Federal Register Digest Archive

Agriculture Department

69 Fed. Reg. 30609 (May 27, 2005) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 2). This document amends the delegations of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture in order to reflect the Secretary's designation of the General Counsel as the Department official responsible for delegating the authority to other Department heads for considering, ascertaining, adjusting, determining, compromising, and settling, pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act and regulations of the Attorney General, claims less than $2500 that allege the negligence or wrongful act of an employee of a certain agency.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 25633 (May 13, 2005) (notice). The Secretary of Agriculture is establishing a Roadless Area Conservation National Advisory Committee, under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, to provide advice and recommendations on the implementation of the State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management final rule set out at 36 C.F.R. part 294, subpart B, published elsewhere in this part of today's Federal Register.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 25521 (May 13, 2005) (notice). This notice announces the individuals who were recently appointed to the Specialty Crop Committee by the Executive Committee of the USDA National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. The Specialty Crop Committee is a permanent committee, whose members serve at the discretion of the Advisory Board's Executive Committee.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 24935 (May 13, 2005) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1). The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending the administrative regulations of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture to provide that the rules of practice contained in those regulations shall be applicable to all adjudicatory proceedings under the license denial and termination provisions of the Animal Welfare Act regulations.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 23927 (May 6, 2005) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 2). This document amends the delegations of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture in order to reflect the Secretary's designation of the General Counsel as the Department official responsible for delegating the authority to other Department heads for considering, ascertaining, adjusting, determining, compromising, and settling, pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act and regulations of the Attorney General, claims less than $2500 that allege the negligence or wrongful act of an employee of a certain agency.       View this document.

70 Fed. Reg. 3182 (January 21, 2005) (notice). The Department of Agriculture has submitted the required information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance regarding Servicing Cases Where Unauthorized Loan or Other Assistance was Received.      View this document.

70 Fed. Reg. 2837(January 18, 2005) (notice). The Secretary of Agriculture published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2004 proposed uniform guidelines for conducting elections of Farm Service Agency County Committees. The notice provided a thirty-day period for public comments. As a result of numerous requests, the public comment period was extended until October 16, 2004, in a Federal Register notice published September 22, 2004. After analysis of the comments received, the Secretary is now issuing the final uniform guidelines for conducting FSA County Committee elections.      View this document.

