81 FR 57493 - Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 163 (August 23, 2016)
Agricultural Marketing Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 163 (August 23, 2016)
| Page Range | 57493-57495 | |
| FR Document | 2016-20096 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 57493-57495] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-20096] ======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules [[Page 57493]] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 922 [Doc. No. AMS-SC-16-0050; SC16-922-1 PR] Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots handled under the marketing order. The Committee, which is composed of growers and handlers, locally administers the order which regulates the handling of apricots grown in designated counties in Washington. Assessments upon apricot handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated. DATES: Comments must be received by September 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposed rule. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938; or Internet: http://www.regulations.gov. Comments should reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: http://www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this proposed rule will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the internet at the address provided above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Novotny, Marketing Specialist, or Gary D. Olson, Regional Director, Northwest Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (503) 326-2724, Fax: (503) 326-7440, or Email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Antoinette Carter, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed rule is issued under Marketing Agreement and Order No. 922, both as amended (7 CFR part 922), regulating the handling of apricots grown in designated counties in Washington, hereinafter referred to as the ``order.'' The order is effective under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act.'' The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this proposed rule in conformance with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13175. This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. Under the order now in effect, apricot handlers in designated counties in Washington are subject to assessments. Funds to administer the order are derived from such assessments. It is intended that the assessment rate as proposed herein would be applicable to all assessable Washington apricots beginning April 1, 2016, and continue until amended, suspended, or terminated. The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted before parties may file suit in court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any handler subject to an order may file with USDA a petition stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance with law and request a modification of the order or to be exempted therefrom. Such handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. After the hearing, USDA would rule on the petition. The Act provides that the district court of the United States in any district in which the handler is an inhabitant, or has his or her principal place of business, has jurisdiction to review USDA's ruling on the petition, provided an action is filed not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of the ruling. This proposed rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Committee for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots handled under the order. The Washington apricots marketing order provides authority for the Committee, with the approval of USDA, to formulate an annual budget of expenses and collect assessments from handlers to administer the program. The members of the Committee are producers and handlers of apricots in designated counties in Washington. They are familiar with the Committee's needs, and with the costs for goods and services in their local area, and are thus in a position to formulate an appropriate budget and assessment rate. The assessment rate is formulated and discussed in a public meeting. Thus, all directly affected persons have an opportunity to participate and provide input. For the 2015-16 and subsequent fiscal periods, the Committee recommended, and the USDA approved, an assessment rate that would continue in effect from fiscal period to fiscal period unless modified, suspended, or terminated by USDA upon recommendation and information submitted by the Committee or other information available to USDA. The Committee met on May 11, 2016, and unanimously recommended 2016-17 expenditures of $7,160 and an assessment rate of $1.40 per ton of apricots. In comparison, the previous fiscal period's budgeted expenditures were $7,610. The recommended assessment rate of $1.40 per ton is $0.65 [[Page 57494]] per ton higher than the rate currently in effect. Last year at the May 12, 2015, meeting, Committee members voted to moderately increase the budget from $7,095 to $7,610, and to decrease the assessment rate from $1.50 to $0.75 per ton of apricots handled. The Committee was attempting to lower their excess reserve funds to approximately one fiscal period's operating expenses to remain in compliance with Sec. 922.42(a)(2) of the order. The Committee based its recommendation on a crop estimate of 5,800 tons for the 2015-16 crop year. The actual crop yield for that period was 4,795 tons, 1,005 tons less than the 5,800 ton estimate used by the Committee for budgeting purposes. Low water supply and higher than average temperatures were reported by the industry at the May 11, 2016, meeting as the major factors for the short 2015-16 crop. As a result of the reduced crop size and related lower assessment revenue, the Committee was forced to use more funds from its reserve than previously anticipated. The Committee intends to fully fund ongoing operations and maintain adequate reserve funds through the implementation of the proposed assessment rate increase for the 2016-17 and future fiscal periods. The major expenditures recommended by the Committee for the 2016-17 fiscal period include $3,000 for the contracted management fee to the Washington State Fruit Commission, $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,000 