Federal Register Digest Archive
Agriculture Marketing Service
69 Fed. Reg. 78296 (December 30, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959). This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.03 to $0.02 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 78355 (December 30, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1131). This tentative partial decision adopts on an interim final and emergency basis, a proposal that would eliminate the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Arizona-Las Vegas milk order and any State-operated milk order that has marketwide pooling. This decision requires determining if producers approve the issuance of the amended order on an interim basis. Other proposals considered at the public hearing regarding producer-handlers will be addressed in a separate decision. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 78351 (December 30, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1124). This document proposes to adopt as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2004, concerning pooling provisions of the Pacific Northwest Federal milk order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 77609 (December 28, 2004) (notice). On October 5, 2004, the Agricultural Marketing Service published an interim final rule for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program for fish and shellfish as mandated by the 2002 Farm Bill and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations by September 30, 2004, requiring retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities. The FY 2004 Consolidated Appropriations Act delayed the applicability of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. AMS is extending the comment period to February 2, 2005, at the request of industry trade associations to provide interested parties with additional time to file comments. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 77570 (December 27, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1280). This final rule establishes procedures the USDA will use in conducting the required referendum, as well as future referendums, for the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 77576 (December 27, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service is announcing that a referendum will be conducted under the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order to determine whether those persons voting favor the continuance of the Order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76835 (December 23, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 751). This document contains corrections to final regulations which were published August 22, 2003 (68 FR 50681). The regulations related to United States Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell, and the United States Standards for Grades of Shelled Pistachio Nuts. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76844 (December 23, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 945). This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible growers of Irish potatoes in certain designated counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon, to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of Irish potatoes grown in the production area. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76597 (December 22, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. 905). This rule reduces the minimum maturity requirements for fresh grapefruit under the marketing order for Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76684 (December 22, 2004) (notice). Notice is hereby given for proposals for FY 2005 grant funds under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. FSMIP anticipates that approximately $1.3 million will be available for support of this program in FY 2005. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76385 (December 21, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. 982). This rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for domestic in shell hazelnuts for the 2004-2005 marketing year under the Federal marketing order for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76379 (December 21, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. 920). 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 Kiwifruit Administrative Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.045 per 22-pound volume-fill container or container equivalent to $0.002 per pound of kiwifruit. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76381 (December 21, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 958 and 980). The USDA is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which relaxes the size requirement for pearl onions, relaxes the minimum grade and size requirements for cipolline onion varieties, and updates the regulatory text concerning certain reporting requirements for onions handled under the Idaho-Eastern Oregon onion marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 76373 (December 21, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 56). The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the regulations governing the voluntary shell egg grading program. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 75043 (December 15, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the intention of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the Regulations Governing the Voluntary Grading of Shell Eggs. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 75044 (December 15, 2004) (notice). The purpose of this notice is to notify all interested parties that the Agricultural Marketing Service will hold a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meeting that is open to the public. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 75501 (December 17, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the National Agricultural Library's intent to request approval for a new information collection relating to existing nutrition education materials (i.e. recipes and cookbooks) targeting low-income persons. This voluntary form gives Food Stamp nutrition education providers the opportunity to share resources that they have developed or used. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 75501 (December 17, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the National Agricultural Library's intent to request approval for new information collection relating to a nutrition education material targeting low-income persons. This voluntary form gives Food Stamp nutrition education providers the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on this resource. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 75502 (December 17, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the National Agricultural Library's intent to request approval for new information collection relating to a nutrition education material targeting low-income persons. This voluntary form gives Food Stamp nutrition education providers the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on this resource. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 71697 (December 10, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Parts 1005, 1006, and 1007). This final rule amends the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 71744 (December 10, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This rule invites comments on the establishment of final free and restricted percentages for the 2004-2005 crop year. The percentages are 72 percent free and 28 percent restricted and would establish the proportion of tart cherries from the 2004 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board. The marketing order regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 71749 (December 10, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 983). This rule would establish a continuing assessment rate for the Administrative Committee for Pistachios for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods of $0.0014 per pound of pistachios received for processing and would establish reporting requirements under the California pistachio marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 71753 (December 10, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Raisin Administrative Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $8.00 to $11.00 per ton of free tonnage raisins acquired by handlers, and reserve tonnage raisins released or sold to handlers for use in free tonnage outlets. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 70874 (December 8, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that changed the procedures used to limit the volume of sizes 48 and 56 red seedless grapefruit entering the fresh market under the marketing order for oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 69995 (December 1, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 929). This decision proposes amendments to the marketing agreement and order for cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York, and provides growers and processors with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Cranberry Marketing Committee, which is responsible for local administration of the order and other interested parties representing cranberry growers and handlers. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 68761 (November 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 979). This rule suspends, for the 2004-05 fiscal period, the minimum grade, quality, maturity, container, pack, inspection, assessment collection, and other related requirements currently prescribed under the South Texas melon marketing order. It also suspends reporting requirements, except for the acreage planting reports, which will continue to be required during the suspension period. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 68674 (November 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, and 1131). This document adopts as a final rule order language contained in the final decision published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2004, concerning the reclassification of milk used to produce evaporated or sweetened condensed milk in consumer-type packages from Class III to Class IV. These provisions are applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 68755 (November 26, 2004) (7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that decreased the assessment rates established for the Nectarine Administrative Committee and the Peach Commodity Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 68579 (November 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 955). This rule changes the assessment collection requirements currently prescribed under the Vidalia onion marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 68819 (November 26, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 946). This recommended decision invites written exceptions on proposed amendments to the marketing agreement and order for Irish potatoes grown in Washington. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 67670 (November 19, 2004) (proposed rule). This document proposes to adopt, on an emergency basis, amendments to the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. Specifically, the proposed amendments will implement a temporary supplemental charge on Class I milk that will be disbursed to handlers who incurred transportation costs for bulk milk movements for the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeast orders resulting from hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 65386 (November 12, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1260). 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, to reflect changes in cattle inventories and cattle and beef imports that have occurred since the most recent Board reapportionment rule became effective in 2002. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 64641 (November 8, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. 905). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that established an exemption for shipments of small quantities of tree run citrus from the rules and regulations under the Florida citrus marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 64713 (November 8, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to change the United States Standards for Grades of Olive Oil. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 63958 (November 3, 2004) (proposed rule). This rule invites comments on the establishment of a minimum size requirement of 11-row size (\61/64\-inch diameter) and a minimum maturity requirement of 17 percent soluble solids for all lightly colored sweet cherry varieties shipped to fresh markets under the Washington sweet cherry marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 61159 (October 15, 2004) (proposed rule). This proposed rule establishes procedures the Department of Agriculture would use in conducting required referendum as well as future referendums under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 regarding the promulgation of the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order. View this document.
60 Fed. Reg. 60947(October 14, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 987). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the California Date Administrative Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $0.75 to $0.85 per hundredweight of dates handled. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 59707 (October 5, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 60). The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act (2002 Appropriations) amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations by September 30, 2004, requiring retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities. After issuance of a proposed rule, the Department has decided to provide further opportunity to comment due to the changes made as a result of comments received and the costs associated with this rule. This interim final rule contains definitions, the requirements for consumer notification and product marking, and the recordkeeping responsibilities of both retailers and suppliers for fish and shellfish covered commodities. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 59551 (October 5, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 923). This recommended decision invites written exceptions on proposed amendments to the marketing agreement and order for sweet cherries grown in Washington. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 59120 (October 4, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1206). This rule establishes the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 58879 (October 1, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, 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 Kale. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 58368 (September 30, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1005, 1006, and 1007). A public hearing is being held, on an emergency basis, to consider a proposal submitted by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., Lone Star Milk Producers Inc., Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc., and Southeast Milk, Inc. The proposal would implement a temporary supplemental charge on Class I milk that would be disbursed through a marketwide service payment provision in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast orders. The proposal would provide for emergency payments to reimburse handlers the cost of additional transportation expenses incurred as a result of disruptions occurring from several hurricanes in the Southeastern United States. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57820 (September 28, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that revised the quality control provisions under the California almond marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57816 (September 28, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that provides more specific criteria to help handlers take better advantage of exempt use/diversion credit activities in meeting volume regulation requirements, and to help the Cherry Industry Administrative Board better assess the validity of handler requests for such diversion credit. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57813 (September 28, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 927). This rule decreases the continuing supplemental assessment rate established for the Winter Pear Control Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.03 to $0.01 per 44- pound standard box or container equivalent of the Beurre d'Anjou variety of pears handled, excluding organically produced d'Anjou pears. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57824 (September 28, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $2.00 to $4.00 per ton of salable dried prunes. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57822 (September 28, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule changing the reporting requirements regarding Other Seedless raisins under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57900 (September 28, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the intention of the Agricultural Marketing Service to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57669 (September 27, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57233 (September 24, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, and 1131). This document proposes to adopt as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on April 23, 2004, concerning classification of milk use provisions in all Federal milk marketing orders. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 57163 (September 24, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 57). The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the regulations governing the inspection of eggs. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 56667 (September 22, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 958 and 980). This rule relaxes the size requirement for pearl onions, relaxes the minimum grade and size requirements for cipolline onion varieties, and updates the regulatory text concerning certain reporting requirements for onions handled under the Idaho-Eastern Oregon onion marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 56725 (September 22, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1032). A public hearing is being held to consider proposals that would amend certain pooling and related provisions of the Central Federal milk marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 55733 (September 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 920). This rule decreases the assessment rate and changes the assessable unit from $0.045 per 22-pound, volume-fill container or container equivalent to $0.002 per pound of kiwifruit established for the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 54193 (September 8, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 920). This rule revises pack and container requirements currently prescribed for California kiwifruit under the California kiwifruit marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 54199 (September 8, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 924). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Washington-Oregon Fresh Prune Marketing Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods from $1.50 to $1.75 per ton of prunes handled. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 54259 (September 8, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension to a currently approved information collection for Tobacco Report. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 53791 (September 3, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This rule revises the reporting requirements in the rules and regulations of the marketing orders for fresh nectarines and peaches grown in California. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 53783 (September 2, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 59). This final rule amends the Livestock Mandatory Reporting regulations to modify the requirements for the submission of information on domestic and imported boxed lamb cuts sales. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 51625 (August 20, 2004) (notice). 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 "Hass Avocado National Research, Promotion and Consumer Information Program." View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 51229 (August 18, 2004) (notice). This Notice invites eligible States to submit a Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, and to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for the Allocation of Organic Certification Cost-Share Funds. The AMS has allocated $1.0 million for this organic certification cost-share program in Fiscal Year 2004. Funds will be available under this program to 15 designated States to assist organic crop and livestock producers certified by the Department of Agriculture accredited certifying agents to the National Organic Program. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50283 (August 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 925). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which established end-of-season reporting requirements authorized under the California grape marketing order. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50278 (August 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This rule decreases the assessment rates established for the Nectarine Administrative Committee and the Peach Commodity Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50286 (August 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 956). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that established procedures to allow the grading, packing, or storing of Walla Walla sweet onions outside the production area established under the Walla Walla sweet onion marketing order, and modified handler reporting requirements. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50269 (August 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This rule limits the volume of 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. 50289 (August 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that established final volume regulation percentages for 2003-04 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (NS) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50339 (August 16, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 987). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Date Administrative Committee for the 2004- 05 and subsequent crop years from $0.75 to $0.85 per hundredweight of dates handled. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50334 (August 16, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 927). This rule would decrease the continuing supplemental assessment rate established for the Winter Pear Control Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.03 to $0.01 per 44-pound standard box or container equivalent of the Beurre d'Anjou variety of pears handled, excluding organically produced d'Anjou pears. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 50337 (August 16, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $2.00 to $4.00 per ton of salable dried prunes. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 48915 (August 9, 2004) (notice). This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of the Burley Tobacco Advisory Committee. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 45233 (July 29, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 922 and 923). This rule decreases the assessment rates established for the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee and the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods. View this document.