70 Fed. Reg. 2376 (January 13, 2005) (notice). The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center announces that it is accepting nominations for the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center for two voting directors' positions whose terms expire on February 14, 2005. Both positions are for members who are active producers of sheep or goats.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 59763 (October 6, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 6). This document amends the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing regulation to provide for applications to be submitted using the internet, while continuing to permit applicants to use the existing certified mail provision for applications.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 56742 (September 22, 2004) (notice). The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reopening and extending the comment period for the notice with request for comments, Proposed Uniform Guidelines for Conducting Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections. The original comment period for the proposed rule closed on September 16, 2004 and FSA is reopening and extending it until October 16, 2004. The Agency will also consider any comments received from September 16, 2004 to the date of this notice. This action responds to requests from the public to provide more time to comment on the proposed guidelines.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 56031 (September 17, 2004) (notice). The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to amend the name of the existing system of records to USDA/FS-33, Law Enforcement and Investigative Records. USDA invites public comment on this amendment.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 52222 (August 25, 2004) (notice). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to reestablish the Advisory Committee on Universal Cotton Standards (Committee). The committee reviews official Universal Standards for American Upland cotton prepared by USDA and would make recommendations regarding the establishment or revision of the standards. View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 51052 (August 17, 2004) (notice). The Secretary of Agriculture is issuing, and inviting public comment on, proposed uniform guidelines for conducting elections of Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 44484 (July 26, 2004) (notice). This notice announces that the USDA has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance several information collection requirement(s) regarding various areas pertinent to agriculture.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 41375 (July 9, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 16). This final rule implements executive branch policy that, within the framework of constitutional church-state guidelines, religiously affiliated (or "faith-based") organizations should be able to compete on an equal footing with other organizations for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance. The final rule revises USDA regulations to remove barriers to the participation of faith-based organizations in USDA programs and to ensure that these programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Constitution, including the religion clauses of the first amendment.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 32477 (June 10, 2004) (notice). The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center announces the availability of approximately $300,000 in competitive grants for product or business development, producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention, and animal health. Eligible applicants, including many business structures but excluding individuals, may apply for up to $50,000 in Federal Funds per proposal.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 32229 (June 8, 2004) (notice). The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will select and license applicants to become Rural Business Investment Companies (RBIC), and provide financial assistance and grant awards under the RBIP. The Secretary of the USDA invites applications from newly-formed venture capital companies seeking to be licensed as a RBIC.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 30279 (May 27, 2004) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the USDA Technology and eGovernment Advisory Council. The Council will advise the Secretary and the Chief Information Officer in planning and developing strategies for technology and eGovernment Initiatives. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss USDA information technology investments as well as the current status and future of eGovernment Initiatives.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 28041 (May 18, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1). The Department of Agriculture is adding a new subpart to part 1 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This statement of policy is similar to the policy adopted by other Federal agencies, including the Department of Treasury, Department of the Interior, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Justice in that it permits indemnification of Departmental employees in appropriate circumstances, as determined by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee, for claims made against them as a result of actions taken by them in the course of their employment.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 27818 (May 17, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 6). This document sets forth the revised appendices to the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Regulation for the 2004 quota year reflecting the cumulative annual transfers from Appendix 1 to Appendix 2 for certain dairy product import licenses permanently surrendered by licensees or revoked by the Licensing Authority.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 27887 (May 17, 2004) (notice). Rural Development corrects a notice published in the Federal Register May 5, 2004 (69 FR 25234-25259), announcing the availability of up to $22.8 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2004 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy improvements for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Accordingly the notice published May 5, 2004 (69 FR 25234-25259), is corrected as follows: On page 25236 in the second column under the heading Grant Amounts, the sixth sentence, "Applications for energy efficiency improvements must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but not more than $500,000" should read "Applications for energy efficiency improvements must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but not more than $250,000."      