Search Results for agency_names:"Agriculture Department"

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.

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 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 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.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA has released a draft policy statement related to brucella research for public review and comment. This statement provides guidance for creating biosafety plans for outdoor animal studies involving swine, elk, bison, and cattle, in line with current select agent regulations. The policy aims to aid research efforts to better understand and address brucellosis, a disease affecting livestock and potentially humans, by allowing for the development of diagnostics and vaccines. Comments on the draft policy are welcome until February 16, 2021, and can be submitted through various methods including a dedicated online portal.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation published a correcting amendment to a rule that changes certain insurance provisions for crops like sunflower seed and dry pea. Originally, the amendments were published on November 30, 2020, but some changes were not properly included in the official regulations. This document fixes those errors by correcting dates, removing a repetitive word, and updating phrases within the insurance provisions. The changes to the regulation are effective starting February 24, 2021.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has postponed the removal of an exemption that allowed small commercial passenger aircraft to avoid paying certain user fees related to agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) services. This delay, effective until June 2, 2025, is due to a regulatory freeze for review. APHIS is seeking public input on whether these small aircraft pose a lesser risk than larger aircraft and if they merit reduced fees. Feedback is also requested on how AQI fees can be structured differently based on risk and service levels.

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 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 Rural Housing Service (RHS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, proposes changes to the Single-Family Housing Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant Program to improve flexibility, reduce regulatory burdens, and better serve rural communities by providing more decent, safe, and sanitary housing options. The proposed rule includes updates to outdated references, revises program objectives, and suggests changes to processes like grant application and approval, aiming to streamline various aspects for applicants and grant recipients. The RHS seeks public comments on these changes to ensure they align with the program’s mission and do not impose unnecessary burdens.