69 Fed. Reg. 45231 (July 29, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 906). This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Texas Valley Citrus Committee for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.14 to $0.12 per \7/10\-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 44975 (July 28, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 920). This rule invites comments on revisions to pack and container requirements currently prescribed for California kiwifruit under the California kiwifruit marketing order.
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69 Fed. Reg. 44457 (July 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting as a final rule, with a change, an interim final rule revising 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.
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69 Fed. Reg. 44460 (July 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 983). This document delays the effective date for aflatoxin, size and quality requirements established under Marketing Order No. 983 (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios produced in California.
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69 Fed. Reg. 43538 (July 21, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1030). The Agricultural Marketing Service is delaying the hearing date for the proposed rule that appeared in the Federal Register of June 23, 2004 (69 FR 34963), which gave notice of a public hearing being held to consider proposals that would amend certain provisions of the Upper Midwest milk marketing order. The hearing scheduled to begin July 19, 2004, has been delayed until Monday, August 16, 2004. The hearing must be completed by or adjourned by noon on Friday, August 20, 2004. To expedite the hearing process, the presiding Administrative Law Judge requests that the statements of all witnesses be exchanged with known participants on or before August 13, 2004.
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69 Fed. Reg. 43559 (July 21, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pears. AMS received two petitions, one from a grower cooperative, the other from a processor, requesting that USDA change the character classification for Grade "B", slices, and diced, to read "the units are reasonably tender or tenderness may be variable within the unit." This change was requested by the industry in order to bring the standards for canned pears in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and provide guidance in the effective utilization of canned pears.
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69 Fed. Reg. 43559 (July 21, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) Request for Referendum shows that too few soybean producers want a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order (Order) for one to be conducted. The Request for Referendum was held from May 1, 2004, through May 28, 2004, at the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) county Farm Service Agency offices. To trigger a referendum 66,388 soybean producers must complete a Request for Referendum. The number of soybean producers requesting a referendum was 3,206.
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69 Fed. Reg. 42850 (July 19, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 958). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.095 to $0.105 per hundredweight of onions handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 42899 (July 19, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 924). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Washington-Oregon Fresh Prune Marketing Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods from $1.50 to $1.75 per ton of prunes handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 42959 (July 19, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension of a currently approved information collection used to compile and generate the livestock and livestock product reports in accordance with the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 for the Livestock and Grain Market News Branch of the Livestock and Seed Program.
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69 Fed. Reg. 41907 (July 13, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Almond Board of California for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $0.020 to $0.025 per pound of almonds received.
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69 Fed. Reg. 41383 (July 9, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This rule adds another method of handler diversion to the regulations under the Federal tart cherry marketing order.
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69 Fed. Reg. 41385 (July 9, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This rule invites comments on changing the reporting requirements regarding Other Seedless raisins under the Federal marketing order for California raisins.
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69 Fed. Reg. 41119 (July 7, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, with changes, an interim final rule revising the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by modifying the grade, size, maturity, and container requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2004 season shipments. This rule also continues in effect an on-going modification of the requirements for placement of Federal-State Inspection Service lot stamps for the 2004 season and beyond, continues in effect a minimum net weight for a style of containers, continues in effect the authorization to continue shipments of "CA Utility" quality nectarines and peaches, and continues in effect the revision of the tolerance for blossom-end growth cracks for Peento type peaches.
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69 Fed. Reg. 40819 (July 7, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This action withdraws a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2004 (69 FR 15736), on the establishment of an undersized prune regulation for the 2004-05 crop year under the Federal marketing order for dried prunes (order). The order regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California and is administered locally by the Prune Marketing Committee.
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69 Fed. Reg. 40857 (July 7, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking additional research and other work associated with the establishment of an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to establish United States Standards for Grades of Refried Beans. AMS received a petition from the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) to create grade standards for refried beans that would include a description of the product, style, sample unit size, grades, designation of grade levels by sample unit and by lot. This proposed standard would provide a common language for trade, a means of measuring value in the marketing of canned refried beans, and provide guidance in the effective utilization of canned refried beans.
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69 Fed. Reg. 40534 (July 6, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). This rule revises the quality control provisions under the California almond marketing order.
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69 Fed. Reg. 34119 (June 18, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension of a currently approved information collection used to compile and generate the livestock and meat market reports for the Livestock and Grain Market News Branch of the Livestock and Seed Program.
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69 Fed. Reg. 33883 (June 17, 2004) (notice). 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 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.
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69 Fed. Reg. 33584 (June 16, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Almond Board of California for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $0.020 to $0.025 per pound of almonds received. Of the $0.025 per pound assessment, $0.014 would be available as credit-back for handlers who conduct their own promotional activities.
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69 Fed. Reg. 33345 (June 15, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers.
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69 Fed. Reg. 31731 (June 7, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1280). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, rules and regulations to implement the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order. The Order provides for the establishment of a national and industry-funded lamb promotion, research, and information program pursuant to the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. This final rule will implement Order provisions concerning the collection and remittance of assessments, procedures for obtaining a refund, reporting, and books and records.
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69 Fed. Reg. 31725 (June 7, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 996). The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that changed peanut quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States. These provisions are intended to maximize handling efficiency and to provide peanut producers, handlers, and importers with flexibility in meeting current and new market demands, while maintaining peanut quality and wholesomeness for consumers.
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69 Fed. Reg. 31537 (June 4, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified 7 C.F.R. Part 929). The Agricultural Marketing Service is reopening and extending the comment period for filing written exceptions to the recommended decision on proposed amendments to the marketing agreement and order for cranberries grown in the States of Massachusetts, et.al.
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69 Fed. Reg. 31039 (June 2, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 56). The Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to amend the regulations governing the voluntary shell egg grading program.
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69 Fed. Reg. 30553 (May 28, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 28). The Agricultural Marketing Service will raise user fees for cotton producers for 2004 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act. The 2003 user fee for this classification service was $1.45 per bale. This rule will raise the fee for the 2004 crop to $1.65 per bale. This fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration and supervision.
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69 Fed. Reg. 30597 (May 28, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This document invites comments on proposed revisions to the reporting requirements in the rules and regulations of the marketing orders (orders) for fresh nectarines and peaches grown in California. It also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget of a new information collection issued under the orders.
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69 Fed. Reg. 29907 (May 26, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1150, 1160, 1205, 1207, 1209, 1210, 1215, 1216, 1218, 1219, 1220, 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260, and 1280). This notice announces that the comment period on the proposal to exempt producers and marketers of solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments to any research and promotion program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extended.
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69 Fed. Reg. 29672 (May 25, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This document announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service plans to review Marketing Order No. 989 for raisins produced from grapes grown in California, under criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
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69 Fed. Reg. 29258 (May 24, 2004) (notice). This document summarizes results of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of regulations pertaining to Recordkeeping Requirements for Certified Applicators of Federally Restricted Use Pesticides, which requires certified applicators to maintain records of restricted use pesticide applications. Based on its review, AMS has determined that the regulations should be continued without change.
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69 Fed. Reg. 29171 (May 21, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 932). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee for the 2004 and subsequent fiscal years from $13.89 to $12.18 per ton of olives handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 29171 (May 21, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). This document corrects final regulations published by the Agricultural Marketing Service on February 27, 2004 revising the United States Standards for Grades of Peaches. The rule incorrectly established a tolerance of 2 percent for soft, or overripe peaches en route or destination. This document corrects that error.
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69 Fed. Reg. 29244 (May 21, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 958). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee for the 2004-2005 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.095 to $0.105 per hundredweight of onions handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 25876 (May 10, 2004) (notice). This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of the Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee.
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69 Fed. Reg. 24555 (May 4, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection, under the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program.
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69 Fed. Reg. 23329 (April 28, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 929). This recommended decision invites written exceptions on proposed amendments to the marketing agreement and order for cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York. The amendments were proposed by the Cranberry Marketing Committee.
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69 Fed. Reg. 22377 (April 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 956). This rule establishes procedures to allow the grading, packing, or storing of Walla Walla sweet onions outside the production area established under the Walla Walla sweet onion marketing order and also modifies handler reporting requirements.
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69 Fed. Reg. 22458 (April 26, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 28). The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to raise user fees for cotton producers for 2004 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987.
