The Federal Register

Almonds Grown in California; Recommended Decision on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 981

Fri, Dec 28 2007 11:00:00 GMT

This is a recommended decision regarding proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 981 (order), which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California. Two amendments were proposed by the Almond Board of California (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: authorize the establishment of specific outgoing quality requirements for different markets; and authorize the establishment of 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 to aid in the marketing of almonds. This recommended decision invites written exceptions on the proposed amendments.

National Organic Program (NOP); Sunset Review (2008)

Fri, Dec 28 2007 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 11 exempted substances and 1 prohibited substance added to the National List on November 3 and 4, 2003. This ANPR establishes November 3, 2008, 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 or prohibitions should be continued. Finally, this ANPR discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process.

Notice of Intent to Grant Exclusive License

Fri, Dec 28 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to CrispTek, LLC of Columbia, Maryland, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent No. 6,224,921, ``Rice Flour Based Low Oil Uptake Frying Batters'', issued on May 1, 2001.

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, Correction

Fri, Dec 28 2007 11:00:00 GMT

December 20, 2007.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 10413. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), <

Public Meeting to Receive Comments on the Proposed Rule for the Management of Roadless Areas in the State of Idaho

Fri, Dec 28 2007 11:00:00 GMT

There will be a public meeting in Washington, DC to discuss the proposed rule for the management of roadless areas on National Forest System lands in the State of Idaho.

National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC)

Fri, Dec 28 2007 11:00:00 GMT

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) will meet in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in urban and community forestry and introduce the new ``Council'' members.

Direction for Processing Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Proposals on National Forest System Lands

Fri, Dec 28 2007 11:00:00 GMT

The Forest Service is amending its Forest Service Manual chapter 2720, to incorporate without change, an interim directive to guide its employees in processing proposals for interstate natural gas pipeline projects. This amendment is designed to update existing direction in the Forest Service Manual chapter 2720, consistent with a May 2002 interagency agreement between the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The agreement establishes procedures for responding to and processing applications for interstate natural gas pipeline projects when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will be the lead agency in conducting the required environmental and historic preservation reviews.