for the annual audit, $500 for computer and technical services, and $250 for office supplies. Budgeted expenses for these items in the 2015-2016 fiscal period were $3,000 for the management fee, $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,500 for the annual audit, and $500 for office supplies, respectively. The assessment rate recommended by the Committee was derived by dividing anticipated expenses by expected shipments of Washington apricots, while also taking into account the Committee's monetary reserve. Washington apricot shipments for the year are estimated at 5,000 tons which should provide $7,000 in assessment income at the proposed rate of $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots handled. Income derived from handler assessments, along with interest income and funds from the Committee's authorized reserve, would be adequate to cover budgeted expenses for the 2016-17 fiscal period. Funds in the reserve (currently $7,301) would be kept within the maximum amount permitted by the order of approximately one fiscal period's operational expenses. Authority for maintaining a financial reserve is found in Sec. 922.42(a)(2) of the order. The Committee expects its monetary reserve to decrease from $7,301 at the beginning of the 2016-17 fiscal period to approximately $7,141 at the end of the 2016-17 fiscal period. That amount would be within the provisions of the order and would provide the Committee with the ability to absorb fluctuations in assessment income and expenses into the future. The proposed assessment rate would continue in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated by USDA upon recommendation and information submitted by the Committee or other available information. Although this assessment rate would be in effect for an indefinite period, the Committee would continue to meet prior to or during each fiscal period to recommend a budget of expenses and consider recommendations for modification of the assessment rate. The dates and times of the Committee meetings are available from the Committee or the USDA. Committee meetings are open to the public and interested persons may express their views at these meetings. USDA would evaluate Committee recommendations and other available information to determine whether modification of the assessment rate is needed. Further rulemaking would be undertaken as necessary. The Committee's 2016-17 budget and those for subsequent fiscal periods would be reviewed and, as appropriate, approved by USDA. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has considered the economic impact of this proposed rule on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this initial regulatory flexibility analysis. The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of businesses subject to such actions in order that small businesses will not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued pursuant to the Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are unique in that they are brought about through group action of essentially small entities acting on their own behalf. There are approximately 100 growers and 17 handlers of Washington apricots subject to regulation under the marketing order in the regulated area. Small agricultural producers are defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as those having annual receipts of less than $750,000, and small agricultural service firms are defined as those whose annual receipts are less than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201). The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports that the 2015 total production and utilization (including both fresh and processed markets) of Washington apricots was approximately 8,000 tons, the average price was $1,050 per ton, and the total farm-gate value was approximately $8,400,000. Based on these reports and the number of apricot growers within the production area, it is estimated that the 2015 gross-average producer revenue from the sale of apricots was approximately $84,000. There are approximately 17 handlers under the order. According to information from the Committee, handlers shipped 4,795 tons of apricots during the 2015-16 fiscal period (approximately 400,000 24-pound containers), for an average of 282 tons (or 23,500 24-pound containers) of apricots shipped per handler. In addition, based on information from the USDA's Market News Service, 2015 freight-on-board prices for Washington No.1 apricots ranged from $20.00 to $26.00 per 24-pound container, with an average f.o.b price of $23.00 per container, for both loose-pack and 2-layer tray-pack containers. As such, the total value of apricots handled most likely ranged between $8,000,000 and $10,400,000, with most of the 17 handlers in the production area handling less than $1,000,000. Average handler revenue from the sale of apricots in 2015 is estimated at approximately $541,176. Using this information, it is determined that each of the Washington apricot handlers currently ship less than $7,500,000 worth of apricots on an annual basis. In view of the foregoing, it is concluded that the majority of handlers and growers of Washington apricots may be classified as small entities. This proposal would increase the assessment rate established for the Committee, and collected from handlers, for the 2016-17 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots handled. The proposed assessment rate of $1.40 is $0.65 higher than the 2015-16 rate. The quantity of assessable apricots for the 2016-17 fiscal period is estimated at 5,000 tons. Thus, the $1.40 rate should provide $7,000 in assessment income and, combined with the existing reserve fund, should be adequate to meet this year's budgeted expenses. The major expenditures recommended by the Committee for the [[Page 57495]] 2016-17 fiscal period include $3,000 for the contracted management fee to the Washington State Fruit Commission, $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,000 for the annual audit, $500 for computer and technical services, and $250 for office supplies. Budgeted expenses for these items in the 2015-2016 fiscal period were $3,000 for the management fee, $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,500 for the annual