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 24233 (May 5, 2004) (notice). The Agriculture Department is announcing the availability of up to $22.8 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2004 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy improvements for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. In order to be eligible for grant funds, the agricultural producer or rural small business must demonstrate financial need. The grant request must not exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 20588 (April 16, 2004) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Research, Education, and Economics Task Force.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 19753 (April 14, 2004) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This rule revises the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by reducing the minimum net weight for shipments of nectarines and peaches in bulk bins under the marketing orders.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 19082 (April 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 982). The Agricultural Marketing Service 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 2003-2004 marketing year under the Federal marketing order for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington.       View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 19079 (April 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that relaxed the weekly limits on small red seedless grapefruit entering the fresh market under the marketing order covering oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida.      View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 19118 (April 12, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 926). This proposed rule would establish a new part 926 in the Code of Federal Regulations which would require persons engaged in the handling or importation of fresh cranberries or cranberry products not subject to the reporting requirements of the Federal cranberry marketing order to report sales, acquisition, and inventory information to the Cranberry Marketing Committee, and to maintain adequate records on such activities.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 19281 (April 12, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1033). This document proposes to adopt as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2002, concerning pooling provisions of the Mideast Federal milk order. This document also sets forth the final decision of the Department and is subject to approval by producers.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 12298 (March 16, 2004) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.     View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 10354 ) (March 5, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 16). The USDA is proposing to implement an executive branch policy that, within the framework of constitutional church-state guidelines, religious (or "faith-based") organizations should be able to compete on an equal footing with other organizations for USDA assistance. This proposed rule would augment USDA regulations to bring them into compliance with this policy and ensure that USDA assistance programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Constitution, including the religion clauses of the first amendment.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 9793 (March 2, 2004) (notice). This notice announces a declaration of extraordinary emergency because of avian influenza in Texas.     View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 6244 (February 10, 2004) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces the appointments made by the Secretary of Agriculture to the 12 vacancies on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. The appointees, by vacancy category, are listed in this notice.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 3533 (January 26, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 2902). The Office of Energy Policy and New Uses is announcing a public meeting to discuss the proposed rule entitled "Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement" published in the Federal Register of December 19, 2003. This meeting is intended to provide stakeholders and interested parties with a briefing on the proposed rule and an opportunity to ask questions and make comments on the proposed rule.     View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 1694 (January 12, 2004) (notice). Bovine spongiform encephalopathy has been detected in the United States. The disease was detected in the State of Washington and had not previously been detected in the United States. The presence of BSE presents a threat to U.S. livestock. It constitutes a significant danger to the national economy and a potential serious burden on interstate and foreign commerce. The Department has determined that an extraordinary emergency exists because of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the State of Washington. This declaration of extraordinary emergency authorizes the Secretary to (1) hold, seize, treat, apply other remedial actions to, destroy (including preventative slaughter), or otherwise dispose of, any animal, article, facility, or means of conveyance if the Secretary determines the action is necessary to prevent the dissemination of BSE and (2) prohibit or restrict the movement or use within the State of Washington, or any portion of the State of Washington, of any animal or article, means of conveyance, or facility if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination of BSE. The appropriate State Government and Indian tribal officials in Washington have been informed of these facts.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 1565 (January 9, 2004) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Research, Education, and Economics Task Force.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 1269 (January 8, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Almond Board of California for the 2003-04 and subsequent crop years from $0.025 to $0.020 per pound of almonds received.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 485 (January 6, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905 and 944). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule removing the regulations for seeded grapefruit under the Florida citrus marketing order and for seeded grapefruit imported into the United States.    View this document.

