The Federal Register

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

February 4, 2008.

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),

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Poultry Meat and Other

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with regulations for the importation of poultry meat and other poultry products from Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico.

Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Umatilla National Forest is proposing to charge fees at 39 recreation sites. Fees are assessed based on the leval of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. The fees listed below are only proposed. The final fees will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. Funds from fees would be retained locally and used for the continued operation and maintenance of these recreation sites. The public has been notified of proposed fees in several ways. In July of 2007, signs were posted at all potentially affected campgrounds, rental cabins, and trail heads requesting public feedback on the proposed fees. Press releases regarding the Umatilla National Forest's recreation facility master plan and fee proposals were issued to area newspapers on September 11 of 2007. The release was followed by 7 open houses held in communities across the Forest during September and October. The fee proposal continues to be advertised on the

Swine Contractors

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to add ``swine contractors'' to the list of regulated entities subject to specific regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act (the P&S Act). In 2002, Congress added swine contractors as entities regulated under the P&S Act. The specific regulations we propose to amend prohibit regulated entities from circulating misleading reports about market conditions or prices. We also propose to amend regulations that address inspection of business records and facilities, information that regulated entities are required to share with the Secretary of Agriculture, and USDA's responsibility to refrain from unauthorized disclosure of that information. The goal of these regulations is to ensure fairness in the marketing of livestock, meat, and poultry. Adding swine contractors to specific regulations under the P&S Act will assist swine contractors and swine production contract growers with determining which regulations apply to them. Adding swine contractors to specific regulations will also

Notice of Proposed Change to Section IV of the Virginia State Technical Guide

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

It has been determined by the NRCS State Conservationist for Virginia that changes must be made in the NRCS State Technical Guide specifically in practice standards: 578, Stream Crossing; 574, Spring Development; 561, Heavy Use Area protection; 575, Animal Trails and Walkways; and 560, Access Road. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.

Announcement of Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of approximately $4.4 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications for FY 2008 and award grants on or before September 12, 2008. The maximum award per grant is $200,000 and matching funds are required.

Announcement of Small, Minority Producer Grant Program Application Deadlines

Fri, Feb 8 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the availability of approximately $1.463 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2008 for cooperatives and associations of cooperatives to assist small, minority agricultural producers. USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs hereby requests proposals from eligible cooperatives and associations of cooperatives for a competitively awarded grant to fund technical assistance to small, minority agricultural producers in rural areas. The maximum award per grant is $175,000.