A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions to: camarigg at uark.edu

MEETING: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will meet to consider Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service’s amendments to land use plans regarding sage grouse conservation. June 28 at 2:30 p.m. in SD-366.

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE:

Rule that AMS amends the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations to remove the cotton import de minimis provision. Info here.

Rule implementing a recommendation from the Avocado Administrative Committee for an increase of the assessment rate from $0.30 to $0.35 per 55-pound bushel container of Florida avocados. Info here.

Rule implementing a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee to establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced during the 2016-2017 marketing year. Info here.

Rule prescribing late payment and interest charges on past due assessments under the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Info here.

Rule implementing a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee to relax the container and pack requirements under the Texas Citrus Marketing Order. Info here.

Rule proposed implementing recommendations from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board to add inventory release procedures under the marketing order for tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. Info here.

Notice pursuant to FACA, AMS announces a meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board. Details here.

DEFENSE DEPARTMENT: Rule that FDA announces they have filed a petition requesting FDA amend its food additive regulations to no longer provide for the use of styrene as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in food. Details here.