81 FR 52812 - Notice of Decision To Authorize the Importation of Fresh Figs From Peru Into the Continental United States

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 154 (August 10, 2016)

Page Range		52812-52813
FR Document		2016-18990

We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh figs (Ficus carica) from Peru into the continental United States. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available for the public to review and comment through a previous notice, we have concluded that the application of designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests via the importation of fresh figs from Peru.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 154 (Wednesday, August 10, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 10, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52812-52813]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18990]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2016-0011]


Notice of Decision To Authorize the Importation of Fresh Figs 
From Peru Into the Continental United States

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the 
importation of fresh figs (Ficus carica) from Peru into the continental 
United States. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we 
made available for the public to review and comment through a previous 
notice, we have concluded that the application of designated 
phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of 
introducing or disseminating plant pests via the importation of fresh 
figs from Peru.

DATES: Effective August 10, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Claudia Ferguson, Senior 
Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, 
Imports, Regulations, and Manuals, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 
133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-2352; 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the regulations in ``Subpart-Fruits 
and Vegetables'' (7 CFR 319.56-1 through 319.56-75, referred to below 
as the regulations), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
(APHIS) prohibits or restricts the importation of fruits and vegetables 
into the United States from certain parts of the world to prevent plant 
pests from being introduced into or disseminated within the United 
States.
    Section 319.56-4 contains a performance-based process for approving 
the importation of certain fruits and vegetables that, based on the 
findings of a pest risk analysis, can be safely imported subject to one 
or more of the designated phytosanitary measures listed in paragraph 
(b) of that section.
    In accordance with that process, we published a notice \1\ in the 
Federal Register on March 14, 2016 (81 FR 13310-13311, Docket No. 
APHIS-2016-0011), in which we announced the availability, for review 
and comment, of a pest risk assessment (PRA) that identifies pests of 
quarantine significance that could follow the pathway of importation of 
figs from Peru into the continental United States. Based on the PRA, a 
risk management document (RMD) was prepared to identify phytosanitary 
measures that could be applied to the figs to mitigate the pest risk. 
The RMD recommended that all of the following phytosanitary measures be 
applied to the importation of figs from Peru into the continental 
United States:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view the notice, PRA, RMD, and comments we received, go 
to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The figs must be imported as commercial consignments only;
     Each consignment of figs must be accompanied by a 
phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection 
organization (NPPO) of Peru;
     Each consignment of figs must be treated in accordance 
with 7 CFR part 305; and
     Each consignment of figs is subject to inspection upon 
arrival at the port of entry to the United States.
    We solicited comments on the PRA and RMD for 60 days, ending on May 
13, 2016. We received four comments by that date, from a State 
department of agriculture, the Peruvian Government, the Peruvian 
embassy, and a U.S. port of entry.
    Three of the commenters supported the importation of fresh figs 
from Peru into the continental United States.
    One commenter pointed out that the notice would allow figs from 
Peru to be irradiated in the United States. The commenter expressed 
concern that this could present a risk of introducing quarantine pests 
that could follow the pathway of figs from Peru into the United States, 
and that such introduction would present a significant risk to States 
in which the pests could become established. For this reason, the 
commenter stated that irradiation should either have to take place in 
Peru or in areas of the United States north of the 39th parallel, in 
which the pests could not become established.
    We appreciate the commenter's concern regarding irradiation of the 
figs in areas of the United States where quarantine plant pests that 
could potentially follow the pathway of importation of the figs from 
Peru could become established. Indeed, our regulations governing the 
approval of irradiation facilities in the United States, which are 
found in 7 CFR 305.9, require that, if an irradiation facility is 
located in a State where quarantine pests that are targeted by 
irradiation could become established, then it must take additional 
safeguards, specified within that section, in order to address this 
pest risk. However, because Sec.  305.9 also allows irradiation 
treatment for imported commodities to take place within the United 
States, and does not preclude it from taking place in States where 
establishment of quarantine pests is possible, such as areas south of 
the 39th parallel, we cannot grant the commenter's request.
    Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  319.56-4(c)(2)(ii), we are 
announcing our decision to authorize the importation of figs from Peru 
into the continental United States subject to all of the following 
phytosanitary measures:

