81_FR_74867 81 FR 74659 - Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate

81 FR 74659 - Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 208 (October 27, 2016)

Page Range74659-74662
FR Document2016-25694

This rule implements 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.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 208 (Thursday, October 27, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 208 (Thursday, October 27, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74659-74662]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25694]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 922

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-16-0050; SC16-922-1 FR]


Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased 
Assessment Rate

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This rule implements 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: Effective October 28, 2016.

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 Richard Lower, 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 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.''

[[Page 74660]]

    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this rule in 
conformance with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13175.
    This 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 issued herein will 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 rule increases 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 apricot 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 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 
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 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 should provide the Committee 
with the ability to absorb fluctuations in assessment income and 
expenses into the future.
    The assessment rate will 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 will be in effect for an indefinite 
period, the Committee will 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 will evaluate Committee 
recommendations and other available information to determine whether 
modification of the assessment rate is needed. Further rulemaking will 
be undertaken as necessary. The Committee's 2016-17 budget and those 
for subsequent fiscal periods will be reviewed and, as appropriate, 
approved by USDA.

Final 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 rule on small entities. 
Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final 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

[[Page 74661]]

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. Most apricot producers and all handlers accounted for 
in the regulated area are engaged in the production of other crops in 
addition to apricots. 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 average revenue from the sale of apricots was approximately 
$84,000. In addition, based on information from the USDA's Market News 
Service, 2015 f.o.b. prices for Washington No.1 apricots ranged from 
$20.00 to $26.00 per 24-pound container for both loose pack and 2-layer 
tray-pack containers. Using average prices and shipment information 
provided by the Committee, 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 rule increases 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 new 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 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 2016-17 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 increases the assessment obligation imposed on 
handlers. While assessments impose some additional costs on handlers, 
the costs are minimal and uniform on all handlers. Some of the 
additional costs may be passed on to producers. However, these costs 
are 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 were invited 
to submit comments on this 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 rule imposes no 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. As noted in the 
initial regulatory flexibility analysis, USDA has not identified any 
relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap or conflict with this 
final rule.
    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.
    A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the Federal 
Register on August 23, 2016 (81 FR 57493). Copies of the proposed rule 
were also mailed or sent via facsimile to all apricot handlers. 
Finally, the proposal was made available through the internet by USDA 
and the Office of the Federal Register. A 30-day comment period ending 
September 22, 2016, was provided for interested persons to respond to 
the proposal. No comments were received.
    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 Richard Lower at the 
previously-mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    After consideration of all relevant material presented, including 
the information and recommendation submitted by the Committee and other 
available information, it is hereby found that this rule, as 
hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of 
the Act.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also found and determined that good 
cause exists for not postponing the effective date of this rule until 
30 days after publication in the Federal Register 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. Further, handlers are aware of this rule 
which was recommended at a public meeting. Also, a 30-day comment

[[Page 74662]]

period was provided for in the proposed rule.

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 
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: October 19, 2016.
Elanor Starmer,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-25694 Filed 10-26-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        74659

