The Federal Register

Request for an Extension of and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection

Thu, Jul 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for the Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading of Manufactured or Processed Dairy ProductsRecordkeeping (Subpart B).

Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate

Wed, Jun 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.21 to $0.22 per 50pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of sweet onions grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon. Assessments upon Walla Walla sweet onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund the reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Establishment of Interim Final and Final Free and Restricted Percentages

Wed, Jun 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule establishing interim final and final free and restricted percentages for domestic inshell hazelnuts for the 20072008 marketing year under the Federal marketing order for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. This rule continues in effect the interim final free and restricted percentages of 8.1863 and 91.8137 percent, respectively, and the final free and restricted percentages of 9.2671 and 90.7329 percent, respectively. The percentages allocate the quantity of domestically produced hazelnuts which may be marketed in the domestic inshell market (free) and the quantity of domestically produced hazelnuts that must be disposed of in outlets approved by the Board (restricted). Volume regulation is intended to stabilize the supply of domestic inshell hazelnuts to meet the limited domestic demand for such hazelnuts with the goal of providing
[[Page 35889]]
producers with reasonable returns. Thi

Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting

Tue, Jun 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule adopts amendments to the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program that was established on August 2, 2007 on an interim final basis. The Dairy Market Enhancement Act of 2000, and certain provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for timely, accurate, and reliable market information to facilitate more informed marketing decisions and promote competition in the dairy product manufacturing industry.

Peanut Standards Board

Tue, Jun 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board (Board) for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The initial Board was appointed by the Secretary and announced on December 5, 2002. USDA seeks nominations for individuals to be considered for selection as Board members for terms of office ending June 30, 2011. Selected nominees sought by this action would replace those six producer and industry representatives who are currently serving for the term of office that ends June 30, 2008. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and industry representatives.

Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Increased Assessment Rate

Tue, Jun 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.10 to $0.13 per 40pound container of Vidalia onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia. Assessments upon Vidalia onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Advisory Committee on Universal Standards; Meeting

Mon, Jun 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces a forthcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards.

Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Mon, Jun 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The purpose of this notice is to notify all interested parties that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will hold a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (Committee) meeting that is open to the public. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the Committee to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and to provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet the fruit and vegetable industry's needs. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.

Proposed United States Standards for Grades of Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil

Mon, Jun 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Olive Oil. The proposal includes two major groups of oil: ``olive oil,'' produced from olives by mechanical means; and ``olivepomace oil,'' produced using heat and a solvent to separate the oil from the olivepomace remaining after olive oil is produced. The proposal includes new product descriptions, definitions, and requirements for the following grade designations: ``U.S. Extra Virgin Olive Oil,'' ``U.S. Virgin Olive Oil,'' ``U.S. Lampante Virgin Olive OilNot Fit for Human Consumption,'' ``U.S. Refined Olive Oil,'' ``U.S. Olive Oil,'' ``U.S. OlivePomace Oil,'' ``U.S. Refined OlivePomace Oil,'' and ``U.S. Crude OlivePomace Oil.'' The proposed revisions to the grade standards are intended to provide a uniform language for commerce and the use of the standards would be voluntary. The proposed standards include objective crit

Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information: Certification of Organizations for Eligibility To Make Nominations to

Mon, Jun 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications from State, regional, and national sorghum producer organizations or associations which desire to be certified as eligible to nominate sorghum producers for appointment to the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Board (Board). To nominate a producer to the Board, organizations must first be certified by USDA. Notice is also given that upcoming appointments are anticipated and that during a period to be established by USDA, nominations will be accepted from eligible organizations.

Amendments to Rules of Practice Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) To Increase

Fri, May 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is amending the Rules of Practice under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) to increase from $60 to $100 the fee for filing an informal complaint; and to increase from $300 to $500 the fee for handling a formal complaint.

Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

Fri, May 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the shell egg surveillance portion of the Regulation for the Inspection of Eggs7 CFR part 57.