audit, and $500 for office supplies. The Committee discussed alternatives to this action, including recommending alternative expenditure levels and assessment rates. Although lower assessment rates were considered, none were selected because they would not have generated sufficient income to administer the order. A review of historical data and preliminary information pertaining to the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal period season indicates that the grower price for Washington apricots could range between $1,050 and $1,300 per ton. Therefore, the assessment revenue for the 2016-17 fiscal period, as a percentage of total grower revenue, could range between 0.133 and 0.108 percent. This action would increase the assessment obligation imposed on handlers. While assessments impose some additional costs on handlers, the costs are minimal and uniform on all handlers. However, these costs would be offset by the benefits derived by the operation of the order. In addition, the Committee's meeting was widely publicized throughout the Washington apricot industry and all interested persons were invited to attend the meeting and participate in Committee deliberations on all issues. Like all Committee meetings, the May 11, 2016, meeting was a public meeting and all entities, both large and small, were able to express views on this issue. Finally, interested persons are invited to submit comments on this proposed rule, including the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small businesses. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the order's information collection requirements have been previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB No. 0581-0189. No changes in those requirements as a result of this action are necessary. Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to OMB for approval. This proposed rule would not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on either small or large Washington apricot handlers. As with all Federal marketing order programs, reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap or conflict with this action. A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Antoinette Carter at the previously-mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. A 30-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to respond to this proposed rule. Thirty days is deemed appropriate because: (1) The 2016-17 fiscal period began on April 1, 2016, and the marketing order requires that the rate of assessment for each fiscal period apply to all assessable Washington apricots handled during such fiscal period; (2) the Committee needs to have sufficient funds to pay its expenses, which are incurred on a continuous basis; (3) handlers are already shipping Washington apricots from the 2016 crop; and (4) handlers are aware of this action, which was unanimously recommended by the Committee at a public meeting and is similar to other assessment rate actions issued in past years. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 922 Apricots, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 922 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 922--APRICOTS GROWN IN DESIGNATED COUNTIES IN WASHINGTON 0 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 922 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674. 0 2. Section 922.235 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 922.235 Assessment rate. On or after April 1, 2016, an assessment rate of $1.40 per ton is established for Washington apricots handled in the production area. Dated: August 18, 2016. Elanor Starmer, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2016-20096 Filed 8-22-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
![57493
Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 163
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Docket Clerk during regular business handler subject to an order may file
contains notices to the public of the proposed hours, or can be viewed at: http:// with USDA a petition stating that the
issuance of rules and regulations. The www.regulations.gov. All comments order, any provision of the order, or any
purpose of these notices is to give interested submitted in response to this proposed obligation imposed in connection with
persons an opportunity to participate in the rule will be included in the record and the order is not in accordance with law
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
will be made available to the public. and request a modification of the order
Please be advised that the identity of the or to be exempted therefrom. Such
individuals or entities submitting the handler is afforded the opportunity for
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE comments will be made public on the a hearing on the petition. After the
internet at the address provided above. hearing, USDA would rule on the
Agricultural Marketing Service FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale petition. The Act provides that the
Novotny, Marketing Specialist, or Gary district court of the United States in any
7 CFR Part 922 D. Olson, Regional Director, Northwest district in which the handler is an
[Doc. No. AMS–SC–16–0050; SC16–922–1 Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order inhabitant, or has his or her principal
PR] and Agreement Division, Specialty place of business, has jurisdiction to
Crops Program, AMS, USDA; review USDA’s ruling on the petition,
Apricots Grown in Designated Telephone: (503) 326–2724, Fax: (503) provided an action is filed not later than
Counties in Washington; Increased 326–7440, or Email: DaleJ.Novotny@ 20 days after the date of the entry of the
Assessment Rate ams.usda.gov or GaryD.Olson@ ruling.
ams.usda.gov. This proposed rule would increase
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, Small businesses may request the assessment rate established for the
USDA. information on complying with this Committee for the 2016–17 and
ACTION: Proposed rule. regulation by contacting Antoinette subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to
Carter, Marketing Order and Agreement $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would Division, Specialty Crops Program, handled under the order.
