Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking to reinstate an information collection process related to the interstate movement of certain nursery plants to prevent the spread of citrus diseases like citrus canker and citrus greening. This notice invites public comments by April 13, 2021, about the necessity and effectiveness of these information collection activities. The collected data will focus on regulated nursery stock from quarantined areas, ensuring they meet specific labeling and inspection requirements. APHIS estimates that the information collection could involve around 1,901 respondents and result in approximately 2.4 million total annual burden hours.

The Department of Agriculture has asked for public feedback on an information collection related to food security. This request is directed to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Economic Research Service will use the collected data to monitor food security levels within the U.S. population and to support research on food insecurity. The feedback period is open until January 21, 2025, and they are encouraging comments on methods to improve data collection and reduce the burden on respondents.

The Colville Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting on April 16, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The meeting, organized by the Forest Service under the Agriculture Department, aims to improve collaboration and offer recommendations on projects and recreation fee proposals related to the Colville National Forest in Washington State. Public comments, both written and oral, are encouraged but must be submitted by April 10, 2025. The meeting accommodates both in-person and virtual attendance, and those with disabilities may request necessary accommodations in advance.

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 an information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The focus is on the Child Nutrition Database (CNDB), which helps analyze nutrients in school meals like lunches and breakfasts. State agencies are required to use approved software, including the CNDB, for nutrient analysis to ensure compliance with dietary standards. The CNDB collects data from food manufacturers and is updated regularly; it's used voluntarily by private companies and required for compliance checks by schools. The department is requesting comments on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of this data collection.

The Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments on a new information collection requirement, as part of a survey conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This survey, targeting farmers and ranchers in four states, will gather data on various conservation practices in agriculture, such as cover crops and irrigation management. The information collected aims to understand the motivations behind adopting these practices and their long-term usage. Public comments are encouraged and should be submitted by March 22, 2021, via the specified website.

The Department of Agriculture is seeking feedback on a new information collection requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are asking the public to comment on whether the collection is necessary, how accurate the burden estimate is, and ways to improve the collection process. The focus of the collection is on policies related to crop insurance managed by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). The agency wants to ensure that the insurance programs are fair and beneficial to both farmers and taxpayers. Public comments on this matter are invited until February 26, 2021.

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 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 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the modernization of the Owyhee Irrigation District (OID) in Eastern Oregon. The project aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of water delivery to local farms by updating the outdated irrigation infrastructure, which has been in use for about 90 years. This modernization will involve activities like canal lining and installation of new control systems. Public input is being sought, with comments accepted until February 18, 2025, and further public meetings scheduled for early 2025.