80_FR_76891 80 FR 76654 - Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Determination of Whether To Conduct a Referendum Regarding the 1990 Amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act

80 FR 76654 - Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Determination of Whether To Conduct a Referendum Regarding the 1990 Amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 237 (December 10, 2015)

Page Range76654-76655
FR Document2015-31133

This notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) determination not to conduct a continuance referendum regarding the 1991 amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (Order) provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (Act) amendments of 1990. This determination is based on the results of a sign-up period conducted August 3 through August 14, 2015, during which eligible cotton producers and importers were provided an opportunity to request a continuance referendum.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 237 (Thursday, December 10, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76654-76655]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31133]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 237 / Thursday, December 10, 2015 / 
Notices

[[Page 76654]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-CN-15-0061]


Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Determination of Whether 
To Conduct a Referendum Regarding the 1990 Amendments to the Cotton 
Research and Promotion Act

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
(USDA) determination not to conduct a continuance referendum regarding 
the 1991 amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (Order) 
provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (Act) amendments 
of 1990. This determination is based on the results of a sign-up period 
conducted August 3 through August 14, 2015, during which eligible 
cotton producers and importers were provided an opportunity to request 
a continuance referendum.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shethir M. Riva, Chief, Research and 
Promotion Staff, Cotton and Tobacco Program, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, USDA, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, 
Virginia 22406, telephone (540) 361-2726, facsimile (540) 361-1199, or 
email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the period of August 3 through August 
14, 2015, pursuant to Section 8(c)(1) of the Act, USDA provided an 
opportunity for eligible cotton producers and importers to request a 
continuance referendum regarding the 1991 amendments to the Order 
provided for in the Act. Sign-up period results showed that USDA 
received 46 valid requests from eligible producers and importers. The 
following table depicts the number of requests for a continuance 
referendum.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Total sign-up
           Farm service agency state office                 requests
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama..............................................                  0
Arizona..............................................                  0
Arkansas.............................................                 16
California...........................................                  0
Florida..............................................                  1
Georgia..............................................                  0
Illinois.............................................                  0
Kansas...............................................                  3
Kentucky.............................................                  0
Louisiana............................................                  0
Mississippi..........................................                  1
Missouri.............................................                  1
Nevada...............................................                  0
New Mexico...........................................                  0
North Carolina.......................................                  8
Oklahoma.............................................                  7
South Carolina.......................................                  0
Tennessee............................................                  0
Texas................................................                  9
Virginia.............................................                  0
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................                 46
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 8(c)(2) of the Act, provides that following a sign-up 
period, USDA shall conduct a referendum upon the request of 10 percent 
or more of the number of cotton producers and importers voting in the 
most recent referendum (1991). This would require 10 percent or 4,622 
(46,220 x .10 = 4,622) of the 46,220 valid ballots cast by cotton 
producers and importers in the July 1991 referendum. It is further 
provided that, in counting such request not more than 20 percent or 924 
may be from producers from any one state or importers of cotton.
    USDA finds that the results of the sign-up period did not meet the 
criteria requiring a continuance referendum by the Act. USDA bases this 
determination on the fact that the 46 requests received during the 
sign-up period is less than the 4,622 required.
    The 1991 amendments to the Order (7 CFR 1205 et seq.) were 
implemented following the July 1991 referendum. The 1990 amendments 
were provided for in the Act (7 U.S.C. 2101-2118). These amendments 
provided for: (1) Importer representation on the Cotton Board by an 
appropriate number of persons, to be determined by USDA, who import 
cotton or cotton products into the U.S. and whom USDA selects from 
nominations submitted by importer organization certified by USDA; (2) 
assessments levied on imported cotton and cotton products at a rate 
determined in the same manner as for U.S. cotton; (3) increasing the 
amount USDA can be reimbursed for the conduct of a referendum from 
$200,000 to $300,000; (4) reimbursing government agencies that assist 
in administering the collection of assessments on imported cotton and 
cotton products; and (5) terminating the right of producers to demand a 
refund of assessments.
    On July 9, 1991, (56 FR 31289) AMS issued a proposal to amend the 
Order to determine if a majority, 50 percent or more, of producers and 
importers favored implementation of the proposed amendments to the 
Order. USDA conducted a referendum (July 1991) among persons who had 
been cotton producers or cotton importers during a representative 
period. Results of the July 1991 referendum showed that of the 46,220 
valid ballots received; 27,879 or 60 percent of the persons voting 
favored the amendments to the Order and 18,341 or 40 percent opposed 
the amendments.
    Following the July 1991 referendum, AMS implemented the amendments. 
In addition to the previously discussed amendments to the Act and 
Order, USDA is required by Section 8(c)(1) to: (1) Conduct a review 
once every 5 years after the anniversary date of the referendum 
implementing the 1990 Act amendments to determine whether a referendum 
is necessary and (2) make public the results of such a review within 60 
days after each fifth anniversary date of the 1991 implementing 
referendum. Should the review indicate that a referendum is needed USDA 
is directed to conduct the referendum within 12 months after a public 
announcement of review results. Should the review indicate that a 
referendum is not warranted, Section 8(c)(2) includes provisions for 
producers and importers to request a continuance referendum through a 
sign-up period.
    In 2011-2012, the Department prepared a 5-year report that 
described the impact of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program on 
the cotton industry. The review report is available upon written 
request to the Chief of the Cotton Research and Promotion Staff at the 
address provided above. Comments were solicited from all interested 
parties, including persons who pay the assessments as well as from