User Fees for 2008 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers

Thu, May 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will raise the user fees for cotton producers for 2008 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act. These user fees also are authorized under the Cotton Standards Act of 1923. The 2007 user fee for this classification service was $1.85 per bale. This rule will raise the fee for the 2008 crop to $2.00 per bale. This fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs
[[Page 30735]]
of providing classification services, including costs for
administration and supervision.

Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program: Submission of Information; Withdrawal of Proposed Rule

Fri, May 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This action withdraws a proposed rule published in the March 13, 2003 [68 FR 11996], issue of the Federal Register, which intended to add a section to the regulations implementing the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order) that would require remitters of pork checkoff assessments, upon request by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to submit to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) the names, addresses, and any other information deemed necessary to identify persons from whom they collected assessments.

This information would have been used to establish the total number of pork producers and importers in the United States, from which AMS would determine the number of respondents necessary to meet a threshold requirement of 15 percent to conduct a referendum, as contained in the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Based upon further review and consideration, AMS has determined that the most accurate representation of total number of pork produ

Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program: Request for Referendum

Fri, May 23 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) intends to conduct a Request for Referendum among eligible pork producers and importers of hogs, pigs, pork, and pork products to determine if those persons want a referendum on the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order), commonly known as the Pork Checkoff Program, as authorized by the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985.

The Request for Referendum is being conducted as a result of a settlement of a lawsuit entered into February 28, 2001, with USDA and the Michigan Pork Producers Association, Inc., et al. (Plaintiffs). Under the settlement agreement, USDA will conduct a Request for Referendum among eligible pork producers and importers to determine whether producers and importers favor holding a referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program. Eligible producers and importers will be able to participate during a specified period announced by USDA.

If the

Establishment of Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order

Wed, May 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule establishes the Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Packers Order). The Packers Order is authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). Under the Packers Order, first handlers and importers will pay an assessment of $0.01 per pound on honey and honey products. First handlers and importers of less than 250,000 pounds of honey and honey products annually will be exempt from the assessment. The assessments will be remitted to the Honey Packers and Importers Board (Board) to conduct a generic program of promotion, research, consumer education, and industry information to maintain and expand markets for honey and honey products. A referendum was conducted among honey first handlers and importers between April 2 and April 16, 2008. Seventyeight percent of those covered under the Packers Orderrepresenting ninetytwo percent of the volume of those voting in the referendumfavored i

National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Program

Wed, May 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule amends the Fluid Milk Promotion Order (Order) by reducing the burden of latepayment charges applied to processors who mistakenly underreport the amount of assessments owed to the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board (Board), provided that the processor has not made more than two reporting errors in the prior 12 months.

United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra

Fri, May 16 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the comment period for the proposed notice to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra is being reopened and extended.

Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading; Correction

Thu, May 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains corrections to the final regulations that were published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 (72 FR 11773) related to the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading found in sections 7 CFR 56.54(a)(2), 7 CFR 70.76(a)(2) and 7 CFR 70.77(a)(5). The final regulations that are the subject of these corrections were to increase the minimum fees for rabbit grading and for nonresident egg and poultry grading services that had been effective since September 25, 2005. Although the increases were included in the supplementary information, they were inadvertently omitted in the regulatory language.

Avocados Grown in South Florida and Imported Avocados; Revision of the Maturity Requirements

Mon, May 12 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule revises the maturity requirements currently prescribed for avocados grown in South Florida and for avocados imported into the United States that are shipped to the fresh market. The Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) which locally administers the marketing order for avocados grown in South Florida recommended the change for Florida avocados. A corresponding change in the import regulation is also required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. This rule requires that avocados which fail the maturity requirements and are reworked and presented for reinspection must meet the maturity requirements which correspond to the date of the original inspection. This rule will help ensure only mature avocados are shipped to the fresh market.

Milk in the Appalachian and Southeast Marketing Areas; Correction

Fri, May 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains corrections to the regulations that were published in the March 17, 2008 Federal Register (73 FR 14153). The regulations inadvertently omitted language in Sec. 1005.13 paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4), and Sec. 1007.13 paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) that provide for a zero diversion limit standard on loads of milk requesting transportation credits. This document corrects the final regulations by revising these sections.

Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate

Fri, May 9 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal years from $47.84 to $15.60 per assessable ton of olives handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of olives grown in California. Assessments upon olive handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples

Fri, May 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

A notice was published in the Federal Register (73 FR 7245- 7246) dated February 7, 2008, revising the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples, issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 16211627) effective March 10, 2008. However, in section 51.1489, Application of Tolerances, the words ``packages'' and ``containers'' were incorrectly listed. The correct words should have been ``samples'' and ``sample.'' This document corrects the standards by revising this section.
[[Page 24213]]

Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

Fri, May 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate the Federally Inspected Estimated Daily Slaughter Report for the Livestock and Grain Market News Branch.

Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

Fri, May 2 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate grain and molasses market news reports.

Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Revisions to Requirements Regarding Off-Grade Raisins

Tue, Apr 22 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This proposed rule invites comments on revising the requirements regarding offgrade raisins under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). This proposed rule would revise the requirement that notification handlers must provide to the inspection service and the Committee when they perform certain functions on offgrade raisins be in writing, thereby allowing them to use other means of communication, including email. This proposed rule would also remove the requirement that handlers submit reports to the Committee regarding transfers of offgrade and other failing raisins. This action would bring the order's administrative rules and regulations in line with current industry practices.

Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment

Mon, Apr 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule establishes the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 20082009 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2008. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 993,067 pounds and 50 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,184,748 pounds and 53 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.

Onions Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate

Fri, Apr 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee) for the 200708 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.02 to $0.03 per 50pound equivalent of onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. Assessments upon onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain
[[Page 21024]]
in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

0581-AC80

Thu, Apr 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to raise user fees for cotton producers for 2008 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act. These user fees also are authorized under the Cotton Standards Act of 1923. The 2007 user fee for this classification service was $1.85 per bale. This proposal would raise the fee for the 2008 crop to $2 per bale. The proposed fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for
administration and supervision.

National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Section 610 Review

Mon, Apr 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document summarizes the results of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (National Dairy Program) conducted under the Dairy Promotion and Research Order (Dairy Order), under the criteria contained in Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Based upon its review, AMS has determined that the Dairy Order should be continued without change.

Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum

Mon, Apr 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document directs that a continuance referendum be conducted among eligible California kiwifruit growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of kiwifruit grown in California.

Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board

Fri, Apr 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

Pork Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Program; Section 610 Review

Thu, Mar 27 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This action announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) review of the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program (Program), which is conducted under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order), under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).

Potatoes; Grade Standards

Fri, Mar 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule revises the United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes. These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The rule provides en route or at destination tolerances for the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, revises current tolerances in all grades, deletes the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade and ``Unclassified'' section, and defines damage and serious damage by the following defects which will be added to Table III of the External Defects section: Cuts, Clipped Ends, Elephant Hide, Flattened or Depressed Areas/Pressure Bruises, Grub Damage, Nematode (Root Knot), Rodent or Bird Damage, Russeting, Silver Scurf, Sunken Discolored Areas, and Surface Cracks. The following defects and scoring guidelines that are currently listed in Table III of the External Defects section are also revised to reflect current inspection instructions: Air Cracks, Bruises, External Discoloration, Flea Beetle Injury, Greening, Growth Cracks, Rhizoctonia, Pitted Scab, Russet Scab, Surface Scab, an

Notice of Request for a New Information Collection

Fri, Mar 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new information collection survey of customers, related to the delivery of services by AMS under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, as amended (PACA). This voluntary survey would give customers of the PACA program an opportunity to provide feedback to AMS on the quality of the service they receive via the PACA Customer Service Line. It would also give them an opportunity to indicate what new PACA services, if any, that they would like to receive.

Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930; Section 610 Review

Fri, Mar 21 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) plans to review the Regulations (Other than Rules of Practice) under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, as amended, under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).

Pistachios Grown in California; Changes in Handling Requirements

Thu, Mar 20 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule changing the handling requirements authorized under the California pistachio marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California and is administered locally by the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (committee). This rule continues in effect the action that suspended the minimum quality requirements, including maximum defects and minimum sizes, for California pistachios. This reduces handler costs and provides handlers more flexibility in meeting customer needs.

Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Changes in Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule changes the handling requirements applicable to well matured fruit covered under the nectarine and peach marketing orders (orders). The orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule updates the varietyspecific size requirements to reflect changes in commercially significant varieties. This will enable handlers to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and reflects current industry practices.

Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Section 610 Review

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This action summarizes the results under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of Marketing Order No. 905, regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida (order). AMS has determined that the order should be continued.

Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Increased Assessment Rate

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.10 to $0.13 per 40pound container of Vidalia onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of Vidalia onions
[[Page 14401]]
grown in Georgia. Assessments upon Vidalia onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Tomatoes Grown in Florida; and Walnuts Grown in California; Section 610 Reviews

Tue, Mar 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) plans to review Marketing Order 927 (Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington), Marketing Order 966 (Tomatoes Grown in Florida), and Marketing Order 984 (Walnuts Grown in California) under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).

Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Interim Order Amending the Orders

Mon, Mar 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This order adjusts the Class I pricing surface of the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida Federal milk marketing orders on an interim basis. In addition, this order amends on an interim basis certain features of the diversion limit, touchbase standards and transportation credit provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. More than the required producers approved the issuance of the interim order as amended.

National Organic Program, Sunset Review (2011)

Fri, Mar 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Sunset of the exempted or prohibited use of substances under the National Organic Program (NOP) is required by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). This ANPR announces the sunset of 12 exempted substances added to the National List on September 12, 2006. This ANPR establishes September 12, 2011, as the date by which the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded. This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) also begins the public comment process on whether the identified existing exemptions should be continued. Finally, this ANPR discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process.

Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate

Fri, Mar 14 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.21 to $0.22 per 50pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of sweet onions grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon. Assessments upon Walla Walla sweet onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund the reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

Wed, Mar 5 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $8,440,500 in block grant funds, less USDA administrative costs, to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, are eligible to apply. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, and communitybased organizations in the development of applications and the administration of projects.

Multi Year Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading and Audit Services

Tue, Mar 4 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is increasing the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading, certification, and audit services for the next two fiscal years, FY 2008 and FY 2009. The fees and charges are being increased by 2.76% to 7.74% to cover the increase in salaries of Federal employees, salary increases of State employees cooperatively utilized in administering the programs, and other increased Agency costs. AMS is required to collect fees from users of these services to cover the costs of services rendered.

Walnuts Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order and Agreement No. 984

Mon, Mar 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule amends the marketing order for walnuts grown in California. The amendments were proposed by the Walnut Marketing Board (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments will: Change the marketing year; include ``pack'' as a handler function; restructure the Board and revise nomination procedures; rename the Board and add authority to change Board composition; modify Board meeting and voting procedures; add authority for marketing promotion and paid advertising; add authority to accept voluntary financial contributions and to carry over excess assessment funds; broaden the scope of the quality control provisions and add the authority to recommend different regulations for different market destinations; add authority for the Board to appoint more than one inspection service; replace outdated order language with current industry terminology; and other related amendments.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed three additional amendments: To es

Almonds Grown in California; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No.

Mon, Mar 3 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This decision proposes amendments to Marketing Order No. 981 (order), which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California, and provides growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Almond Board of California (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments would authorize the establishment of different outgoing quality requirements for different markets and would authorize the establishment of bulk container marking and labeling requirements. The proposals are intended to provide additional flexibility in administering the quality control provisions of the order and provide the industry with additional tools for the marketing of almonds.

Onions Grown in South Texas; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 959

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule amends Marketing Order No. 959 (order), which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. The amendments are based on those proposed by the South Texas Onion Committee (committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The amendments will authorize interest and late payment charges on assessments not paid within a prescribed time period and require that a continuance referendum be conducted every six years to determine grower support for the order. The amendments were approved by onion growers in a mail referendum conducted from September 10 through September 28, 2007. The amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the South Texas onion marketing order program. Proposed amendments that failed in referendum and are not included in this final order include authority for supplemental assessment rates, marketing promotion and paid advertising authority, and tenure limitations for committee

Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) for the 200708 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.035 to $0.0325 per 25pound carton of tomatoes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida. Assessments upon tomato handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Onions Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee) for the 200708 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.02 to $0.03 per 50pound equivalent of onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. Assessments upon onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Partial Recommended Decision and Opportunity To File

Fri, Feb 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This decision recommends adoption of proposals that would increase the maximum administrative assessment rate in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders.