69 Fed. Reg. 551 (January 6, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible growers of California almonds to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of almonds grown in the production area.     View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 72620 (December 22, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX 9 CFR Chs. I-IV 36 CFR Ch. II 41 CFR Ch. 4). This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, describes regulations affecting small entities as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act.    View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 70730 (December 18, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 2902). The USDA is proposing to establish guidelines for designating items made from biobased products that would be afforded Federal procurement preference, as required under the 2002 Farm Bill.   View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 65026 (November 18, 2003) (notice). This notice establishes the aggregate quantity of 1,156,195 metric tons raw value of sugar that may be entered under the tariff- rate quota provisions of Additional U.S. Note 5(a) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) during fiscal year (FY) 2004. The following TRQ quantities are established for entry: 1,117,195 metric tons raw value of raw sugar under subheading 1701.11.10 of the HTS, and 39,000 metric tons raw value of certain sugars, syrups, and molasses under subheadings 1701.12.10, 1701.91.10, 1701.99.10, 1702.90.10, and 2106.90.44 of the HTS.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 64850 (November 17, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that United States Department of Agriculture is proposing to change the USDA Privacy Act System of Records by re-designating a USDA Office of Outreach system of records as a USDA Farm Service Agency system. The system is being added numerically, editorial and clarification amendments are noted, and new routine uses are being added to the system.   View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 64078 (November 12, 2003) (notice). The Department of Agriculture is proposing to establish the USDA Technology and eGovernment Advisory Council to seek input from a broad base of USDA customers, partners, and employees into the Department's planning and implementation of technology solutions.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 64078 (November 12, 2003) (notice). The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center announces that it is accepting nominations for the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center for two voting directors' positions whose terms expire on February 13, 2004. One position is for a member who have has expertise in lamb, wool, goat, or goat product marketing expertise and one position is for a member who is an active producer of sheep or goats. Board members manage and oversee the Center's activities.   View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 60076 (October 21, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Research, Education, and Economics Task Force.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 60076 (October 21, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.  View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 56137 (September 30, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 2903). The Office of Energy Policy and New Uses is adding new regulations for the purpose of administering the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program conducted under the authority of section 9004 of the 2002 Farm Bill. This action establishes and codifies the administrative procedures to be followed in the solicitation of competitive proposals, the evaluation of such proposals, and the award and administration of grants under this Program.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 55362 (September 25, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the United States Department of Agriculture proposes to create a new Privacy Act system of records, FCIC-9, entitled "Agent." The system will be maintained by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, a wholly owned Government Corporation administered by the Risk Management Agency, an agency of USDA. The primary purpose of the Agent system is to aid in the administration and management of the Federal crop insurance program.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 49425 (August 18, 2003) (notice). The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center announces the availability of approximately $300,000 in competitive grants for product or business development, producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention or animal health.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 43076 (July 21, 2003) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Research, Education, and Economics Task Force.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 41770 (July 15, 2003) (notice). The Office of the Chief Economist, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses requests applications for the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program for fiscal year 2003 to educate governmental and private entities that operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities, and the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.   View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 41751 (July 15, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 2903). The Office of Energy Policy and New Uses proposes to add new regulations for the purpose of administering the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program conducted under the authority of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. This action establishes and codifies the administrative procedures to be followed in the solicitation of competitive proposals, the evaluation of such proposals, and the award and administration of grants under this Program.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 38667 (June 30, 2003) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces solicitation for nominations to fill 12 vacancies on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 38667 (June 30, 2003) (notice). The United States Department of Agriculture announces a Western Regional meeting of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 37391 (June 24, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This final rule changes the reporting requirements specified under the administrative rules and regulations of the Federal marketing order for California dried prunes. The order regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California and is administered locally by the Prune Marketing Committee.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 33443 (June 4, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that cost-share payments made to individuals under the Forest Land Enhancement Program are made primarily for the purpose of conserving soil and water resources, protecting or restoring the environment, improving forests, or providing a habitat for wildlife. This determination permits recipients to exclude certain payments under the Program from gross income for Federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.   View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 33443 (June 4, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that cost-share payments made to individuals under the State of Texas, Forest Service, Oak Wilt Suppression Program, are made primarily for the purpose of protecting and restoring the environment and improving forests. This determination permits recipients to exclude all or part of certain cost-share payments under this program from gross income for Federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 33444 (June 4, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that cost-share payments made to individuals under the State of Wisconsin, Department of Natural Resources, Forest Landowner Grant Program are made primarily for the purpose of conserving soil and water resources, improving forests, and protecting and restoring the environment. This determination permits recipients to exclude all or part of certain cost-share payments under the Program from gross income for Federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.  View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 32418 (May 30, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 3). The USDA proposes to amend its regulations that govern the management of debts owed to it by program participants and other debtors. The rule proposes changes to existing regulations to further implement the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and the Federal Claims Collection Standards.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 29982 (May 27, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX 9 CFR Chs. I-IV 36 CFR Ch. II 41 CFR Ch. 4). This proposed rule sets out an agenda that provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the USDA in conformance with Executive Order 12866 "Regulatory Planning and Review." The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 27431 (May 20, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1, 2, 15, 15f). This document revises the delegations of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture and general officers of the USDA principally to reflect changes and additions to the delegations required by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002; the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, the reorganization of offices under the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the establishment of the Homeland Security Staff; the authority delegated to the Judicial Officer to act in certain proceeding under the Plant Variety Protection Act, as amended, and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended; the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999; the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 2000; section 14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act; and the responsibilities of the United States related to activities of the Office International des Epizooties.  View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 26280 (May 14, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture are establishing a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and invite nominations for the Committee.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 25,479 (May 13, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 6). This document sets forth the revised appendices to the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Regulation for the 2003 quota year reflecting the cumulative annual transfers from Appendix 1 to Appendix 2 for certain dairy product import licenses permanently surrendered by licensees or revoked by the Licensing Authority.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 18593 (April 16, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that Exotic Newcastle disease has been confirmed in the State of Texas, near the Texas-New Mexico border. The disease has been confirmed in backyard poultry, which are raised on private premises for hobby, exhibition, and personal consumption. Previously, Exotic Newcastle Disease had been confirmed in the States of Arizona, California, and Nevada.  View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 16169 (April 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 25). The Secretary of the USDA is has revised the regulations for the rural empowerment zone program to amend the definition of designation date to include the designation date for two rural empowerment zones authorized by the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000.  View this document.

