Search Results for keywords:"Agricultural Marketing Service"

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule aiming to make payments to poultry growers fairer. This rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits certain unfair practices used by live poultry dealers, especially in the competitive systems that determine how much growers are paid. It also requires dealers to provide more information to growers before asking them to invest in expensive farm updates, helping to reduce confusion and unfair advantage. Overall, the rule strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in the industry.

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 Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA has delayed the effective date of a rule regarding plant records for the Dairy Grading and Inspection Program. Originally set for January 16, 2025, the rule's new effective date is March 21, 2025. This rule allows butterfat tests to be conducted at either in-house or third-party labs and requires records to be available for USDA inspector review. The delay is part of a regulatory review to ensure compliance with a recent presidential memorandum.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to amend the USDA organic regulations with new standards for organic mushroom production and pet food handling. This rule clarifies standards such as the composition and sourcing of materials used in organic mushroom production and the use of synthetic nutrients like taurine in organic pet food. These amendments aim to resolve inconsistencies in existing regulations to promote fair competition and market growth for both organic mushrooms and pet food. The rule is effective February 21, 2025, with compliance required by February 22, 2027.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA is announcing a virtual meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from April 28 to April 30, 2021, to discuss and vote on recommendations related to organic agriculture. The board will also receive updates from the USDA National Organic Program and hear public comments. Interested members of the public can submit their comments online by April 5, 2021, or participate in webinars on April 20 and April 22, 2021. The meeting is open to everyone, but registration is required for those who wish to provide oral comments.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture has issued a final rule confirming fee changes for official grain inspection and weighing services provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). Originally set in an interim rule from June 2024, these fee revisions came into effect in July 2024 and have been finalized without changes. The fees aim to cover costs for mandatory services under the United States Grain Standards Act, which requires annual fee adjustments and maintaining a financial reserve. Despite acknowledging comments on the potential impact of these fees on grain marketing, AMS noted that the changes are necessary for the continued operation of inspection services, ultimately benefiting all participants by reflecting current service costs.

The Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order has been amended to increase the assessment rate from $0.35 to $0.41 per thousand board feet. This rule is administered by the Softwood Lumber Board under the oversight of the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA. The additional funds will support ongoing and new initiatives to promote softwood lumber. This change follows the review of past expenditures and revenues and aims to support the lumber industry's growth, addressing both current challenges and new opportunities.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking applications from individuals or organizations interested in providing official services in various areas currently served by designated agencies like Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Departments, Detroit Grain Inspection Service, and others. The current designations will end on specific dates, and interested parties must submit their applications by March 24, 2021. The AMS encourages diversity among applicants by welcoming submissions from traditionally underrepresented groups. Additionally, the AMS is inviting comments on the quality of services provided by these agencies, which will be considered in the designation process.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule that amends the pricing provisions in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These changes include updating milk composition factors and surveyed commodity products, revising Class III and IV formula factors, and modifying the Class I skim milk price calculation. Most amendments will take effect on June 1, 2025, while certain adjustments related to skim milk composition will be effective December 1, 2025. This rule aims to more accurately reflect current market conditions and ensure orderly milk marketing.

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.