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69 Fed. Reg. 22689 (April 26, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1150, 1160, et al.). This proposed rule would exempt any person producing and marketing solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments to any research and promotion program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21947 (April 23, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 979). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Melon Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.06 to $0.09 per carton of melons handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21950 (April 23, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, and 1131). This order amends certain classification of milk provisions in all Federal milk marketing orders. Specifically, this interim order reclassifies milk used to produce evaporated milk in consumer-type packages or sweetened condensed milk in consumer-type packages from Class III to Class IV.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21999 (April 23, 2004) (notice). The United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets, United States Standards for Grades of Canned Carrots, and United States Standards for Grades of Canned White Potatoes were corrected to affect a change in Table IA of each of the standards to reflect current values in the Recommended Minimum Drained Weights, Metric System. The change is identified by the date April 2003 in each of the Tables.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21692 (April 22, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 981). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule, which decreased 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.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21689 (April 22, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 925). This rule establishes end-of-season reporting requirements authorized under the California grape marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of Southeastern California and is administered locally by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21695 (April 22, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This rule establishes final volume regulation percentages for 2003-04 crop Natural (sun-dried) 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.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21812 (April 22, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on a petition to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons. AMS has received a petition from the National Watermelon Association requesting a definition for seedless watermelons be added to the standard. Additionally, the petition included a request to add a variance to the size requirements.
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69 Fed. Reg. 21439 (April 21, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1216). This document directs that a referendum be conducted among the eligible producers of peanuts to determine whether they favor continuance of the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order .
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69 Fed. Reg. 21080 (April 20, 2004) (notice). This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board.
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69 Fed. Reg. 18803 (April 9, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 929). This final rule amends the marketing agreement and order for cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York.
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69 Fed. Reg. 18834 (April 8, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 18834). This document proposes to adopt as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, November 19, 2002, concerning pooling provisions of the Pacific Northwest Federal milk order. This document also sets forth the final decision of the Department and is subject to approval by producers. Specifically, this final decision would adopt amendments that would continue to amend the Pool plant provision; which established a "cooperative pool manufacturing plant" provision and established system pooling for cooperative manufacturing plants. Additionally, this final decision would adopt a previously amended Producer milk provision which established a standard for the number of days during the month that the milk of a producer would need to be delivered to a pool plant in order for the rest of the milk of that producer to be eligible to be diverted to nonpool plants. A year-round diversion limit of 80 percent of total receipts for pool plants previously established and authority granted to the market administrator to adjust the touch-base standard is adopted on a permanent basis.
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69 Fed. Reg. 18036 (April 6, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board.
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69 Fed. Reg. 17899 (April 6, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 984). This final rule sets forth a correction to an earlier regulation pertaining to walnuts grown in California.
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69 Fed. Reg. 17843 (April 5, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 983). This rule establishes a marketing agreement and order for pistachios grown in California. The order sets standards for the quality of pistachios produced and handled in California by establishing a maximum aflatoxin tolerance level, maximum limits for defects, a minimum size requirement, and mandatory inspection and certification. An eleven-member committee, consisting of eight producers, two handlers, and one public member, will locally administer the program.
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69 Fed. Reg. 16508 (March 30, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1160). This action announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's review of the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Program (conducted under the Fluid Milk Promotion Order).
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69 Fed. Reg. 16501 (March 30, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 927). This notice announces a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order No. 927, which regulates the handling of winter pears grown in Oregon and Washington. The amendments are jointly proposed by the Winter Pear Control Committee and the Northwest Fresh Bartlett Marketing Committee and would combine the winter pear and fresh Bartlett orders into a single program.
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69 Fed. Reg. 16514 (March 30, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension and revision to a currently approved generic information collection for marketing orders covering fruit crops.
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69 Fed. Reg. 16224 (March 29, 2004) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved Information Collection for the Export Fruit Acts covering exports of apples and grapes.
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69 Fed. Reg. 15736 (March 25, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This rule invites comments on changes to the undersized regulation for dried prunes received by handlers from producers and dehydrators under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2004-05 crop year. The marketing order regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California and is administered locally by the Prune Marketing Committee.
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69 Fed. Reg. 15631 (March 24, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, with minor changes, the provisions of an interim final rule and an amended interim final rule revising the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by modifying the grade, size, maturity, and container and pack requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2003 season shipments. This rule also continues in effect a modification of the requirements for placement of Federal-State Inspection Service lot stamps for the 2003 season, a revised net weight for a style of containers, an exemption for those containers from the well-filled requirement, clarifications to the provisions on the use of variety names, and the revised weight-count standards for Peento type peaches.
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69 Fed. Reg. 15640 (March 24, 2004) (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 modifying the grade, size, maturity, and container requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2004 season shipments. This rule also continues a modification of the requirements for placement of Federal-State Inspection Service lot stamps for the 2004 season and beyond, establishes a minimum net weight for a style of containers, authorizes continued shipments of "CA Utility" quality nectarines and peaches, and revises the tolerance for blossom-end growth cracks for Peento type peaches.
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69 Fed. Reg. 15561 (March 24, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1001). This decision recommends changes to the Northeast Federal milk marketing order based on the record of a public hearing held September 10-13, 2002, in Alexandria, Virginia, to consider proposals to amend certain pooling and related provisions.
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69 Fed. Reg. 15289 (March 24, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service is announcing that soybean producers may request a referendum to determine if producers want a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order as authorized under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act.
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69 Fed. Reg. 13458 (March 23, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1220). This rule will amend the procedures for soybean producers to request a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order, as authorized under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act.
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69 Fed. Reg. 13213 (March 22, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 985). 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 2004-2005 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2004. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 766,880 pounds and 40 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 773,474 pounds and 36 percent, respectively.
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69 Fed. Reg. 13269 (March 22, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 979). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the South Texas Melon Committee (Committee) for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.06 to $0.09 per carton of melons handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of melons grown in South Texas.
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69 Fed. Reg. 12298 (March 16, 2004) (notice). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill five upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board. The positions to be filled are: organic producer (2 positions), organic handler, retailer, and environmentalist.
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69 Fed. Reg. 12299 (March 16, 2004) (notice). Notice is hereby given that the comment period on possible changes to the United States Standards for Greenhouse Tomatoes is reopened and extended.
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69 Fed. Reg. 10135 (March 4, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 906). The USDA is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which increased the assessment rate established for the Texas Valley Citrus Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.11 to $0.14 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 10193 (March 4, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for report forms under the Federal milk marketing order program. The data are needed to administer the classified pricing system and related requirements of each Federal order.
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69 Fed. Reg. 9924 (March 3, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1230). Pursuant to the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985 and the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order issued thereunder, this rule will decrease by five-hundredths to seven-hundredths of a cent per pound the amount of the assessment per pound due on imported pork and pork products to reflect a decrease in the 2002 average price for domestic barrows and gilts.
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69 Fed. Reg. 9763 (March 2, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, and 1131). This tentative decision adopts, on an interim final and emergency basis, proposals to amend the classification of milk use provisions in the current 10 Federal milk marketing orders. This decision requires determination of whether dairy producers approve the issuance of the amended orders on an interim basis. Additionally, public comments on these adopted provisions and the proposal to reclassify ending bulk milk inventory, which is not adopted by this tentative final decision, are requested.
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69 Fed. Reg. 9189 (February 27, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). This rule revises the United States Standards for Grades of Peaches, Fresh Plums, Prunes, and Nectarines.
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69 Fed. Reg. 8797 (February 26, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 58). The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the hourly fees charged for Federal dairy grading and inspection services performed by the Dairy Grading Branch.
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69 Fed. Reg. 8327 (February 24, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1135). This rule terminates the Western Federal milk marketing order, effective April 1, 2004. A referendum held to determine approval by producers did not obtain the necessary two-thirds percent for adopting the amended order.
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69 Fed. Reg. 8325 (February 24, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This action summarizes the results of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of Marketing Orders 916 and 917 regulating the handling of nectarines and peaches/pears grown in California. The provisions and regulations for pears have been suspended since 1994. Based upon its review, AMS has determined that the nectarine and peach marketing orders should be continued, and that the pear order provisions should be continued, as suspended.
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69 Fed. Reg. 8376 (February 24, 2004) (notice). The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts.
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69 Fed. Reg. 6912 (February 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that revised the list of varietal types of raisins specified under the Federal marketing order for California raisins.
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69 Fed. Reg. 6910 (February 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 984). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that decreased the assessment rate established for the Walnut Marketing Board for the 2003-04 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0120 to $0.0101 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts.
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69 Fed. Reg. 6905 (February 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for the 2003-2004 crop year. The percentages are 75 percent free and 25 percent restricted and will establish the proportion of cherries from the 2003 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board.
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69 Fed. Reg. 5905 (February 9, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 932). This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee for the 2004 and subsequent fiscal years from $13.89 to $12.18 per ton of assessable olives handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 5936 (February 9, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1205). This document summarizes the results of an Agricultural Marketing Service review of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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69 Fed. Reg. 5679 (February 6, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This rule relaxes weekly limits on small red seedless grapefruit entering the fresh market under the marketing order covering oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida.
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69 Fed. Reg. 5484 (February 5, 2004) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service is requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget of a new information collection: the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site.
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69 Fed. Reg. 3854 (January 27, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1220). This proposed rule would amend the procedures for soybean producers to request a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order, as authorized under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act.
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69 Fed. Reg. 3873 (January 27, 2004) (notice). This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of the National Advisory Committee for Tobacco Inspection Services.
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69 Fed. Reg. 3272 (January 24, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 985). 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 2004-2005 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2004.
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69 Fed. Reg. 3278 (January 23, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1005, 1007, 1094). This notice announces that a public hearing is being held in response to industry requests to consider proposals to amend the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders.
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69 Fed. Reg. 2885 (January 21, 2004) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to change the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pears.
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69 Fed. Reg. 2885 (January 21, 2004) (notice). The purpose of this notice is to notify all interested parties that the Agricultural Marketing Service will hold a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meeting that is open to the public. This notice sets forth the schedule and location for the meeting.
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69 Fed. Reg. 2491 (January 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959). This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.085 to $0.03 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 2491 (January 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959). This rule decreases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.085 to $0.03 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled.
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69 Fed. Reg. 2493 (January 16, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 982). This rule establishes 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.