68 Fed. Reg. 15426 (March 31, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the USDA is proposing to create a new Privacy Act system of records, FCIC-11, entitled "Loss Adjuster." The primary purpose of the loss adjuster system is to aid in the administration and management of the Federal crop insurance.  View this document

68 Fed. Reg. 8195 (February 20, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the public in invited to comment on key issues that the Commission on the Application of Payment Limitations will address in its study of the effects of further limitations on the receipt of direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains by individuals and other entities.  HTML

68 Fed. Reg. 7411 (February 14, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 15f). The USDA is amending the adjudication process for certain civil rights discrimination complaints filed administratively with USDA in order to establish deadlines for complainants to request a formal proceeding before an administrative law judge and to clarify that complaints may no longer be filed.   HTML

68 Fed. Reg. 7338 (February 13, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that Exotic Newcastle disease has been confirmed in the State of Arizona. The disease has been confirmed in backyard poultry, which are raised on private premises for hobby, exhibition, and personal consumption. The disease had previously been confirmed in the States of California and Nevada. Based on review and consultation, the Agriculture Department has determined that the measures being taken by the State of Arizona are inadequate to control or eradicate this outbreak of Exotic Newcastle disease. Therefore, the Department has determined that an extraordinary emergency exists because of the outbreak of Exotic Newcastle disease in Arizona.   HTML

68 Fed. Reg. 6339 (February 7, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1). This final rule amends the rules of practice governing formal adjudicatory proceedings instituted by the Secretary under various statutes. This final rule amends the rules of practice governing formal adjudicatory proceedings instituted by the Secretary under various statutes to provide that any appeal to the Judicial Officer from an oral decision of an administrative law judge must be filed within 30 days after the oral decision is issued. HTML

68 Fed. Reg. 3507 (January 24, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that a declaration of extraordinary emergency is being issued due to the discovery of Exotic Newcastle Disease in Nevada . The disease has been confirmed in backyard poultry, which are raised on private premises for hobby, exhibition, and personal consumption. Previously, Exotic Newcastle Disease had been confirmed in the State of California, and on January 6, 2003, the Secretary of Agriculture signed a declaration of extraordinary emergency with respect to the Exotic Newcastle Disease situation in California. This declaration of extraordinary emergency authorizes the Secretary to (1) hold, seize, treat, apply other remedial actions to, destroy (including preventative slaughter), or otherwise dispose of, any animal, article, facility, or means of conveyance if the Secretary determines the action is necessary to prevent the dissemination of Exotic Newcastle Disease and (2) prohibit or restrict the movement or use within the State of Nevada, or any portion of the State of Nevada, of any animal or article, means of conveyance, or facility if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination of Exotic Newcastle Disease. HTML