[[Page 76655]]

organizations representing cotton producers and importers (76 FR 
31573). Five comments, including comments from four certified producer 
organizations that nominate producers to the Cotton Board, claimed 
strong support for the continuance of the program, noting that the 
administration of the Act has been proper, carries out the intent and 
purpose in a timely and superior manner, and requires no changes or 
adjustment.
    USDA reviewed the Cotton Research and Promotion Program major 
program activities and accomplishments, including third-party 
evaluations of advertising and marketing activities and other 
functional areas; the results of producer and importer awareness and 
satisfaction surveys; and data from the Foreign Agricultural Service. 
USDA also reviewed the results of the Cotton Board's 2011 independent 
program evaluation, which assessed the effectiveness of the Cotton 
Research and Promotion Program; the strength of cotton's competitive 
position; the ability to maintain and expand domestic and foreign 
markets; increases in the number of uses for cotton; and estimates of a 
return on investment for stakeholders and qualitative benefits and 
returns associated with the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. The 
review report concluded that the 1990 amendments to the Act were 
successfully implemented and are operating as intended. The report also 
noted that there is a general consensus within the cotton industry that 
the Cotton Research and Promotion Program and the 1990 amendments to 
the Act are operating as intended. Written comments, economic data, and 
results from independent evaluations support this conclusion.
    USDA found no compelling reason to conduct a referendum regarding 
the 1990 Act amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order 
although some program participants support a referendum. In 2013, USDA 
announced its view not to conduct a referendum regarding the 1991 
amendments to the Order (78 FR 32228). Therefore, USDA allowed all 
eligible persons to request the conduct of a continuance referendum on 
the 1990 amendments through a sign-up period. The results of this sign-
up period did not meet the criteria as established by the Act for a 
continuance referendum and, therefore, referenda were not conducted.
    With this announcement of the results of the sign-up period, USDA 
has completed all requirements set forth in Section 8(c) (1) and (2) of 
the Act regarding the review of the Cotton Research and Promotion 
Program to determine if a continuance referendum is warranted. A 
referendum will not be conducted, and no further actions are planned in 
connection with this review.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2101-2118.

    Dated: December 7, 2015.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-31133 Filed 12-9-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