United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type)

Tue, Feb 26 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type). These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The changes being proposed are based on the request of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League (CGTFL) to revise the tolerances to include an allowance for shattered berries due to the change of pack style from mostly plain pack to consumer size units. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is proposing a revision to the voluntary standards to add a 5 percent allowance for shattered berries in consumer containers for shipment that are en route or at destination. The standards provide industry with a common language and a uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of European or Vinifera Type table grapes.

Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin;

Mon, Feb 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document directs that a continuance referendum be conducted among eligible growers and processors of tart cherries in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of tart cherries grown in the production area.

Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

Mon, Feb 25 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice
[[Page 9985]]
announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request a revision to the currently approved collections for 7 CFR Part 54Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards), which includes Form LS313, ``Application for Service,'' Form LS315, and ``Application for Commitment Grading or Certification Service''.

Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Establishment of Interim Final and Final Free and Restricted Percentages

Tue, Feb 19 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule establishes interim final and final free and restricted percentages for domestic inshell hazelnuts for the 20072008 marketing year under the Federal marketing order for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. The interim final free and restricted percentages are 8.1863 and 91.8137 percent, respectively, and the final free and restricted percentages are 9.2671 and 90.7329 percent, respectively. The percentages allocate the quantity of domestically produced hazelnuts which may be marketed in the domestic inshell market (free) and the quantity of domestically produced hazelnuts that must be disposed of in outlets approved by the Board (restricted). Volume regulation is intended to stabilize the supply of domestic inshell hazelnuts to meet the limited domestic demand for such hazelnuts with the goal of providing producers with reasonable returns. This rule was recommended unanimously by the Hazelnut Marketing Board (Board), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketin

Raisins Produced from Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2007-08 Crop Natural

Tue, Feb 19 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule establishes final volume regulation percentages for 200708 crop Natural (sundried) Seedless (NS) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is locally administered by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). The volume regulation percentages are 85 percent free and 15 percent reserve. The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions.

United States Standards for Grades of Beet Greens

Tue, Feb 19 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Beet Greens. AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in fostering commerce. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Beet Greens for possible revisions.

AMS is considering removing the ``Unclassified'' category from the standards. AMS is seeking comments regarding this change as well as any other possible revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry.

Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment

Fri, Feb 15 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 20082009 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2008. This rule invites comments on the establishment of salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 993,067 pounds and 50 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,184,748 pounds and 53 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.

Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal years from $47.84 to $15.60 per assessable ton of olives handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of olives grown in California. Assessments upon olive handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Beef Promotion and Research; Reapportionment

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This proposed rule would adjust representation on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board), established under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (Act), to reflect changes in cattle inventories and cattle and beef imports that have occurred since the most recent Board reapportionment rule became effective in February of 2005. These adjustments are required by the Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order) and would result in an increase in Board membership from 104 to 106, effective with the Department of Agriculture's (Department) appointments for terms beginning early in the year 2009.

Notice of Request for New Information Collection

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting approval from the Office of Management of Budget of a new information collectionApplication for Export Certificationunder the Dairy program.

Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces funding of approximately $1 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2008 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producertoconsumer market opportunities. Examples of direct producertoconsumer market opportunities include new farmers' markets, roadside stands, community supported agriculture programs, and other direct producertoconsumer infrastructures. AMS hereby requests proposals from eligible entities from the following categories: (1) Agricultural cooperatives, (2) local governments, (3) nonprofit corporations, (4) public benefit corporations, (5) economic development corporations, (6) regional farmers' market authorities, and (7) tribal governments. The maximum award per grant is $75,000. No matching funds are required. AMS strongly recommends that each applicant visit the AMS Web site at

United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Cantaloups. Specifically, AMS is revising the ``Application of Tolerances'' section in the cantaloup standards. Additionally, AMS is removing the ``Unclassified'' category from the standards. These changes will bring the standards for cantaloups in line with current marketing practices, thereby improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry.