68 Fed. Reg. 1432 (January 10, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that Exotic Newcastle Disease has been confirmed in the State of California. The disease has been confirmed in backyard poultry, which are raised on private premises for hobby, exhibition, and personal consumption, and in commercial poultry. Exotic Newcastle Disease is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting domestic, wild, and caged poultry and birds and is one of the most infectious diseases of poultry in the world. A death rate of almost 100 percent can occur in unvaccinated poultry flocks. The existence of this disease in California represents a threat to the U.S. poultry and bird industries. This declaration of extraordinary emergency authorizes the Secretary to (1) hold, seize, treat, apply other remedial actions to, destroy (including preventative slaughter), or otherwise dispose of, any animal, article, facility, or means of conveyance if the Secretary determines the action is necessary to prevent the dissemination of the disease and (2) prohibit or restrict the movement or use within the State of California, or any portion of the State of California, of any animal or article, means of conveyance, or facility if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination of the disease. This declaration of extraordinary emergency shall become effective January 6, 2003. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 74274 (December 9, 2002) (semi-annual regulatory agenda). This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed.HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 70673 (November 26, 2002) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1). This final rule announces that the Agriculture Department is amending the administrative regulations of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture to reflect the subpoena provisions of the Animal Health Protection Act. Under the Animal Health Protection Act, the Secretary of Agriculture can subpoena witnesses and documents relating to the administration or enforcement of the Animal Health Protection Act or any matter being investigated in connection with the Animal Health Protection Act. This final rule is necessary to establish regulations governing the issuance of subpoenas under this authority. This final rule also announces that the Agriculture Department is amending the administrative regulations, where necessary, by including references to the Animal Health Protection Act, the Plant Protection Act, and Title V of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, and removing references to statutes repealed by the Plant Protection Act. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 68559 (November 12, 2002) (notice). This notice announces that the United States Department of Agriculture is proposing an amendment to the Privacy Act system of records FCIC-2, entitled Compliance Review Cases. The compliance review cases system of records is being revised to reflect changes in the administration and management of the Federal crop insurance program. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 69086 (November 8, 2002) (notice). This notice announces that the United States Department of Agriculture is proposing the creation of a new Privacy Act system of records, FCIC-10, entitled ``Policyholder.'' The primary purpose the policyholder system is to aid in the administration and management of the Federal crop insurance program. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 63237 (October 11, 2002) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1). The U.S. Department of Agriculture is amending its regulations that implement the Equal Access to Justice Act. These amendments incorporate modifications enacted in the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 52703 (August 13, 2002) (notice). This notice announces that approximately $200,000 in competitive grants for product or business development, producer information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention or animal health is available.   HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 44795 (July 5, 2002) (notice). This notice solicits candidates interested in serving on the National Board on Rural America. The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.) was amended by section 6030 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) to create the National Board on Rural America.  HTML

67 Fed. Reg. (July 1, 2002) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 93). This proposal would amend the regulations pertaining to the importation of horses to establish standards for the approval of permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. This proposal is intended to facilitate the importation of horses while continuing to protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses.   HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 44016 (July 1, 2002) (final rule) (to be codified at 9 C.F.R. Part 94). This rule adds Poland to the list of regions where bovine spongiform encephalopathy exists because the disease has been detected in a native-born animal in that region. Poland has been listed among the regions that present an undue risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States. Therefore, the effect of this action is a continued restriction on the importation of ruminants, meat, meat products, and certain other products of ruminants that have been in Poland. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 44095 (July 1, 2002) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 922). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee for the 2002-03 and subsequent fiscal periods from $2.00 to $2.50 per ton of apricots handled. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated. HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 32,826 (May 13, 2002) (notice). This notice announces the Semiannual Regulatory Agenda for the USDA. It contains summary descriptions of regulations being developed in each of the agencies of the USDA.   HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 19,699 (Apr. 23, 2002) (notice of proposed rulemaking) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. pt. 12). This proposed rule suggests certain categories of activities that would be entitled to minimal effect exemptions (CMWs) under the wetland conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended. Undertaking a wetland conversion activity in one of these categories would be considered to have only a minimal effect upon wetland functions and values, and thus would not render a producer ineligible for certain USDA program benefits. The USDA is seeking comments from the public that will be considered in developing a final rule on this issue. Comments must be received by June 24, 2002.   HTML

67 Fed. Reg. 12,898 (Mar. 20, 2002) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. pt. 1). This rule proposes amendments to the USDA regulations implementing the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). The proposed amendments incorporate modifications enacted in the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. Comments should be received by May 20, 2002.   HTML