[[Page 52813]]

     The figs must be imported as commercial consignments only;
     Each consignment of figs must be accompanied by a 
phytosanitary certificate issued by the NPPO of Peru;
     Each consignment of figs must be treated in accordance 
with 7 CFR part 305; and
     Each consignment of figs is subject to inspection upon 
arrival at the port of entry to the United States.
    These conditions will be listed in the Fruits and Vegetables Import 
Requirements database (available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/favir/). 
In addition to these specific measures, figs from Peru will be subject 
to the general requirements listed in Sec.  319.56-3 that are 
applicable to the importation of all fruits and vegetables.

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 450, 7701-7772, and 7781-7786; 21 U.S.C. 
136 and 136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 4th day of August, 2016.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-18990 Filed 8-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

52812 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices

In the December 2015 notice, we importation of fresh figs (Ficus carica) • Each consignment of figs must be
mistakenly announced our intent to from Peru into the continental United accompanied by a phytosanitary
recognize Romania as a region of States. Based on the findings of a pest certificate issued by the national plant
negligible risk for BSE. In December risk analysis, which we made available protection organization (NPPO) of Peru;
2014, the OIE suspended Romania’s for the public to review and comment • Each consignment of figs must be
status as a negligible risk region because through a previous notice, we have treated in accordance with 7 CFR part
Romania reported a case of atypical concluded that the application of 305; and
BSE. Since then, the OIE has announced designated phytosanitary measures will • Each consignment of figs is subject
its intent to reinstate Romania’s status be sufficient to mitigate the risks of to inspection upon arrival at the port of
as a region of negligible risk for BSE. We introducing or disseminating plant pests entry to the United States.
will be seeking information to verify via the importation of fresh figs from We solicited comments on the PRA
Romania’s status and will announce our Peru. and RMD for 60 days, ending on May
intent to concur with the OIE’s 13, 2016. We received four comments by
DATES: Effective August 10, 2016.
designation in a future notice. that date, from a State department of
Also in the December 2015 notice, we FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
agriculture, the Peruvian Government,
announced our intent to recognize Claudia Ferguson, Senior Regulatory
the Peruvian embassy, and a U.S. port
France as a region of negligible risk for Policy Specialist, Regulatory
of entry.
BSE in concurrence with the OIE. Since Coordination and Compliance, Imports,
Regulations, and Manuals, PPQ, APHIS, Three of the commenters supported
then, France has confirmed a case of the importation of fresh figs from Peru
classical BSE in a 5-year-old cow. 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale,
MD 20737–1231; (301) 851–2352; into the continental United States.
Accordingly, the OIE has suspended One commenter pointed out that the
France’s status as a region of negligible Claudia.Ferguson@aphis.usda.gov.
notice would allow figs from Peru to be
risk for BSE and reinstated its status as SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
irradiated in the United States. The
a region of controlled risk effective regulations in ‘‘Subpart–Fruits and commenter expressed concern that this
March 25, 2016. For this reason we have Vegetables’’ (7 CFR 319.56–1 through could present a risk of introducing
removed France from the list of regions 319.56–75, referred to below as the quarantine pests that could follow the
of negligible risk for BSE in this regulations), the Animal and Plant pathway of figs from Peru into the
document. We will continue to Health Inspection Service (APHIS) United States, and that such
recognize France as a region of prohibits or restricts the importation of introduction would present a significant