implement a recommendation from the AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence The Washington apricots marketing
Washington Apricot Marketing Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, order provides authority for the
Committee (Committee) to increase the DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– Committee, with the approval of USDA,
assessment rate established for the 2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Email: to formulate an annual budget of
2016–17 and subsequent fiscal periods Antoinette.Carter@ams.usda.gov. expenses and collect assessments from
from $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of handlers to administer the program. The
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
Washington apricots handled under the members of the Committee are
marketing order. The Committee, which proposed rule is issued under Marketing
Agreement and Order No. 922, both as producers and handlers of apricots in
is composed of growers and handlers, designated counties in Washington.
locally administers the order which amended (7 CFR part 922), regulating
the handling of apricots grown in They are familiar with the Committee’s
regulates the handling of apricots grown needs, and with the costs for goods and
in designated counties in Washington. designated counties in Washington,
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘order.’’ services in their local area, and are thus
Assessments upon apricot handlers are in a position to formulate an appropriate
used by the Committee to fund The order is effective under the
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act budget and assessment rate. The
reasonable and necessary expenses of assessment rate is formulated and
the program. The fiscal period begins of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674),
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’ discussed in a public meeting. Thus, all
April 1 and ends March 31. The directly affected persons have an
The Department of Agriculture
assessment rate would remain in effect opportunity to participate and provide
(USDA) is issuing this proposed rule in
indefinitely unless modified, input.
conformance with Executive Orders
suspended, or terminated. For the 2015–16 and subsequent fiscal
12866, 13563, and 13175.
DATES: Comments must be received by This proposed rule has been reviewed periods, the Committee recommended,
September 22, 2016. under Executive Order 12988, Civil and the USDA approved, an assessment
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are Justice Reform. Under the order now in rate that would continue in effect from
invited to submit written comments effect, apricot handlers in designated fiscal period to fiscal period unless
concerning this proposed rule. counties in Washington are subject to modified, suspended, or terminated by
Comments must be sent to the Docket assessments. Funds to administer the USDA upon recommendation and
Clerk, Marketing Order and Agreement order are derived from such information submitted by the
Division, Specialty Crops Program, assessments. It is intended that the Committee or other information
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence assessment rate as proposed herein available to USDA.
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, would be applicable to all assessable The Committee met on May 11, 2016,
DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938; or Washington apricots beginning April 1, and unanimously recommended 2016–
Internet: http://www.regulations.gov. 2016, and continue until amended, 17 expenditures of $7,160 and an
Comments should reference the suspended, or terminated. assessment rate of $1.40 per ton of
document number and the date and The Act provides that administrative apricots. In comparison, the previous
page number of this issue of the Federal proceedings must be exhausted before fiscal period’s budgeted expenditures
Register and will be made available for parties may file suit in court. Under were $7,610. The recommended
public inspection in the Office of the section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any assessment rate of $1.40 per ton is $0.65
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules 57495
2016–17 fiscal period include $3,000 for small or large Washington apricot established for Washington apricots
the contracted management fee to the handlers. As with all Federal marketing handled in the production area.
Washington State Fruit Commission, order programs, reports and forms are Dated: August 18, 2016.
$1,200 for Committee travel, $2,000 for periodically reviewed to reduce Elanor Starmer,
the annual audit, $500 for computer and information requirements and
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
technical services, and $250 for office duplication by industry and public
Service.
supplies. Budgeted expenses for these sector agencies.
[FR Doc. 2016–20096 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am]
items in the 2015–2016 fiscal period AMS is committed to complying with
the E-Government Act, to promote the BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
were $3,000 for the management fee,
$1,200 for Committee travel, $2,500 for use of the internet and other
the annual audit, and $500 for office information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
supplies.