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69 Fed. Reg. 2327 (January 15, 2004) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service is accepting applications from State, regional, and national lamb producer, seedstock producer, feeder, and first handler organizations or associations that desire to be certified as eligible to nominate lamb producers, seedstock producers, lamb feeders, or first handlers of lamb or lamb products for appointment to the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Board. Notice is also given that upcoming vacancies are anticipated and that during a period to be established by USDA, nominations will be accepted from eligible organizations.
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69 Fed. Reg. 1957 (January 13, 2004) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1135). This document invites written comments on the proposed termination of the order regulating the handling of milk in the Western marketing area. A proposal amending the Western order failed to receive the required two-thirds approval in a recent producer referendum.
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69 Fed. Reg. 1647 (January 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 55). The Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Agricultural Marketing Service are transferring the regulations governing the voluntary inspection of egg products from 7 C.F.R. Part 55 to 9 C.F.R. Part 592 to reflect that this program has been transferred to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. FSIS is providing the public with an opportunity to comment on the clarity and technical accuracy of the amended regulations.
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69 Fed. Reg. 1654 (January 12, 2004) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1124). This order amends the Producer milk provision of the Pacific Northwest milk marketing order to eliminate the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the order and on a State-operated order that provides for marketwide pooling. More than the required number of producers on the Pacific Northwest order have approved the issuance of the interim order as amended.
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68 Fed. Reg. 75148 (December 30, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This proposal invites comments on the establishment of final free and restricted percentages for the 2003-2004 crop year. The percentages are 75 percent free and 25 percent restricted and would establish the proportion of cherries from the 2003 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages are intended to stabilize supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions and were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board, the body which locally administers the marketing order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 75148 (December 30, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 900). This notice announces that the comment period on the proposal to exempt producers and marketers from assessments for marketing promotion activities under marketing order programs is extended.
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68 Fed. Reg. 75319 (December 30, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 983). This decision proposes the issuance of a marketing agreement and order for pistachios grown in California, and provides growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor promulgation of the order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 74874 (December 29, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1124 and 1131). This notice announces the reconvening of the public hearing begun on September 23, 2003, and reconvened on November 17, 2003, to consider proposals to amend the producer-handler provisions of the Arizona-Las Vegas and Pacific Northwest orders and to consider elimination of the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Arizona-Las Vegas milk order and on a State-operated order that provides for marketwide pooling.
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68 Fed. Reg. 74204 (December 23, 2003) (notice). Notice is hereby given for proposals for FY 2004 grant funds under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program.
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68 Fed. Reg. 71039 (December 22, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 60). On October 30, 2003, the Agricultural Marketing Service published a proposed rule (68 FR 61944) for the mandatory country of origin labeling program as mandated by the 2002 Farm Bill and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act, which amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities beginning September 30, 2004. The comment period is being extended to February 27, 2004, at the request of industry trade associations to provide interested parties with additional time to file comments.
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68 Fed. Reg. 70689 (December 18, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 966). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $.02 to $.025 per 25-pound container or equivalent of tomatoes handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 70201 (December 17, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1230). Pursuant to the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985 and the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order issued thereunder, this proposed rule would decrease by five-hundredths to seven-hundredths of a cent per pound the amount of the assessment per pound due on imported pork and pork products to reflect a decrease in the 2002 average price for domestic barrows and gilts.
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68 Fed. Reg. 69984 (December 16, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with creating an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to create the United States Standards for Grades of Mangos.
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68 Fed. Reg. 69983 (December 16, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved generic information collection for vegetables and specialty crop marketing order programs.
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68 Fed. Reg. 69953 (December 16, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1220). This final rule amends the Soybean Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations established under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act by requiring first purchasers of soybeans and producers marketing processed soybeans or soybean products of a producer's own production in the States or regions of Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas, Eastern Region, and the Western Region, to remit and report assessments on a quarterly basis rather than a monthly basis.
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68 Fed. Reg. 69941 (December 16, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). This rule revises the regulations governing the inspection and certification for fresh fruits, vegetables and other products by increasing by approximately 15 percent certain fees charged for the inspection of these products at destination markets.
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68 Fed. Reg. 69944 (December 16, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 91 and 96). This final rule amends the Agricultural Marketing Service regulations by removing the cottonseed chemist licensing program and the related official cottonseed grading program.
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68 Fed. Reg. 69343 (December 12, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 929). This decision proposes amendments to the marketing agreement and order for cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York, and provides growers and processors with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Cranberry Marketing Committee, which is responsible for local administration of the order and other interested parties representing cranberry growers and handlers.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68860 (December 10, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on a possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Potatoes. The Agricultural Marketing Service is also seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68859 (December 10, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the petition to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes. The Agricultural Marketing Service is also seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68858 (December 10, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Celery. USDA received a petition from a grower and a processor of celery to create grade standards for frozen celery that will include a description of the product, style, sample unit size, grades, ascertaining the grade by sample, and ascertaining the grade by lot.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68858 (December 10, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with creating an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to create the United States Standards for Grades of Field Grown Leaf Lettuce.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68857 (December 10, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service is accepting applications from State cattle producer organizations or associations and general farm organizations, as well as cattle or beef importer organizations, who desire to be certified to nominate producers or importers for appointment to vacant positions on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68856 (December 10, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension of a currently approved information collection for the Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68717 (December 10, 2003) (final rule) (7 C.F.R. Part 905). The Agricultural Marketing Service Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule extending for one season the exemption for tree run citrus under the Florida citrus marketing order. This rule continues in effect an exemption for shipments of tree run citrus from grade, size, and assessment requirements for the 2003-04 season. This rule also continues in effect an increase in the limit on the amount of citrus a grower can ship from 1,500 boxes to 3,000 boxes per variety and requires growers to identify their containers with their name and address.
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68 Fed. Reg. 68487 (December 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 56 and 70). The Agricultural Marketing Service is increasing the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading.
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68 Fed. Reg. 67381 (December 2, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 900). This proposed rule would exempt any person producing and marketing solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments for market promotion, including paid advertising, activities to marketing order programs administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service.
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68 Fed. Reg. 66697 (November 28, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1032). This document adopts as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule concerning pooling provisions of the Central milk order. More than the required number of producers in the Central marketing area have approved the issuance of the final order amendments.
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68 Fed. Reg. 66001 (November 25, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 906). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Texas Valley Citrus Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.11 to $0.14 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 65643 (November 21, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959). This rule would decrease the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.085 to $0.03 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 65629 (November 21, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 984). This final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Walnut Marketing Board for the 2003-04 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0120 to $0.0101 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts.
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68 Fed. Reg. 64502 (November 14, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that reduced the additional holding and storage payments regarding 2002 Natural Seedless reserve raisins that were carried into the 2003 crop year and used as cattle feed. The crop year runs from August 1 through July 31.
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68 Fed. Reg. 64494 (November 14, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule limiting the volume of small red seedless grapefruit entering the fresh market under the marketing order covering oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida.
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68 Fed. Reg. 64499 (November 14, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which increased the assessment rate established for the Nectarine Administrative Committee and the Peach Commodity Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.19 to $0.20 per 25-pound container or container equivalent of nectarines and peaches handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 62215 (November 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 205). This final rule amends the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board. Consistent with recommendations from the Board, this final rule adds four substances, along with any restrictive annotations, to the National List, and revises the annotation of one substance.
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68 Fed. Reg. 62028 (October 31, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1135). This notice orders that a referendum be conducted to determine whether producers favor issuance of the order regulating the handling of milk in the Western marketing area, as amended in the tentative final decision issued by the Administrator on August 8, 2003, and published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2003 (68 FR 49375). Producer approval could not be determined by a polling of cooperatives. Additionally, this document extends the time for filing comments to the tentative final decision for the Western marketing area until April 1, 2004.
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68 Fed. Reg. 62027 (October 31, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1124 and 1131). This notice announces the reconvening of the hearing which began on September 23, 2003, in Tempe, Arizona, to consider proposals to amend the producer-handler provisions of the Arizona-Las Vegas and Pacific Northwest milk marketing orders and to consider elimination of the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Arizona-Las Vegas milk order and on a State-operated order that provides for marketwide pooling. The proposals seek to, among other things, end the regulatory exemption of producer- handlers from the pooling and pricing provisions of these two milk marketing orders if their Class I route distribution exceeds three million pounds of milk per month in either order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 61987 (October 31, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 205). This final rule amends the Department of Agriculture's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board. Technical corrections have also been included in this final rule to clarify specific sections of the National List and adequately reflect previous NOSB recommendations. Consistent with recommendations from the NOSB, this final rule would: add ten substances, along with any restrictive annotations, to the National List, revise the annotations of two substances, and make eight technical revisions.
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68 Fed. Reg. 61943 (October 30, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 60). The 2002 Farm Bill and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities beginning September 30, 2004. The law also requires the Department of Agriculture to issue regulations to implement a mandatory country of origin labeling program not later than September 30, 2004. This proposed rule contains definitions, the requirements for consumer notification and product marking, and the recordkeeping responsibilities of both retailers and suppliers.
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68 Fed. Reg. 61733 (October 30, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 52). This final rule revises the regulations governing inspection and certification for processed fruits, vegetables, and processed products made from them by a fee increase ranging from eight to eleven percent charged for the inspection services.
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68 Fed. Reg. 61146 (October 27, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 966). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $.02 to $.025 per 25-pound container or equivalent of tomatoes handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 61141 (October 27, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 59). This proposed rule would amend the Livestock Mandatory Reporting regulations to modify the requirements for the submission of information on domestic and imported boxed lamb cuts sales, the definition of "carlot-base"' by inserting language to limit carlot-based sales of boxed lamb cuts to transactions between a buyer and a seller consisting of 1,000 pounds or more of one or more individual boxed lamb items, and the definition of "importer" by reducing the volume level of annual lamb imports establishing a person as an importer from 5,000 metric tons of lamb meat products per year to 2,500 metric tons.
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68 Fed. Reg. 60633 (October 23, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension and revision of a currently approved information collection for the Farmers Market Questionnaire.