controlled risk for BSE. fruits and vegetables into the United risk to States in which the pests could
Therefore, in accordance with the States from certain parts of the world to become established. For this reason, the
regulations in § 92.5, we are announcing prevent plant pests from being commenter stated that irradiation
our decision to concur with the OIE risk introduced into or disseminated within should either have to take place in Peru
classifications of the following the United States. or in areas of the United States north of
countries: Section 319.56–4 contains a
the 39th parallel, in which the pests
• Regions of negligible risk for BSE: performance-based process for
could not become established.
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, approving the importation of certain
We appreciate the commenter’s
Estonia, Hungary, India, Korea fruits and vegetables that, based on the
concern regarding irradiation of the figs
(Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, findings of a pest risk analysis, can be
in areas of the United States where
Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia, safely imported subject to one or more
quarantine plant pests that could
and Switzerland. of the designated phytosanitary
potentially follow the pathway of
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622 and 8301–8317; measures listed in paragraph (b) of that
importation of the figs from Peru could
21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 section.
become established. Indeed, our
CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4. In accordance with that process, we
regulations governing the approval of
Done in Washington, DC, this 4th day of published a notice 1 in the Federal
irradiation facilities in the United
August, 2016. Register on March 14, 2016 (81 FR
States, which are found in 7 CFR 305.9,
Kevin Shea, 13310–13311, Docket No. APHIS–2016–
require that, if an irradiation facility is
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health 0011), in which we announced the
located in a State where quarantine
Inspection Service. availability, for review and comment, of
pests that are targeted by irradiation
a pest risk assessment (PRA) that
[FR Doc. 2016–18985 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am] could become established, then it must
identifies pests of quarantine
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P take additional safeguards, specified
significance that could follow the
within that section, in order to address
pathway of importation of figs from
this pest risk. However, because § 305.9
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Peru into the continental United States.
also allows irradiation treatment for
Based on the PRA, a risk management
imported commodities to take place
Animal and Plant Health Inspection document (RMD) was prepared to
within the United States, and does not
Service identify phytosanitary measures that
preclude it from taking place in States
could be applied to the figs to mitigate
[Docket No. APHIS–2016–0011] where establishment of quarantine pests
the pest risk. The RMD recommended
is possible, such as areas south of the
Notice of Decision To Authorize the that all of the following phytosanitary
39th parallel, we cannot grant the
Importation of Fresh Figs From Peru measures be applied to the importation
commenter’s request.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Into the Continental United States of figs from Peru into the continental
Therefore, in accordance with
United States:
§ 319.56–4(c)(2)(ii), we are announcing
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health • The figs must be imported as
Inspection Service, USDA. our decision to authorize the
commercial consignments only;
ACTION: Notice.
importation of figs from Peru into the
1 To view the notice, PRA, RMD, and comments continental United States subject to all
SUMMARY: We are advising the public of we received, go to http://www.regulations.gov/ of the following phytosanitary
our decision to authorize the #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0011. measures:

