A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions HERE.

REGULATORY: Includes APHIS, EPA, NOAA, RUS

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

Final rule amending the regulations regarding the movement (importation, interstate movement, and environmental release) of certain genetically engineered organisms in response to advances in genetic engineering and our understanding of the plant pest risk posed by genetically engineered organisms. Info here.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Final rule on tolerances for residues of fluridone in or on avocados, mandarins, pomegranates, pistachios, and the stone fruit group. Info here.

Final rule establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of methyl mercaptan in or on all food commodities when methyl mercaptan is used as a gopher repellent in irrigation lines in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Info here.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

Final rule and correcting a final rule that published on March 10, 2020, implementing the final 2020 and 2021 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska. Info here.

Final rule implementing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act to implement three Resolutions adopted by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission in 2018 and 2019. Info here.

RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE

Final rule for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program incorporating statutory definition changes as required in the Agricultural Act of 2018 and, with one exception, adopts the interim rule published on June 24, 2015 in the Federal Register. Info here.

LEGISLATION: Includes Minnesota

MINNESOTA

HB 4599 modifies the 2020 Farmer-Lender Mediation Act time period. Info here.