76654 Notices Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 237 Thursday, December 10, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER table depicts the number of requests for and cotton products at a rate determined contains documents other than rules or a continuance referendum. in the same manner as for U.S. cotton; proposed rules that are applicable to the (3) increasing the amount USDA can be public. Notices of hearings and investigations, Farm service agency Total sign-up reimbursed for the conduct of a committee meetings, agency decisions and state office requests referendum from $200,000 to $300,000; rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency Alabama .......................... 0 (4) reimbursing government agencies statements of organization and functions are Arizona ............................ 0 that assist in administering the examples of documents appearing in this Arkansas ......................... 16 collection of assessments on imported section. California ......................... 0 cotton and cotton products; and (5) Florida ............................. 1 terminating the right of producers to Georgia ........................... 0 demand a refund of assessments. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Illinois .............................. 0 On July 9, 1991, (56 FR 31289) AMS Kansas ............................ 3 issued a proposal to amend the Order to Agricultural Marketing Service Kentucky ......................... 0 determine if a majority, 50 percent or Louisiana ........................ 0 Mississippi ...................... 1 more, of producers and importers [Docket No. AMS–CN–15–0061] Missouri .......................... 1 favored implementation of the proposed Nevada ........................... 0 amendments to the Order. USDA Cotton Research and Promotion New Mexico .................... 0 conducted a referendum (July 1991) Program: Determination of Whether To North Carolina ................ 8 among persons who had been cotton Conduct a Referendum Regarding the Oklahoma ....................... 7 producers or cotton importers during a 1990 Amendments to the Cotton South Carolina ................ 0 representative period. Results of the July Research and Promotion Act Tennessee ...................... 0 1991 referendum showed that of the Texas .............................. 9 46,220 valid ballots received; 27,879 or AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, Virginia ............................ 0 60 percent of the persons voting favored USDA. Total ......................... 46 the amendments to the Order and ACTION: Notice. 18,341 or 40 percent opposed the Section 8(c)(2) of the Act, provides amendments. SUMMARY: This notice announces the that following a sign-up period, USDA Following the July 1991 referendum, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s shall conduct a referendum upon the AMS implemented the amendments. In (USDA) determination not to conduct a request of 10 percent or more of the addition to the previously discussed continuance referendum regarding the number of cotton producers and amendments to the Act and Order, 1991 amendments to the Cotton importers voting in the most recent USDA is required by Section 8(c)(1) to: Research and Promotion Order (Order) referendum (1991). This would require (1) Conduct a review once every 5 years provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (Act) amendments of 10 percent or 4,622 (46,220 × .10 = after the anniversary date of the 4,622) of the 46,220 valid ballots cast by referendum implementing the 1990 Act 1990. This determination is based on cotton producers and importers in the amendments to determine whether a the results of a sign-up period July 1991 referendum. It is further referendum is necessary and (2) make conducted August 3 through August 14, provided that, in counting such request public the results of such a review 2015, during which eligible cotton not more than 20 percent or 924 may be within 60 days after each fifth producers and importers were provided from producers from any one state or anniversary date of the 1991 an opportunity to request a continuance importers of cotton. implementing referendum. Should the referendum. USDA finds that the results of the review indicate that a referendum is FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: sign-up period did not meet the criteria needed USDA is directed to conduct the Shethir M. Riva, Chief, Research and requiring a continuance referendum by referendum within 12 months after a Promotion Staff, Cotton and Tobacco the Act. USDA bases this determination public announcement of review results. Program, Agricultural Marketing on the fact that the 46 requests received Should the review indicate that a Service, USDA, 100 Riverside Parkway, during the sign-up period is less than referendum is not warranted, Section Suite 101, Fredericksburg, Virginia the 4,622 required. 8(c)(2) includes provisions for 22406, telephone (540) 361–2726, The 1991 amendments to the Order (7 producers and importers to request a facsimile (540) 361–1199, or email at CFR 1205 et seq.) were implemented continuance referendum through a sign- Shethir.Riva@ams.usda.gov. following the July 1991 referendum. The up period. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the 1990 amendments were provided for in In 2011–2012, the Department period of August 3 through August 14, the Act (7 U.S.C. 2101–2118). These prepared a 5-year report that described 2015, pursuant to Section 8(c)(1) of the amendments provided for: (1) Importer the impact of the Cotton Research and mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Act, USDA provided an opportunity for representation on the Cotton Board by Promotion Program on the cotton eligible cotton producers and importers an appropriate number of persons, to be industry. The review report is available to request a continuance referendum determined by USDA, who import upon written request to the Chief of the regarding the 1991 amendments to the cotton or cotton products into the U.S. Cotton Research and Promotion Staff at Order provided for in the Act. Sign-up and whom USDA selects from the address provided above. Comments period results showed that USDA nominations submitted by importer were solicited from all interested received 46 valid requests from eligible organization certified by USDA; (2) parties, including persons who pay the producers and importers. The following assessments levied on imported cotton assessments as well as from VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Dec 09, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10DEN1.SGM 10DEN1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 237 / Thursday, December 10, 2015 / Notices 76655 organizations representing cotton is warranted. A referendum will not be Individuals who use producers and importers (76 FR 31573). conducted, and no further actions are telecommunication devices for the deaf Five comments, including comments planned in connection with this review. (TDD) may call the Federal Information from four certified producer Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2101–2118. Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 organizations that nominate producers between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., to the Cotton Board, claimed strong Dated: December 7, 2015. Eastern Standard Time, Monday support for the continuance of the Rex A. Barnes, through Friday. program, noting that the administration Associate Administrator. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The of the Act has been proper, carries out [FR Doc. 2015–31133 Filed 12–9–15; 8:45 am] purpose of the meeting is: the intent and purpose in a timely and BILLING CODE 3410–02–P 1. To update the Shoshone Resource superior manner, and requires no Advisory Committee on the status changes or adjustment. of existing Title II projects, and USDA reviewed the Cotton Research DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 2. Strategize on advertising for project and Promotion Program major program proposals for the current year activities and accomplishments, Forest Service The meeting is open to the public. including third-party evaluations of advertising and marketing activities and Shoshone Resource Advisory The agenda will include time for people other functional areas; the results of Committee to make oral statements of three minutes producer and importer awareness and or less. Individuals wishing to make an AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. oral statement should request in writing satisfaction surveys; and data from the ACTION: Notice of meeting. Foreign Agricultural Service. USDA also by December 30, 2015 to be scheduled reviewed the results of the Cotton SUMMARY: The Shoshone Resource on the agenda. Anyone who would like Board’s 2011 independent program Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet to bring related matters to the attention evaluation, which assessed the via conference call. The committee is of the committee may file written effectiveness of the Cotton Research and authorized under the Secure Rural statements with the committee staff Promotion Program; the strength of Schools and Community Self- before or after the meeting. Written cotton’s competitive position; the ability Determination Act (the Act) and comments and requests for time for oral to maintain and expand domestic and operates in compliance with the Federal comments must be sent to Olga Troxel, foreign markets; increases in the number Advisory Committee Act. The purpose RAC Coordinator, 808 Meadow Lane, of uses for cotton; and estimates of a of the committee is to improve Cody, WY; or by email to otroxel@ return on investment for stakeholders collaborative relationships and to fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 307–578– and qualitative benefits and returns provide advice and recommendations to 5112. associated with the Cotton Research and Meeting Accommodations: If you are the Forest Service concerning projects Promotion Program. The review report a person requiring reasonable and funding consistent with Title II of concluded that the 1990 amendments to accommodation, please make requests the Act. Additional RAC information, the Act were successfully implemented in advance for sign language including the meeting agenda and the and are operating as intended. The interpreting, assistive listening devices meeting summary/minutes can be found report also noted that there is a general or other reasonable accommodation for at the following Web site: http:// consensus within the cotton industry access to the facility or proceedings by cloudapps-usda-gov.force.com/FSSRS/ that the Cotton Research and Promotion contacting the person listed in the RAC_Page?id=001t0000002JcvXAAS. Program and the 1990 amendments to section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION DATES: The meeting will be held the Act are operating as intended. CONTACT. All reasonable Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10:00 accommodation requests are managed Written comments, economic data, and a.m. results from independent evaluations on a case by case basis. All RAC meetings are subject to support this conclusion. cancellation. For status of meeting prior Dated: December 3, 2015. USDA found no compelling reason to to attendance, please contact the person Joe G. Alexander, conduct a referendum regarding the listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Forest Supervisor. 1990 Act amendments to the Cotton CONTACT. [FR Doc. 2015–30975 Filed 12–9–15; 8:45 am] Research and Promotion Order although some program participants support a ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held BILLING CODE 3411–15–P referendum. In 2013, USDA announced via conference call. Members of the its view not to conduct a referendum public wishing to call in should contact regarding the 1991 amendments to the Shoshone RAC Coordinator, Olga COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Order (78 FR 32228). Therefore, USDA Troxel, for call-in information. Written comments may be submitted Notice of Public Meeting of the Indiana allowed all eligible persons to request as described under SUPPLEMENTARY Advisory Committee to the U.S. the conduct of a continuance referendum on the 1990 amendments INFORMATION. All comments, including Commission on Civil Rights To Hear through a sign-up period. The results of names and addresses when provided, Testimony Regarding Civil Rights this sign-up period did not meet the are placed in the record and are Concerns Relating to School criteria as established by the Act for a available for public inspection and Disciplinary Policies and Their continuance referendum and, therefore, copying. The public may inspect Potential Impact on Disparities in comments received at Shoshone Juvenile Incarceration in Indiana mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES referenda were not conducted. With this announcement of the results National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 808 AGENCY: U.S. Commission on Civil of the sign-up period, USDA has Meadow Lane, Cody, Wyoming. Please Rights. completed all requirements set forth in call ahead (307–527–6241) to facilitate ACTION: Announcement of meeting. Section 8(c) (1) and (2) of the Act entry into the building. regarding the review of the Cotton FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Olga SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, Research and Promotion Program to Troxel by phone at 307–578–5164 or via pursuant to the provisions of the rules determine if a continuance referendum email at otroxel@fs.fed.us. and regulations of the U.S. Commission VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Dec 09, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10DEN1.SGM 10DEN1


Document Created: 2015-12-14 13:28:26
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 13:28:26
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
ContactShethir M. Riva, Chief, Research and Promotion Staff, Cotton and Tobacco Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406, telephone (540) 361-2726, facsimile (540) 361-1199, or email at [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 76654 
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