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68 Fed. Reg. 60618 (October 23, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part993). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2003-04 and subsequent crop years from $2.60 to $2.00 per ton of salable dried prunes.
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68 Fed. Reg. 60620 (October 23, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 993 and 999). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which suspended for three years the outgoing prune inspection and quality requirements under the California Dried Prune Marketing Order and its administrative rules and regulations, and the prune import regulation.
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68 Fed. Reg. 60025 (October 21, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 931). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Northwest Fresh Bartlett Pear Marketing Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.025 to $0.335 per 44- pound standard box or container equivalent of fresh Bartlett pears handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 59544 (October 16, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, 1131, and 1135). The Agricultural Marketing Service is correcting the proposed rule that appeared in the Federal Register on September 8, 2003, which gave notice of a public hearing to be held to consider proposals to amend the Northeast and other Federal milk marketing orders. The document was published with errors in the regulatory text of proposed amendments to §1000.40 that would reclassify milk used to produce evaporated or sweetened condensed milk in a consumer-type package from Class III to Class IV. This docket corrects these errors.
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68 Fed. Reg. 59524 (October 16, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 945). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Potato Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0026 to $0.0045 per hundredweight of potatoes handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 59446 (October 15, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This final rule makes corrections to a final rule published on September 9, 2003, involving Valencia and other late-type oranges.
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68 Fed. Reg. (October 10, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Poultry Market News Programs.
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68 Fed. Reg. 58638 (October 10, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 946). This notice announces a public hearing to receive evidence on nine proposed amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order No. 946, which regulate the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington.
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68 Fed. Reg. 58636 (October 10, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 923). This notice announces a public hearing to receive evidence on six proposed amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order No. 923, which regulate the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington.
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68 Fed. Reg. 58300 (October 9, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for the National Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Programs.
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68 Fed. Reg. 58555 (October 9, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1206). This proposed rule would establish an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh mangos. The proposed program--the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order --was submitted to the Department by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.
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68 Fed. Reg. 58551 (October 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1206). This final rule establishes procedures which the Department of Agriculture will use in conducting a referendum to determine whether the issuance of the proposed Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order is favored by first handlers and importers of mangos. The Order will be implemented if it is approved by a majority of the eligible first handlers and importers voting in the referendum. These procedures will also be used for any subsequent referendum under the Order, if it is approved in the initial referendum.
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68 Fed. Reg. 58058 (October 8, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection National Organic Program Record Keeping Requirements.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57863 (October 7, 2003) (notice). This notice announces forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57863 (October 7, 2003) (notice). This notice invites eligible States to submit a Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, and to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Agricultural Marketing Service for the Allocation of Organic Certification Cost-Share Funds. The Agricultural Marketing Service has allocated $1.0 million for this organic certification cost-share program in Fiscal Year 2003. Funds will be available under this program to 15 designated States to assist organic crop and livestock producers.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57783 (October 7, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule suspending the prune reserve and the voluntary producer prune plum diversion provisions in the California Dried Prune Marketing Order and the administrative rules and regulations related to volume control restrictions for a five-year period.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57382 (October 3, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 58). The Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to increase the hourly fees charged under the Federal dairy grading and inspection program. Dairy grading and inspection services are voluntary and are financed through user-fees assessed to participants in the program. The hourly fees would be adjusted by 10.7 to 11.8 percent to reflect the increased costs of providing service and to ensure that the program operates on a financially self-supporting basis.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57326 (October 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1220). This final rule adjusts the number of members for certain States on the United Soybean Board to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the last time the Board was reapportioned in 2000. These adjustments are required by the Soybean Promotion and Research Order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57324 (October 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 956). This final rule changes the fiscal period under the Walla Walla sweet onion marketing order from June 1 through May 31 to January 1 through December 31. This rule was recommended by the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee, the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order regulating the handling of sweet onions grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon.
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68 Fed. Reg. 57321 (October 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This final rule increases the assessment rate for tart cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products from $0.0019 to $0.0021 per pound. The assessment rate was recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board under Marketing Order No. 930 for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods.
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68 Fed. Reg. 55933 (September 29, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the intention of the Agricultural Marketing Service to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the Regulations for Voluntary Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products.
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68 Fed. Reg. 55807 (September 29, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Citrus Administrative Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.005 to $0.006 per \4/5\ bushel carton of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 55809 (September 29, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 987). This final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the California Date Administrative Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent crop years from $0.90 to $0.75 per hundredweight of dates handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 55556 (September 26, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1210). This action summarizes the results of a review of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan by the Agricultural Marketing Service under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Based upon its review, AMS has determined that the Plan should be continued without change.
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68 Fed. Reg. 55027 (September 22, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the intention of the Agricultural Marketing Service to request an extension of a currently approved information collection in support of customer-focused improvement initiatives for USDA-procured poultry, livestock, fruit, and vegetable products.
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68 Fed. Reg. 54979 (September 22, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule changing the reporting requirements currently prescribed under the California dried prune marketing order. The order regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California and is administered locally by the Prune Marketing Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 53708 (September 12, 2003) (notice). This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of the Burley Tobacco Advisory Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 53490 (September 11, 2003) (interim final rule) (7 C.F.R. Part 996). The Agricultural Marketing Service published an interim final rule in the Federal Register on August 7, 2003 (68 FR 46919), which changed the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States. A table specifying minimum quality standards in that rule contained several errors. This document corrects those errors.
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68 Fed. Reg. 53306 (September 10, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 931). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Northwest Fresh Bartlett Pear Marketing Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.025 to $0.335 per 44-pound standard box or container equivalent of fresh Bartlett pears handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 53281 (September 10, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 948). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Area No. 2 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0035 to $0.0051 per hundredweight of potatoes handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 53021 (September 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 905 and 944). This final rule removes the regulations for seeded grapefruit under the Florida citrus marketing order and for seeded grapefruit imported into the United States. This final rule also relaxes minimum grade requirements for domestic shipments of fresh Valencia and other late type oranges the last few weeks of the season. The volume remaining at the end of the season is small and has difficulty meeting grade requirements. This rule will help maximize shipments and returns for fresh Valencia and other late type oranges.
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68 Fed. Reg. 53015 (September 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This final rule limits the volume of small red seedless grapefruit entering the fresh market under the marketing order covering oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida. This rule limits the volume of sizes 48 and 56 red seedless grapefruit shipped during the first 22 weeks of the 2003-04 season by establishing weekly percentages for each of the 22 weeks, beginning September 15, 2003.
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68 Fed. Reg. 52860 (September 8, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1000. 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, 1131, 1135). A hearing is being held to consider proposals to amend all 11 Federal milk marketing orders. The proposals would reclassify evaporated milk in consumer-type packages and sweetened condensed milk in consumer-type packages from Class III products to Class IV products. Another proposal would reclassify bulk ending inventory each month to the lower-priced class of Class III or Class IV. Proponents have requested that the proposals be handled on an emergency basis.
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68 Fed. Reg. 52860 (September 8, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 991). This notice announces that a public hearing to consider a proposed marketing agreement and order under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to cover hops grown in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California has been rescheduled. The hearing was originally scheduled to begin August 14, 2003, and a notice of hearing was announced in the Federal Register on Monday, July 28, 2003, at 68 FR 44244. A notice of postponement of the public hearing was announced in the Federal Register on Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 68 FR 48575.
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68 Fed. Reg. 52857 (September 8, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). This proposed rule would revise the regulations governing the inspection and certification for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products by increasing by approximately fifteen percent certain fees charged for the inspection of these products at destination markets. of 1946).
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68 Fed. Reg. 52329 (September 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 922, 923, and 924). This final rule increases the assessment rates established for the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee, the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee, and the Washington-Oregon Fresh Prune Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods. This rule increases the assessment rates established for these committees from $2.50 to $3.00 per ton for Washington apricots, from $0.75 to $1.00 per ton for Washington sweet cherries, and $1.00 to $1.50 per ton for Washington- Oregon fresh prunes. The assessment rates will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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68 Fed. Reg. 52332 (September 2, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 948). This final rule reinstates the continuing assessment rate established for the Area No. 3 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods at $0.03 per hundredweight of potatoes handled. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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68 Fed. Reg. 52325 (September 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This final rule extends for one season the exemption for tree run citrus under the Florida citrus marketing order. The order regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Citrus Administrative Committee. Under this rule, shipments of tree run citrus are exempt from grade, size, and assessment requirements for the 2003-04 season. This rule also increases the limit on the amount of citrus a grower can ship from 1,500 boxes to 3,000 boxes per variety and requires growers to identify their containers with their name and address.
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68 Fed. Reg. 52334 (September 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1150). This final rule amends the Dairy Promotion and Research Order. The amendment modifies the composition of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board by changing the number of members in four of the thirteen geographic regions.
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68 Fed. Reg. 51713 (August 28, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 945). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Potato Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0026 to $0.0045 per hundredweight of potatoes handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 51639 (August 27, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1032). This document proposes to adopt as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2003, concerning pooling provisions of the Central Federal milk order. It sets forth the decision of the Secretary and is subject to approval by producers.
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68 Fed. Reg. 51202 (August 26, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1124 and 1131). The Agricultural Marketing Service is correcting the proposed rule that appeared in the Federal Register of August 6, 2003 (68 FR 46505), which gave notice of a public hearing to be held to consider proposals to amend the producer-handler provisions of the Arizona-Las Vegas and Pacific Northwest orders. The document was published with errors in the regulatory text regarding the amendments to the producer- handler definitions in Sec. 1124.10 and Sec. 1131.10. This docket corrects these errors.
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68 Fed. Reg. 51202 (August 26, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1205). This document announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's review of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program (conducted under the Cotton Research and Promotion Order), under the criteria contained in the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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68 Fed. Reg. 50742 (August 22, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection in support of the Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983, the Rural Development, Food and Drug Administrative, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2002 (Appropriations Act), and the Tobacco Inspection Act and Regulations Governing the Tobacco Standards.
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68 Fed. Reg. 50681 (August 22, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). This rule revises the United States Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell and the United States Standards for Grades of Shelled Pistachio Nuts. The revisions will modify the standards to more closely align grade names with other tree-nut commodities and current industry-recognized marketing terms, reduce the tolerance for internal defects for the purpose of providing a higher degree of quality assurance, relax tolerances of the level of light stain on the shell in the various grade levels based on consumer preferences, more objectively define when nuts are damaged by various factors, and include two in-shell grade specifications which reflect the industry's byproduct.