The Committee discussed alternatives access to Government information and Agricultural Marketing Service
to this action, including recommending services, and for other purposes.
alternative expenditure levels and USDA has not identified any relevant
7 CFR Part 1260
assessment rates. Although lower Federal rules that duplicate, overlap or
assessment rates were considered, none conflict with this action. [No. AMS–LPS–15–0084]
were selected because they would not A small business guide on complying
have generated sufficient income to with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop Amendment to the Beef Promotion and
administer the order. marketing agreements and orders may Research Rules and Regulations
A review of historical data and be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/
preliminary information pertaining to rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses. AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
the upcoming 2016–17 fiscal period Any questions about the compliance USDA.
season indicates that the grower price guide should be sent to Antoinette ACTION: Proposed rule.
for Washington apricots could range Carter at the previously-mentioned
between $1,050 and $1,300 per ton. address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION SUMMARY: This proposed rule would
Therefore, the assessment revenue for CONTACT section. amend the Beef Promotion and Research
the 2016–17 fiscal period, as a A 30-day comment period is provided Order (Order) established under the
percentage of total grower revenue, to allow interested persons to respond Beef Promotion and Research Act of
could range between 0.133 and 0.108 to this proposed rule. Thirty days is 1985 (Act) to add six Harmonized Tariff
percent. deemed appropriate because: (1) The System (HTS) codes for imported veal
This action would increase the 2016–17 fiscal period began on April 1, and veal products and update
assessment obligation imposed on 2016, and the marketing order requires assessment levels for imported veal and
handlers. While assessments impose that the rate of assessment for each veal products based on revised
some additional costs on handlers, the fiscal period apply to all assessable determinations of live animal
costs are minimal and uniform on all Washington apricots handled during equivalencies.
handlers. However, these costs would such fiscal period; (2) the Committee DATES: Comments must be received by
be offset by the benefits derived by the needs to have sufficient funds to pay its October 24, 2016.
operation of the order. expenses, which are incurred on a
In addition, the Committee’s meeting ADDRESSES: Comments should be posted
continuous basis; (3) handlers are
was widely publicized throughout the online at www.regulations.gov.
already shipping Washington apricots
Washington apricot industry and all Comments received will be posted
from the 2016 crop; and (4) handlers are
interested persons were invited to without change, including any personal
aware of this action, which was
attend the meeting and participate in information provided. All comments
unanimously recommended by the
Committee deliberations on all issues. should reference the docket number
Committee at a public meeting and is
Like all Committee meetings, the May AMS–LPS–15–0084; the date of
similar to other assessment rate actions
11, 2016, meeting was a public meeting submission; and the page number of this
issued in past years.
and all entities, both large and small, issue of the Federal Register. Comments
were able to express views on this issue. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 922 may also be sent to Mike Dinkel,
Finally, interested persons are invited to Apricots, Marketing agreements, Agricultural Marketing Specialist,
submit comments on this proposed rule, Reporting and recordkeeping Research and Promotion Division,
including the regulatory and requirements. Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program,
informational impacts of this action on For the reasons set forth in the AMS, USDA, Room 2610–S, STOP 0249,
small businesses. preamble, 7 CFR part 922 is proposed to 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
In accordance with the Paperwork be amended as follows: Washington, DC 20250–0249; or via fax
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. (202) 720–1125. Comments will be
Chapter 35), the order’s information PART 922—APRICOTS GROWN IN made available for public inspection at
collection requirements have been DESIGNATED COUNTIES IN the above address during regular
previously approved by the Office of WASHINGTON business hours or via the Internet at
Management and Budget (OMB) and www.regulations.gov. Comments must
assigned OMB No. 0581–0189. No ■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR be received by October 24, 2016.
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
changes in those requirements as a part 922 continues to read as follows: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
result of this action are necessary. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. Mike Dinkel, Agricultural Marketing
Should any changes become necessary, ■ 2. Section 922.235 is revised to read Specialist, Research and Promotion
they would be submitted to OMB for as follows: Division, Livestock, Poultry, and Seed
approval. Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2610–S,
This proposed rule would not impose § 922.235 Assessment rate. STOP 0249, 1400 Independence Avenue
any additional reporting or On or after April 1, 2016, an SW., Washington, DC 20250–0249; fax
recordkeeping requirements on either assessment rate of $1.40 per ton is (202) 720–1125; telephone (301) 352–
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Document Created: 2018-02-09 11:39:59
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 11:39:59
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received by September 22, 2016. | |
| Contact | Dale Novotny, Marketing Specialist, or Gary D. Olson, Regional Director, Northwest Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (503) 326-2724, Fax: (503) 326-7440, or Email: [email protected] or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 57493 | |
| CFR Associated | Apricots; Marketing Agreements and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements |
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