The following information is a comprehensive, though not necessarily exhaustive, summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Many of the summaries provide links that take the reader to primary documents or websites with additional resources. Please email important additions to: camarigg@uark.edu
House Committee on Agriculture will meet May 12 at 10 a.m. in Longworth House Office Building LHOB 1300. On the agenda: “The Past, Present, and Future of SNAP: The Retailer Perspective.” Announcement here.
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE: Notice AMS announced their 2016 rates charged for services such as voluntary grading and inspection. Details here.
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT: Notice The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture provides notice of an increase in the fiscal year 2016 specialty sugar tariff-rate quota of 20,000 metric tons raw value. The 2017 MTRV is set for raw cane sugar at 1,117,195, and refined sugars at 162,00 MTRV. Details here.
COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION: Final Rule The CFTC is amending its regulations by which counterparties must resolve discrepancies when engaging in portfolio reconciliation. Amendments to the Definitions of Portfolio Reconciliation and Material Terms for Purposes of Swap Portfolio Reconciliation are available here.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: Final Rule This rule establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of methoxyfenozide. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation issued a crisis emergency exemption under FIFRA section 18. The time limits will expire on December 31, 2019. Details here.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: Final Rule This rule establishes tolerances for clethodim. Interregional Research Project Number 4 requested these tolerances under the FFDCA. More info here.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: Notice In accordance with FIFRA, this agency issued a notice of receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations and amend one pesticide registration. Info here.
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE: Notice Comments are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of technology. More information available here.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE: Notice and Request for Comments The NCRS is proposing that the Indiana Field Office Technical Guide include materials about Indiana Wetland Determinations. Details here.
RURAL HOUSING SERVICE: Rule RHS published a document in the Federal Register of January 14, 2016 at 81 FR 1861 establishing a technical assistance and training grant program for qualified public bodies, nonprofit corporations, and federally recognized tribes and Indian Tribes on Federal and State Reservations that will serve rural areas. This document has an incorrect cross-reference and an ineligible project purpose requiring removal due to the publication of the new 7 CFR part 1970 regulations. Details here.
RURAL HOUSING SERVICE: Notice RHS will request an extension for currently approved information collection in support of its Complaints and Compensation for Construction Defects program. Info here.