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68 Fed. Reg. 50686 (August 22, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1030). This document adopts as a final rule, without change an interim final rule concerning pooling provisions of the Upper Midwest Federal milk order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 49375 (August 18, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1124 and 1135). This tentative decision adopts, on an interim final and emergency basis, provisions that amend certain features of the Pacific Northwest and Western milk marketing orders. Public comments on these actions, the other pooling and related provisions not adopted, and the marketwide service payment provision not adopted by this tentative decision are requested.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48767 (August 15, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This final rule increases the assessment rates established for the Nectarine Administrative Committee and the Peach Commodity Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.19 to $0.20 per 25-pound container or container equivalent of nectarines and peaches handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48770 (August 15, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1000 and 1032). In a final rule published in the Federal Register on December 17, 1999 (64 FR 70868) the Agricultural Marketing Service consolidated Federal milk marketing orders. This document adds "Broomfield" to the Adjusted Class I differentials table.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48595 (August 14, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension and revision to the currently approved information collection Cotton Classing, Testing, and Standards.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48594 (August 14, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection Cotton Classification and Market News Service.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48574 (August 14, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Chapters I, IX, X, and XI). The Agricultural Marketing Service is publishing this plan for the review of its regulations under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Agricultural Marketing Service has included in this plan all regulations that warrant periodic review irrespective of whether specific regulations meet the threshold requirement for mandatory review established by the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48575 (August 14, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 991). This proposed rule announces that the public hearing scheduled to consider a proposed marketing agreement and order under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to cover hops grown in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California has been postponed until after October 1, 2003. The notice of public hearing was announced in the Federal Register on Monday, July 28, 2003, at 68 FR 44244. Another notice will be published announcing the new hearing dates.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48529 (August 14, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 958). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.08 to $0.095 per hundredweight of onions handled, and establishes, in the regulatory text, the Committee's fiscal period beginning July 1 of each year and ending June 30 of the following year.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48334 (August 13, 2003) (notice). The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended, permits the Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program to establish a peer review panel to evaluate the National Organic Program's accreditation program. This notice calls for nominations for a technical expert to serve on the peer review panel.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48322 (August 13, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 91 and 96). The Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to remove the cottonseed chemist licensing program and the related official grading program. This proposed regulation would update various commodity testing laboratory addresses and would adopt two information symbols in the form of approved Agricultural Marketing Service shields to indicate that products have been tested by Agricultural Marketing Service.
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68 Fed. Reg. 48251 (August 13, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This final rule amends a prior interim final rule that revised the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches beginning with 2003 season shipments. This amended rule revises the minimum net weight for five down Euro containers, exempts Peento type peaches from all weight-count standards applicable to round varieties, and clarifies the provisions on the use of variety names.
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68 Fed. Reg. 46919 (August 7, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 996). This rule changes peanut quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States. These changes are based on comments received from the Peanut Standards Board and other industry sources.
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68 Fed. Reg. 46568 (August 6, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service intends to reestablish the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and 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. USDA also seeks nominations of individuals to be considered for selection as Committee members.
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68 Fed. Reg. 46504 (August 6, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 52). This proposed rule would revise the regulations governing inspection and certification for processed fruits, vegetables, and processed products. A projected fee increase ranging from 8 to 11 percent is proposed.
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68 Fed. Reg. 46505 (August 6, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1124 and 1131). A public hearing is being held to consider proposals to amend the producer-handler provisions of the Arizona-Las Vegas and Pacific Northwest orders. The proposals seek to, among other things, end the regulatory exemption of producer-handlers from the pooling and pricing provisions of these two milk marketing orders if their Class I route distribution exceeds three million pounds of milk per month. Additionally, the hearing will consider a proposal that would prohibit the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Arizona-Las Vegas order and on a State-operated milk order that provides for marketwide pooling.
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68 Fed. Reg. 46436 (August 6, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2003-04 and subsequent crop years from $2.60 to $2.00 per ton of salable dried prunes. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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668 Fed. Reg. 46433 (August 6, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule regarding the United States Standards for Grades of Grapefruit (Texas and States other than Florida, California and Arizona) and the United States Standards for Grades of Oranges (Texas and States other than Florida, California and Arizona).
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68 Fed. Reg. 45989 (August 4, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 983). This proposed ruled recommends the issuance of a marketing agreement and order for pistachios grown in California. The proposed order would set standards for the quality of pistachios produced and handled in California by establishing a maximum aflatoxin tolerance level, maximum limits for defects, a minimum size requirement, and mandatory inspection and certification. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget of new information collection requirements to implement this program.
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68 Fed. Reg. 44857 (July 31, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This final rule reduces the additional holding and storage payments regarding 2002 Natural (sun-dried) Seedless reserve raisins that are carried into the 2003 crop year and intended for use as cattle feed. The crop year runs from August 1 through July 31.
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8 Fed. Reg. 44239 (July 28, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 948).This rule would reinstate the continuing assessment rate established for the Area No. 3 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods at $0.03 per hundredweight of potatoes handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 44237 (July 28, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Citrus Administrative Committee for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.005 to $0.006 per \4/5\ bushel carton of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 44244 (July 28, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 991). This notice announces a public hearing to consider a proposed marketing agreement and order under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to cover hops grown in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.
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C.F.R. Part 987). This rule would decrease the assessment rate established for the California Date Administrative Committee for the 2003- 04 and subsequent crop years from $0.90 to $0.75 per hundredweight of dates handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 44191 (July 28, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 920). This final rule revises pack requirements currently prescribed for California kiwifruit under the California kiwifruit marketing order. This rule removes the requirement that the count must equal three times the size designation for shipments in volume filled containers in which the quantity is specified by count; continues to suspend, for the 2003-04 season, the standard packaging requirement that requires volume filled containers of kiwifruit designated by weight to hold 22-pounds net weight of kiwifruit, unless such containers hold less than 10-pounds or more than 35-pounds net weight of kiwifruit; and exempts the "Hort16A" kiwifruit variety from the "tightly packed" standard pack requirement.
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68 Fed. Reg. 43975 (July 25, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 922, 923, 924). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rates established for the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee, the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee, and the Washington-Oregon Fresh Prune Committee for the 2003-2004, and subsequent fiscal periods.
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68 Fed. Reg. 43978 (July 25, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate for tart cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherries products from $0.0019 to $0.0021 per pound. The assessment rate was recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board under Marketing Order No. 930 for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods.
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68 Fed. Reg. 43708 (July 24, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection for "Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification and Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and Other Products."
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68 Fed. Reg. 43614 (July 24, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 993 and 999). This final rule suspends the outgoing prune inspection and quality requirements under the California Dried Prune Marketing Order and its administrative rules and regulations, and the prune import regulation, for a three-year period, and modifies the California Dried Prune Marketing Order undersized prune disposition requirements.
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68 Fed. Reg. 43031 (July 21, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 948). This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Area No. 2 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0035 to $0.0051 per hundredweight of potatoes handled. Authorization to assess potato handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal period begins September 1 and ends August 31.
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68 Fed. Reg. 42943 (July 21, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This rule revises the list of varietal types of raisins specified under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is locally administered by the Raisin Administrative Committee. The order provides authority for volume and quality regulations that are applied according to varietal type of raisin. This action combines the Oleate and Related Seedless varietal type (Oleates) with the Natural (sun-dried) Seedless varietal type (Naturals), and makes conforming changes to the order's volume and quality regulations.
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68 Fed. Reg. 42672 (July 18, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin, Marketing Order No. 930.
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68 Fed. Reg. 41778 (July 15, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection for the Seed Service Testing Program.
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68 Fed. Reg. 41777 (July 15, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for the Federal Seed Act Labeling and Enforcement.
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68 Fed. Reg. 41686 (July 15, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that established final volume regulation percentages for 2002-03 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (NS) and Zante Currant (ZC) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins.
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68 Fed. Reg. 41683 (July 15, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 925). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which established safeguards and procedures for the suspension of packing holidays prescribed under the California grape marketing order. Additionally, this final rule continues in effect the clarification of existing maturity requirements for Flame Seedless variety grapes and the correction of errors in the regulatory text regarding references to the California Code of Regulations.
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68 Fed. Reg. 41522 (July 14, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service is withdrawing the notice soliciting comments on its proposed United States Standards for Grades of Apple Juice from Concentrate. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agricultural Marketing Service has decided not to proceed with the action.
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68 Fed. Reg. 40815 (July 8, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 958). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.08 to $0.095 per hundredweight of onions handled, and would establish, in the regulatory text, the Committee's fiscal period beginning July 1 of each year and ending June 30 of the following year.
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668 Fed. Reg. 40754 (July 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This rule suspends the prune reserve and the voluntary producer prune plum diversion provisions in the California Dried Prune Marketing Order and the administrative rules and regulations related to volume control restrictions for a five-year period.
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68 Fed. Reg. 40117 (July 7, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 948). This final rule increases the number of members on the Area No. 2 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee from 12 to 14.
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68 Fed. Reg. 39861 (July 3, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1150). This proposed rule invites comments on a proposed amendment to the Dairy Promotion and Research Order. The proposal would modify the composition of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board by changing the number of member seats in four geographic regions.
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68 Fed. Reg. 39805 (July 3, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 54). The Agricultural Marketing Service is revising the hourly fees charged for voluntary Federal meat grading and certification services performed by the Meat Grading and Certification Branch. The hourly fees will be adjusted by this action to reflect the increased cost of providing service, and to ensure that the Federal meat grading and certification program operates on a financially self-supporting basis.