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Aug 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices 52813

• The figs must be imported as ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: which allotments would be reduced if
commercial consignments only; (a) Whether the proposed collection of necessary. While benefit reductions
• Each consignment of figs must be information is necessary for the proper have never been ordered in the past
accompanied by a phytosanitary performance of the functions of the under section 18(b) nor are they
certificate issued by the NPPO of Peru; agency, including whether the anticipated based on current data, the
• Each consignment of figs must be information shall have practical utility; Department must continue to monitor
treated in accordance with 7 CFR part (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate actual program costs against the
305; and of the burden of the proposed collection appropriation. The reporting burden for
• Each consignment of figs is subject of information including the validity of forms FNS–388 and FNS–388A was
to inspection upon arrival at the port of the methodology and assumptions used; merged in 2015 with the burden for the
entry to the United States. (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, Food Programs Reporting System (OMB
These conditions will be listed in the and clarity of the information to be control number 0584–0594, expiration
Fruits and Vegetables Import collected; and (d) ways to minimize the date June 30, 2019). This 60-day notice
Requirements database (available at burden of the collection of information serves to renew the recordkeeping
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/favir/). In on those who are to respond, including burden only for these two forms.
addition to these specific measures, figs use of appropriate automated, Section 11(e)(12) of the Food and
from Peru will be subject to the general electronic, mechanical, or other Nutrition Act, 7 U.S.C. 2020 (e)(12),
requirements listed in § 319.56–3 that technological collection techniques or requires that the State Plan of
are applicable to the importation of all other forms of information technology. Operations provide for the submission
fruits and vegetables. Comments may be sent to Jane of reports required by the Secretary of
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450, 7701–7772, and Duffield, Chief, State Administration Agriculture. State agencies are required
7781–7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 7 CFR Branch, Supplemental Nutrition to report on a monthly basis on the
2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Assistance Program, Food and Nutrition FNS–388, State Issuance and
Done in Washington, DC, this 4th day of Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Participation Estimates, estimated or
August, 2016. 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 818, actual issuance and participation data
Kevin Shea, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may for the current month and previous
also be submitted via email to month, and actual participation data for
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health
SNAPSAB@fns.usda.gov. Comments the second preceding month. The FNS–
Inspection Service.
will also be accepted through the federal 388 report provides the necessary data
[FR Doc. 2016–18990 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am]
eRulemaking Portal. Go to http:// for an early warning system to enable
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
www.regulations.gov, and follow the the Department to monitor actual and
online instructions for submitting estimated costs for all benefit types
comments electronically. against the appropriation.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Disaster SNAP is authorized by
All responses to this notice will be
Food and Nutrition Service summarized and included in the request sections 402 and 502 of the Robert T.
for Office of Management and Budget Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Agency Information Collection Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)
approval. All comments will become a
Activities: Proposed Collection; and the temporary emergency
matter of public record.
Comment Request—Supplemental provisions contained in Section 5 of the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, and in
Nutrition Assistance Program: State Requests for additional information or
Issuance and Participation Estimates— 7 CFR part 280 of the SNAP regulations.
copies of this information collection State agencies may request FNS
Recordkeeping for Forms FNS–388 should be directed to Ralph Badette at
and FNS–388A approval to operate a Disaster SNAP in
703–457–7717. an area that has received a Presidential
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: declaration as a Major Disaster area
(FNS), USDA. Title: State Issuance and Participation eligible for Individual Assistance. In
ACTION: Notice. Estimates. accordance with 7 CFR 274.4, State
Form Number: FNS–388 and FNS– agencies shall keep records and report
SUMMARY: In accordance with the 388A. SNAP participation and issuance totals
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OMB Number: 0584–0081. to FNS.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is Expiration Date: July 31, 2016. State agencies in general only submit
publishing for public comment a Type of Request: Revision of a one statewide FNS–388 per month,
summary of a proposed information currently approved collection. which covers benefits from their
collection. This is a revision of a Abstract: Section 18(b) of the Food Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
currently approved collection for the and Nutrition Act, (the Act) 7 U.S.C. system. The exception is State agencies
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 2027(b), limits the value of allotments that choose to operate an approved
Program (SNAP), the forms FNS–388, paid to SNAP households to an amount alternative issuance demonstration
State Issuance and Participation not in excess of the appropriation for project such as a cash-out system submit
Estimates, and FNS–388A, Project Area the fiscal year. If allotments in any fiscal a separate report for each additional
Data Format. The reporting burden for year would exceed the appropriation, type of issuance system. As a result of
forms FNS–388 and FNS–388A were the Secretary of Agriculture is required the reporting burden for these forms
merged in 2015 with the burden for the to direct State agencies to reduce the being merged with 0584–0594, the
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Food Programs Reporting System (OMB value of SNAP allotments to the extent collective burden will be reduced by
control number 0584–0594, expiration necessary to stay within appropriated 5,187 hours. The remaining 17.28 hours
date June 30, 2019). This 60-day notice funding limits. Timely State monthly represents the State recordkeeping
serves to renew the recordkeeping issuance estimates are necessary for burden for these forms. Per 7 CFR
burden only for these two forms. FNS to ensure that it remains within the 272.1(f), State agencies are required to
DATES: Written comments must be appropriation. The estimates will also retain all records associated with the
received on or before October 11, 2016. have a direct effect upon the manner in administration of SNAP for no less than

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Aug 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1

Document Created: 2016-08-10 01:59:34
Document Modified: 2016-08-10 01:59:34

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Dates		Effective August 10, 2016.
Contact		Ms. Claudia Ferguson, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, Imports, Regulations, and Manuals, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-2352; [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 52812

81 FR 52812 - Notice of Decision To Authorize the Importation of Fresh Figs From Peru Into the Continental United States

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 154 (August 10, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service