United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples

Thu, Feb 7 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples. Specifically, AMS is replacing Tables I and II in the tolerances section with numerical tolerances and numerical application of tolerances. Decay tolerances will also be revised. This change will bring the standards for pineapples in line with current marketing practices, thereby, improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry.

Avocados Grown in South Florida; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 915

Wed, Feb 6 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule amends Marketing Order No. 915 (order), which regulates the handling of avocados grown in South Florida. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Florida Avocado Administrative Committee (committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments will: Add authority for the committee to borrow funds; revise voting requirements for changing the assessment rate; allow for District 1 nominations to be conducted by mail; and, add authority for the committee to accept voluntary contributions. All of the proposals were favored by avocado growers in a mail referendum, held July 23 through August 6, 2007. The amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program.

United States Standards for Livestock and Meat Marketing Claims, Naturally Raised Claim for Livestock and the Meat

Thu, Jan 31 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is reopening and extending the comment period for the proposed voluntary standard for a naturally raised marketing claim that was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2007 (72 FR 67266).

Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the Handling Regulation for Area No. 2

Wed, Jan 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This rule modifies the minimum size requirements under the Colorado potato marketing order, Area No. 2. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Colorado, and is administered locally by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Area No. 2 (Committee). The minimum size requirements for Area No. 2 potatoes specify that potatoes handled under the marketing order must be at least 2 inches in diameter or 4 ounces in weight, with exceptions allowing the handling of round potatoes of any weight, and Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, and Silverton Russet potato varieties with a minimum of 1\7/8\ inches in diameter or 4 ounces in weight. This rule removes the exception that Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, and Silverton Russet potato varieties may be 1\7/8\ inches in diameter, thus requiring these varieties to also meet the minimum requirements of 2 inches in diameter or 4 ounces in weight. This change is intended to facilitate the handling and marketing of Colorado Area

Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Determination of Whether To Conduct a Referendum Regarding the 1990 Amendments

Wed, Jan 30 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) determination not to conduct a continuance referendum regarding the 1991 amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (Order) provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (Act) amendments of 1990. This determination is based on the results of a signup period conducted September 3 through November 30, 2007, during which eligible cotton producers and importers were provided an opportunity to request a continuance referendum.

Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Agreement

Tue, Jan 29 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Agreement No. 84 and Order No. 905 (order), which regulate the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos (citrus) grown in Florida. Four amendments are proposed by the Citrus Administrative Committee (committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: modify committee representation by cooperative entities; allow additional alternates to represent absent members of the committee to better meet quorum requirements; add authority to conduct committee meetings by telephone or other means of
communication; and add authority for marketing promotions, including paid advertising, and production research for fresh Florida citrus. In addition, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to make any such changes as may be necessary to the order to conform to any amendment that may result from the hearing. These proposed amendments

National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Program: Invitation To Submit Comments on Proposed Amendments to the Fluid

Mon, Jan 28 2008 11:00:00 GMT

This document invites comments on a proposed amendment to the Fluid Milk Promotion Order (Order). The proposed amendment, requested by the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board (Board), which administers the Order, would reduce the burden of latepayment charges applied to processors who underreport the amount of assessments which they owe to the Board, provided that the processor has not made more than two reporting errors in the prior 12 months. This amendment would reduce the burden of latepayment charges on processors who underpay assessments due to unintentional errors or miscalculations. The Board believes the latepayment charge is a necessary provision of the Order to encourage payment by all processors subject to the assessment and helps ensure the receipt of assessments owed to the Board. However, the Board also believes that there are instances when unintentional errors and miscalculations occur, and in such cases, the latepayment charge could be viewed as excessive. All other

Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, CA; Decreased Assessment Rate

Fri, Jan 18 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the California Date Administrative Committee (committee) for the 200708 and subsequent crop years from $0.95 to $0.75 per hundredweight of dates handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of dates grown or packed in Riverside County, California. Assessments upon date handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year began October 1 and ends September 30. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Thu, Jan 17 2008 11:00:00 GMT