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68 Fed. Reg. 38668 (June 30, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service intends to request an extension for a currently approved information collection for the Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West, M.O. No. 985.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37726 (June 25, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This final rule increases the assessment rate for tart cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products other than juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00175 to $0.0019 per pound. It also increases the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.000875 to $0.0019 per pound.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37984 (June 26, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 56 and 70). The Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to increase the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading. These fees and charges need to be increased 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.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37673 (June 24, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1030). This document proposes to adopt as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2002, concerning pooling provisions of the Upper Midwest Federal milk order. It sets forth the decision of the Secretary and is subject to approval by producers. Specifically, this final decision would continue to prohibit the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Upper Midwest Federal milk order and a State- operated milk order that has marketwide pooling. Additionally, the final decision would continue to limit the amount of milk that can be diverted to nonpool plants from pool distributing plants regulated under the order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37426 (June 24, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 9 C.F.R. Part 92). The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to establish procedures that it will follow when a region that it recognizes as free of a disease experiences an outbreak of that disease. The procedures include steps it would take to prevent the introduction of disease from that region and steps it would take to further assess the region's animal health status. The procedures would allow for timely reinstatement of the region's disease-free status if supported by the reassessment.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37063 (June 23, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 923). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule allowing the grading or packing of sweet cherries outside the production area established under the Washington sweet cherry marketing order which regulates the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington.
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68 Fed. Reg.37065 (June 23, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adopting, as a final rule, with a minor change, an interim final rule that eliminated all container requirements from the handling regulations prescribed under the South Texas onion marketing order and made several conforming and formatting changes.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37102 (June 23, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1240). This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers of honey and importers of honey or honey products to determine whether they favor continuance of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 37097 (June 23, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 920). This proposed rule invites comments on revisions to pack requirements currently prescribed for California kiwifruit under the California kiwifruit marketing order. The order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 36498 (June 18, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1220). This proposed rule would amend the Soybean Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations (Rules and Regulations) established under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act (Act) by requiring first purchasers of soybeans and producers marketing processed soybeans or soybean products of a producer's own production in the States or regions of Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas, Eastern Region, and the Western Region, to remit and report assessments on a quarterly basis rather than a monthly basis. This proposed change would reduce the administrative costs of monthly reporting imposed on these smaller soybean producing States and regions.
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68 Fed. Reg. 35852 (June 17, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1220). This proposed rule would adjust the number of members for certain States on the United Soybean Board to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the last time the Board was reapportioned in 2000. These adjustments are required by the Soybean Promotion and Research Order. The results of the adjustments would be an additional member for Maryland and Michigan. New York would no longer be part of the Eastern Region unit.
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68 Fed. Reg. 28141 (May 23, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 76 C.F.R. Part 51). This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell and the United States Standards for Grades of Shelled Pistachio Nuts. The proposed revisions would modify the standards to more closely align grade names with other tree- nut commodities and current industry-recognized marketing terms, reduce the tolerance for internal defects for the purpose of providing a higher degree of quality assurance, relax tolerances of the level of light stain on the shell in the various grade levels based on consumer preferences, more objectively define when nuts are damaged by various factors, and include two in-shell grade specifications which reflect the industry's byproduct.
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68 Fed. Reg. 27897 (May 22, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 28). The Agricultural Marketing Service is maintaining user fees for cotton producers for 2003 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act at the same level as in 2002. This is in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987.
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68 Fed. Reg. 27898 (May 22, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1205). The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by lowering the value assigned to imported cotton for the purpose of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. An adjustment is required on an annual basis to ensure that the assessments collected on imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products remain similar to those paid on domestically produced cotton.
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68 Fed. Reg. 27943 (May 22, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate for tart cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products other than juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00175 to $0.0019 per pound. It would also increase the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.000875 to $0.0019 per pound. The single assessment rate for all assessable tart cherries was recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 930 for the 2002-2003 and subsequent fiscal periods.
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68 Fed. Reg. 27941 (May 22, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 205). This proposed rule would amend the USDA's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board from November 15, 2000 through September 17, 2002. Consistent with recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board, this proposed rule would: add five substances, along with any restrictive annotations, to the National List, and revise the annotation of one substance.
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68 Fed. Reg. 27010 (May 19, 2003) (notice). Notice is hereby given that the comment period on the proposed new United States Standard for Grades of Frozen Onions is reopened and extended.
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68 Fed. Reg. 25484 (May 13, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 29). The USDA is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that amended the regulations for the Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee by removing the sections which specify composition of the committee. The interim final rule allowed greater flexibility in responding to changing marketing conditions.
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68 Fed. Reg. 25486 (May 13, 2003) (correcting amendment) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 985). The Agricultural Marketing Service is adding provisions to the Code of Federal Regulations governing the issuance of additional allotment base to existing spearmint oil producers under the marketing order regulating the handling of spearmint oil grown in the Far West. These provisions were inadvertently removed in May 2000 when additional allotment base provisions for new producers were modified.
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68 Fed. Reg. 25484 (May 13, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 56). The Agricultural Marketing Service is clarifying the requirements for using the ``Produced From'' grademark for shell eggs. This amendment clarifies the language of the ``Produced From'' grademark requirements by removing the reference to continuous supervision. This action is to ensure the integrity of the USDA quality consumer grademark.
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68 Fed. Reg. 25315 (May 12, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Secretary of Agriculture has reestablished the Burley Tobacco Advisory Committee for an additional period of 2 years.
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68 Fed. Reg. 25279 (May 12, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The USDA is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule reducing the production cap for the 2003 diversion program for Natural Seedless raisins from 2.75 to 2.0 tons per acre. The cap is specified under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 23569 (May 5, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 985). This rule establishes the quantity of pearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class, that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2003-2004 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2003. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 spearmint oil of 857,444 pounds and 45 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 spearmint oil of 808,528 pounds and 38 percent, respectively.
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68 Fed. Reg. 23378 (May 2, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 932). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee for the 2003 and subsequent fiscal years from $10.09 to $13.89 per ton of olives handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order regulating the handling of olives grown in California. Authorization to assess olive handlers enables the committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer 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.
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68 Fed. Reg. 23377 (May 2, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 46). This final rules amends the regulations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act to extend PACA coverage to include fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables that are coated or battered.
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68 Fed. Reg. 23439 (May 2, 2003) (notice). This notice of review announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service plans to review the recordkeeping cequirements for certified applicators of federally restricted use pesticides, under criteria contained in the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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68 Fed. Reg. 23277 (May 1, 2003) (notice). In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service is announcing an upcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board.
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68 Fed. Reg. 19755 (April 22, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 985). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee for the 2003-2004 and subsequent marketing years from $0.09 to $0.10 per pound of spearmint oil handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order, which regulates the handling of spearmint oil produced in the Far West.
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68 Fed. Reg. 19708 (April 22, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 925).This interim final rule establishes safeguards and procedures for the suspension of packing holidays prescribed under the California grape marketing order. The order regulates the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of Southeastern California and is administered locally by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee. The procedures and safeguards will be used by the Committee when considering and making decisions on packing holiday suspension requests. This rule also clarifies existing maturity requirements for Flame Seedless variety grapes and corrects errors in the regulatory text regarding references to the California Code of Regulations.
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68 Fed. Reg. 19491 (April 21, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service plans to review Marketing Orders 916 and 917 for nectarines, pears, and peaches grown in California, under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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68 Fed. Reg. 19466 (April 21, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 916 and 917). This notice announces that a public meeting will be held to provide information to the U. S. Department of Agriculture on whether the Federal marketing order programs for California nectarines and peaches should be continued, modified or terminated. Growers, handlers, and other interested persons are invited to submit written comments to USDA and/or present oral comments at the meeting with respect to the continued operations of the marketing order programs.
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68 Fed. Reg. 19139 (April 18, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 927). This final rule amends the marketing order for winter pears grown in Oregon and Washington. Three amendments were proposed by the Winter Pear Control Committee, which is responsible for local administration of the order. Of these three, only one proposal was favored by winter pear growers in a mail referendum, held July 17 through August 2, 2002.
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68 Fed. Reg. 18944 (April 17, 2003) (request for nominations). The 2002 Farm Bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. USDA seeks nominations of individuals to be considered for selection as Board members for terms of office ending June 30, 2006.
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68 Fed. Reg. 18908 (April 17, 2003) (referendum order) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 929). This document directs that a continuance referendum be conducted among eligible growers of cranberries in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of cranberries grown in the production area.
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68 Fed. Reg. 18556 (April 16, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 205). This proposed rule would amend the USDA's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board from June 6, 2000 through October 20, 2002. Technical corrections have also been included in this proposed rule to clarify specific sections of the National List and adequately reflect previous National Organic Standards Board recommendations. Consistent with recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board, this proposed rule would: add ten substances, along with any restrictive annotations, to the National List, revise the annotations of two substances, and make eight technical revisions. In addition to amending the National List, this proposed rule would offer the opportunity for public comment on the use of ethylene in organic crop production.
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68 Fed. Reg. 17539 (April 10, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This final rule revises the regulations concerning compensation rates for handlers' services performed in connection with reserve prunes covered under Marketing Order No. 993. The order regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California and is administered locally by the Prune Marketing Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 17325 (April 9, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 956). This proposed rule invites comments on a proposed change in the fiscal period under the Walla Walla sweet onion marketing order from June 1 through May 31 to January 1 through December 31.
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68 Fed. Reg. 17267 (April 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 993). This final rule changes the administrative rules and regulations pertaining to a voluntary prune plum diversion program under the California prune marketing order.
