Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is seeking public comments to guide future policies regarding the use of grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt in child nutrition programs. This includes considering how these foods contribute to meal patterns and exploring ways to reduce added sugars. The FNS is particularly interested in feedback on the definition and crediting of high-protein yogurt and how to categorize and manage grain-based desserts to improve nutritional standards. Public comments will be accepted until March 26, 2025.

The U.S. Codex Office is hosting a public meeting on February 5, 2025, to discuss and gather feedback on topics for the 22nd Session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, which will occur in Mexico City from February 25 to March 1, 2025. Participants can register to attend the meeting virtually via video conference and are encouraged to submit comments. The meeting will cover issues like fresh fruit and vegetable standards, draft standards for specific produce, and other related business. Information and documents for the upcoming session will be available online, and the meeting offers an opportunity for the public to understand and comment on U.S. positions for the upcoming discussions.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a part of the USDA, is inviting public comments on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is related to a program offering loans and grants for water and waste projects in small rural communities. The public is encouraged to comment on aspects such as the necessity and accuracy of the information collected, methods to enhance the information's quality, and ways to reduce any burden it might cause. Comments are to be submitted by April 12, 2021, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is asking for public comments about updating the Poultry Standards, which help classify poultry based on quality. These standards were last significantly revised in 1998 and need to be modernized to include new technology and consumer preferences. AMS wants feedback on how to make these standards more relevant for current technologies, industry practices, and the needs of consumers, companies, and smaller poultry operations. The public can submit comments electronically or by mail by March 17, 2025.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is seeking public comments on the revision of an existing information collection as outlined in the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This pertains to assessing the necessity, accuracy, and utility of the collected information and ways to minimize the burden on respondents. The RUS uses this information, provided mainly through audited financial statements by borrowers, to make decisions about their creditworthiness and the appropriate use of loan funds. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments by April 12, 2021, which will be taken into account in the request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collected, and suggestions for reducing the burden on respondents using technological solutions. Specifically, this revision relates to the Food Delivery Portal (FDP) Data Collection for the WIC Program, which gathers data from 89 WIC State agencies to ensure program integrity and compliance. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) uses this information for oversight and to report to Congress and other stakeholders. The total number of respondents to this data collection is 356, with an annual reporting requirement resulting in 3,576 total burden hours.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking for comments on extending a current information collection related to the "Measurement Service Record." This record is used by producers who need measurement services for acreage or production, requiring them to fill out a form and pay a fee. The FSA collects information for creating records of requests and payments and documenting service results. The deadline for submitting comments is May 19, 2025.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the USDA has reopened the comment period for changes to the mycotoxin test kit criteria. This extension is announced to ensure that interested individuals have sufficient time to review and comment on these proposed changes, with comments now due by March 24, 2021. This decision follows a request from four stakeholders to allow more time for feedback after the initial comment period ended on January 19, 2021. Participants are encouraged to submit their comments via the Federal e-rulemaking portal, with all submissions becoming public on the internet.

The Rural Utilities Service of the USDA has announced that applications are open for the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025. This program provides approximately $26 million to help construct broadband networks in rural areas lacking such services. Eligible entities like incorporated organizations, state or local governments, and Indian tribes can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000 to ensure rural communities have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Applications must be submitted online between February 20, 2025, and April 21, 2025.

The Forest Service, part of the USDA, is seeking public comments on the reapproval or reinstatement of an information collection request related to the "Qualified Products List for Wildland Fire Chemicals." This process ensures that the Forest Service has access to safe and effective firefighting chemicals necessary for wildland fire management. Manufacturers or suppliers need to provide detailed information about their products, including ingredients and safety data, and undergo evaluations to meet specific safety and performance standards. Comments are invited on the necessity and efficiency of this information collection, and they must be submitted by February 18, 2025.