension of their current information collection regarding the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA). This extension, required by the Paperwork Reduction Act, ensures the continued collection and recordkeeping needed for inspecting and certifying various agricultural products. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and efficiency of this information collection before February 21, 2025. The collection helps maintain quality standards in agricultural trade and affects grain producers, buyers, sellers, and inspection agencies.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request for review of information collection requirements to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Public comments are invited on the necessity and utility of the information collection, burden estimates, and suggestions for reducing respondent burden. The request involves the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's efforts to prevent the introduction of animal and bee diseases into the U.S. This includes collections related to the importation of animals, poultry, and bees and requests comments by February 10, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared an analysis assessing the risks of importing fresh leaves and stems of glasswort from Israel to the United States. This analysis determines that specific phytosanitary measures can effectively prevent the introduction of plant pests or noxious weeds. APHIS is inviting public comments on the risk analysis by June 10, 2025. They will issue a final decision on the import status after reviewing any comments received.

The Ketchikan Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a virtual meeting on February 25, 2021, to discuss past and proposed projects related to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. This meeting is organized by the Forest Service, part of the USDA, and is open to the public for both listening in and contributing comments. Those wishing to speak must submit a written request by February 22, 2021. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available by contacting the RAC Coordinator in advance.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating a records system called the Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance National Information Communication Activity System (SNICAS), which tracks their activities related to stopping illegal trade. This update, effective February 10, 2025, will exempt the system from some parts of the Privacy Act, especially those related to accessing certain records, as these may pertain to law enforcement and investigations. This document details the proposed changes to SNICAS, the rationale behind these exemptions, and confirms that no public comments were received opposing this modification.

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.