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68 Fed. Reg. 17257 (April 9, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 916 and 917). This interim final rule revises the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by modifying the grade, size, maturity, and container requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2003 season shipments. This rule also continues a modification of the requirements for placement of Federal-State Inspection Service lot stamps for the 2003 season, establishes a net weight for a style of containers and exempts those containers from the well-filled requirement, and revises the weight-count standards for Peento type peaches.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15971 (April 2, 2003) (withdrawal of proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This action withdraws a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2002 (67 FR 39637), which would have increased the assessment rate for cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products other than juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00175 to $0.0021 per pound. It also would have increased the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.000875 to $0.00105 per pound. The provisions requiring the establishment of different assessment rates for different products were removed. In their place, the Cherry Industry Administrative Board is required to consider the volume of cherries used in making various products and the relative market value of those products in deciding whether the assessment rate should be a single, uniform rate applicable to all cherries or whether varying rates should be recommended for cherries manufactured into different products.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15926 (April 2, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This interim final rule establishes final volume regulation percentages for 2002-03 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless and Zante Currant raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is locally administered by the Raisin Administrative Committee. The volume regulation percentages are 53 percent free and 47 percent reserve for NS raisins, and 80 percent free and 20 percent reserve for ZC raisins.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15923 (April 2, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 923). This interim final rule allows the grading or packing of sweet cherries outside the production area established under the Washington sweet cherry marketing order. The order regulates the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington. This rule will provide greater flexibility in the grading, packing, and marketing of Washington sweet cherries. In some cases, the facilities outside the production area are closer to where the fruit is produced, and the ability to grade and pack outside the production area would reduce costs.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15387 (March 31, 2003) (referendum order) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 927). This document directs that a continuance referendum be conducted among eligible growers of winter pears in Oregon and Washington to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of winter pears grown in the production area.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15388 (March 31, 2003) (withdrawal of proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 956). This action withdraws a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2002 (67 FR 47741), and reopened for further comments on November 1, 2002 (67 FR 66578), on the establishment of grade and inspection requirements for Walla Walla sweet onions.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15385 (March 31, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 28). The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to maintain user fees for cotton producers for 2003 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act at the same level as in 2002. This is in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987. The 2002 user fee for this classification service was $1.45 per bale. This proposal would maintain the fee for the 2003 crop at $1.45 per bale.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15338 (March 31, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 966). The Agricultural Marketing Service published an interim final rule in the Federal Register on November 9, 2001 (66 FR 56599), which decreased the assessment rate for tomatoes grown in Florida. The interim final rule fixed the assessment rate at $0.20 per 25-pound container or equivalent of assessable tomatoes for the 2001-02 and subsequent fiscal periods. The rate should have been fixed at $0.02 per 25-pound container or equivalent. This document corrects the assessment rate.
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68 Fed. Reg. 15335 (March 31, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee for the 2002-03 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.05 to $0.085 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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68 Fed. Reg. 13636 (March 20, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This proposed rule contains two corrections to the referendum order published in the Federal Register on March 3, 2003 (68 FR 9944), concerning tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. This action corrects the referendum period and the date by which ballots must be postmarked to be considered valid listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
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68 Fed. Reg. 13615 (March 20, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The USDA is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule regarding the raisin diversion program as specified under the Federal marketing order for California raisins.
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68 Fed. Reg. 13617 (March 20, 2003) (final rule; correction) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, 1131, and 1135). This final rule establishes that the Agricultural Marketing Service is correcting the final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of February 12, 2003, which amended all Federal milk marketing orders based on evidence received at a hearing held May 8-12, 2000, in Alexandria, Virginia. The document was published with an inadvertent error in Part 1030 regarding the computation of the statistical uniform price for milk. This final rule corrects that error.
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68 Fed. Reg. 13219 (March 19, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This interim final rule reduces the production cap for the 2003 diversion program for Natural Seedless raisins from 2.75 to 2.0 tons per acre. The cap is specified under the Federal marketingorder for California raisins.
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68 Fed. Reg. 12890 (March 18, 2003) (notice). This notice announces to all interested parties that the Agricultural Marketing Service will hold a Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meeting that is open to the public. The USDA established the Committee to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and 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.
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68 Fed. Reg. 12881 (March 18, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1219). This proposed rule is intended to seek comments on the proposed termination of the definition of ``substantial activity'' in the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Order. The definition relates to the eligibility of importers to serve on the Hass Avocado Board.
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68 Fed. Reg. 12310 (March 14, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1205). The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to amend the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations by lowering the value assigned to imported cotton for the purpose of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. An adjustment is required on an annual basis to ensure that the assessments collected on imported cotton and the cotton content of imported products remain similar to those paid on domestically produced cotton.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11996 (March 13, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1230). Pursuant to the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985 and the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order issued thereunder, this proposed rule would add a section to the regulations that implement the Order to require remitters of pork checkoff assessments, upon request by the Department of Agriculture, to submit to the Agricultural Marketing Service the names, addresses, and any other information deemed necessary to identify persons from whom assessments were collected. This action is necessary in order to obtain the information necessary to conduct a survey of eligible producers and importers no earlier than June 2003 to determine if they favor a referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11733 (March 12, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 982). This interim final rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for domestic inshell hazelnuts for the 2002-2003 marketing year under the Federal marketing order for hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. The final free and restricted percentages are 18.4392 and 81.5608 percent, respectively.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11756 (March 12, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1218). This proposed rule is intended to seek comments on changing the title of the U.S.A. Cultivated Blueberry Council to the ``U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council'' to help avoid any further confusion in the industry regarding the specific type of blueberry and industry segment represented by the Council, and to make the name of the Council consistent with industry nomenclature and to add one member and alternate to the Council to represent the state of Washington-the sixth largest highbush blueberry producing state.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11751 (March 12, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 985). This proposed 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 2003-2004 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2003. This rule invites comments on the establishment of salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 857,444 pounds and 45 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 808,528 pounds and 38 percent, respectively.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11801 (March 12, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service is soliciting comments on its proposal to create new United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions. A petition was received from a trade association to create grade standards for frozen onions that will include a description of the product, style, sample unit size, grades, ascertaining the grade by sample, and ascertaining the grade by lot.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11802 (March 12, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service, prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to change the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweet Potatoes.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11463 (March 11, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 959).This interim final rule eliminates all container requirements from the handling regulations prescribed under the South Texas onion marketing order and makes several conforming and formatting changes.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11350 (March 10, 2003) (notice). This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service is accepting applications from State, regional, and national lamb producer, seedstock producer, feeder, and first handler organizations or associations that desire to be certified as eligible to nominate lamb producers, seedstock producers, lamb feeders, or first handlers of lamb or lamb products for appointment to the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Board. Previously certified organizations do not need to reapply.
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68 Fed. Reg. 11340 (March 10, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 932). This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee for the 2003 and subsequent fiscal years from $10.09 to $13.89 per ton of olives handled.
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68 Fed. Reg. 10347 (March 5, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 984). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the Walnut Marketing Board for the 2002-03 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0124 to $0.0120 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts.
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68 Fed. Reg. 10345 (March 5, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Parts 911 and 944). This final rule terminates the marketing order covering limes grown in Florida, the rules and regulations established under the order, and the requirements for limes imported into the United States that are shipped to the fresh market. The Department of Agriculture has determined the order should be terminated due to the results of a recent referendum where growers indicated they did not support the continuance of the program.
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68 Fed. Reg. 9944 (March 3, 2003) (proposed rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 930). This proposed rule requires a continuance referendum to 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.
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68 Fed. Reg. 8196 (February 20, 2003) (notice). The Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture is soliciting comments on its proposal to create new United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Celery. USDA received a petition from a grower and a processor of celery to create grade standards for frozen celery that will include a description of the product, style, sample unit size, grades, ascertaining the grade by sample, and ascertaining the grade by lot.
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68 Fed. Reg. 7063 (February 12, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 CFR Parts 1000, 1001, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1124, 1126, 1131, and 1135). This final rule implements revised product-price formulas for establishing Class III and Class IV milk prices. The formulas are applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders.
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68 Fed. Reg. 7070 (February 12, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1032). This order amends certain pooling provisions of the Central Federal milk order on an interim basis. This interim order amends certain Pool plant provisions and adopts amendments with respect to Producer milk.
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68 Fed. Reg. 4967 (January 30, 2003) (proposed final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 51). This proposed final rule provides notice that the comment period for proposed changes to the United States Standards for Grades of Peaches, the United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Plums and Prunes, and the United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines is reopened and extended.
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68 Fed. Reg. 4361 (January 29, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 905). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that changed the rules and regulations prescribed under the Florida citrus marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Citrus Administrative Committee. This rule continues to exempt shipments of small quantities of tree run citrus from the grade, size, and assessment requirements of the order. Producers can ship 150 1-\3/5\ bushel boxes per variety, per shipment, of their own citrus free from order regulations, not to exceed 1,500 boxes per variety for the season.
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68 Fed. Reg. 4079 (January 28, 2003) (interim final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This interim final rule modifies the requirements of the raisin diversion program authorized under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 4085 (January 28, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, with change, an interim final rule that allowed producers an additional opportunity to participate in the 2002 raisin diversion program. The Raisin Diversion Program is authorized under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The marketing order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee.
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68 Fed. Reg. 3007 (January 22, 2003) (notice). This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service is accepting applications from State cattle producer organizations or associations and general farm organizations, as well as cattle or beef importer organizations, who desire to be certified to nominate producers or importers for appointment to vacant positions on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board .
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68 Fed. Reg. 1364 (January 10, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 1208). This final rule terminates the Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Order and its rules and regulations in their entirety. This action is necessary because the Order has not been in operation since 1997, and collection efforts under the Order have been exhausted.
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68 Fed. Reg. 1359 (January 10, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 97). The Agricultural Marketing Service is increasing Plant Variety Protection Office application, search, and certificate issuance fees by approximately 35 percent. The last fee increase in September 2000 is no longer adequate to cover current program obligations for administrative and information technology needs.
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68 Fed. Reg. 1145 (January 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 996, 997, 998, and 999). This final rule establishes that the USDA is adopting, as a final rule, with changes, an interim final rule establishing a new part 996 which requires all domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States to be officially inspected. This action is mandated by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, enacted May 13, 2002. This final rule also finalizes the termination of the Peanut Marketing Agreement No. 146 and the rules and regulations issued under the Peanut Marketing Agreement, and the termination of companion regulations that applied to imported peanuts and peanuts handled by persons not subject to the Peanut Marketing Agreement.
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68 Fed. Reg. 1143 (January 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 989). This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Raisin Administrative Committee for the 2002-03 and subsequent crop years from $6.50 to $8.00 per ton of free tonnage raisins acquired by handlers, and reserve tonnage raisins released or sold to handlers for use in free tonnage outlets. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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68 Fed. Reg. 1169 (January 9, 2003) (final rule) (to be codified at 7 C.F.R. Part 56). This final rule establishes that the Agricultural Marketing Service intends to amend the regulations governing the voluntary shell egg grading program by clarifying the requirements for using the ``Produced From'' grademark for shell eggs.
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