                                                List of Subjects in 2 CFR Part 1800                     Access to Research Results                            DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                  Government financial assistance.                         (a) This award is subject to the
                                                                                                        requirements of the, ‘‘NASA Plan: Increasing          Agricultural Marketing Service
                                                Manuel Quinones,                                        Access to the Results of Scientific Research,’’
                                                NASA Federal Register Liaison Officer.                  which covers public access to digital                 7 CFR Part 922
                                                  Accordingly, 2 CFR part 1800 is                       scientific data and peer-reviewed                     [Doc. No. AMS–SC–16–0050; SC16–922–1
                                                amended as follows:                                     publications. For purposes of this term and           FR]
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for 2 CFR                   condition, the following definitions apply:
                                                part 1800 continues to read as follows:                    (1) Awardee: Any recipient of a NASA               Apricots Grown in Designated
                                                                                                        grant or cooperative agreement, its                   Counties in Washington; Increased
                                                  Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(e), Pub. L. 97–            investigators, and subrecipient (subaward or          Assessment Rate
                                                258, 96 Stat. 1003 (31 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.),
                                                and 2 CFR part 200.                                     contract as defined in 2 CFR 200.92 and
                                                                                                                                                              AGENCY:  Agricultural Marketing Service,
                                                                                                        200.22, respectively) at any level.
                                                ■ 2. Revise § 1800.210 to read as                                                                             USDA.
                                                                                                           (2) Final Peer-Reviewed Manuscript: The
                                                follows:                                                final text version of a peer-reviewed article         ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                        disclosing the results of scientific research         SUMMARY:   This rule implements a
                                                § 1800.210 Information contained in a
                                                                                                        which is authored or co-authored by the               recommendation from the Washington
                                                Federal award.
                                                                                                        Awardee or funded, in whole or in part, with          Apricot Marketing Committee
                                                   NASA waives the requirement for the                  funds from a NASA award, that includes all
                                                inclusion of indirect cost rates on any                                                                       (Committee) to increase the assessment
                                                                                                        modifications from the publishing peer                rate established for the 2016–17 and
                                                notice of Federal award for commercial                  review process, and all graphics and
                                                firms with no cost sharing requirement.                                                                       subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to
                                                                                                        supplemental material prepared by Awardee.            $1.40 per ton of Washington apricots
                                                The terms and conditions for NASA                          (b) The recipient shall:
                                                may be found at appendix B of this part                                                                       handled under the marketing order. The
                                                                                                           (1) Comply with their approved Data                Committee, which is composed of
                                                and https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/                     Management Plan submitted with its
                                                pub_library/srba.                                                                                             growers and handlers, locally
                                                                                                        proposal, and as modified upon agreement by
                                                                                                                                                              administers the order which regulates
                                                ■ 3. Amend appendix B to part 1800 by:                  the recipient and NASA from time to time
                                                ■ a. Under 1800.902 Technical
                                                                                                                                                              the handling of apricots grown in
                                                                                                        during the course of the period of
                                                Publications and Reports, adding                                                                              designated counties in Washington.
                                                                                                        performance.
                                                paragraph (a)(4); and                                                                                         Assessments upon apricot handlers are
                                                                                                           (2) Ensure that any Final Peer-Reviewed
                                                ■ b. Adding 1800.929 Indirect Costs and
                                                                                                                                                              used by the Committee to fund
                                                                                                        Manuscript is submitted to the NASA-
                                                1800.930 Access to Research Results.                                                                          reasonable and necessary expenses of
                                                                                                        designated repository, currently the PubMed
                                                   The additions read as follows:                                                                             the program. The fiscal period begins
                                                                                                        Central system at http://
                                                                                                                                                              April 1 and ends March 31. The
                                                Appendix B to Part 1800—Terms and                       www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/. NASA will
                                                                                                                                                              assessment rate would remain in effect
                                                Conditions                                              provide instructions for completing the
                                                                                                                                                              indefinitely unless modified,
                                                                                                        submission process under separate cover.
                                                *      *     *       *      *                                                                                 suspended, or terminated.
                                                                                                        Ensure that the Final Peer-Reviewed
                                                                                                        Manuscript is submitted to PubMed Central             DATES: Effective October 28, 2016.
                                                1800.902    Technical Publications and
                                                Reports                                                 within one year of completion of the peer             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale
                                                *      *     *       *      *                           review process.                                       Novotny, Marketing Specialist, or Gary
                                                  (a) * * *                                                (3) Ensure that any publisher’s agreements         D. Olson, Regional Director, Northwest
                                                  (4) For research and research-related                 entered into by an Awardee will allow for the         Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order
                                                awards, see additional reporting                        Awardee to comply with these requirements             and Agreement Division, Specialty
                                                requirements at 1800.930 Access to Research             including submission of Final Peer-Reviewed           Crops Program, AMS, USDA;
                                                Results.                                                Manuscripts to the NASA-designated                    Telephone: (503) 326–2724, Fax: (503)
                                                *      *     *       *      *                           repository, as listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this     326–7440, or Email: DaleJ.Novotny@
                                                                                                        term and condition, with sufficient rights to         ams.usda.gov or GaryD.Olson@
                                                1800.929 Indirect Costs
                                                                                                        permit such repository to use such Final              ams.usda.gov.
                                                  Prescription—The Grant Officer shall                                                                           Small businesses may request
                                                                                                        Peer-Reviewed Manuscript in its normal
                                                include this term and condition in all awards                                                                 information on complying with this
                                                with indirect costs, excluding those awards             course, including rights to permit users to
                                                to institutions of higher education and to              download XML and plain text formats.                  regulation by contacting Richard Lower,
                                                entities using the 10% de minimis rate.                    (4) Hereby represent and warrant that              Marketing Order and Agreement
                                                                                                        Awardee has secured for recipient the right           Division, Specialty Crops Program,
                                                Indirect Costs                                                                                                AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
                                                                                                        to submit the Final Peer-Reviewed
                                                   Unless otherwise directed in 2 CFR part              Manuscript to the NASA-designated                     Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington,
                                                200, if during the course of this award, the            repository for use as set forth herein.               DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720–
                                                approved indirect cost rate is revised,
                                                                                                           (5) Include in annual and final reports a          2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Email:
                                                changed or removed, that rate must be
                                                applied, as allowed, to the covered direct              list of Final Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts               Richard.Lower@ams.usda.gov.
                                                costs that are expended during the time                 covered by this term and condition.                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule
                                                frame of that rate agreement. Any corrections,          (End of Term and Condition)                           is issued under Marketing Agreement
                                                either up or down, to the approved budget               [FR Doc. 2016–26014 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am]          and Order No. 922, both as amended (7
                                                submitted with the awarded application must                                                                   CFR part 922), regulating the handling
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                be reflected in the awardees’ records of costs          BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
                                                                                                                                                              of apricots grown in designated counties
                                                and should be audited as such.
                                                                                                                                                              in Washington, hereinafter referred to as
                                                (End of Term and Condition)                                                                                   the ‘‘order.’’ The order is effective under
                                                1800.930 Access to Research Results                                                                           the Agricultural Marketing Agreement
                                                  Prescription—The Grant Officer shall                                                                        Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–
                                                include this term and condition in all                                                                        674), hereinafter referred to as the
                                                research and research-related awards.                                                                         ‘‘Act.’’


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:32 Oct 26, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\27OCR1.SGM   27OCR1


                                                74660            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  The Department of Agriculture                         fiscal period to fiscal period unless                 year are estimated at 5,000 tons which
                                                (USDA) is issuing this rule in                          modified, suspended, or terminated by                 should provide $7,000 in assessment
                                                conformance with Executive Orders                       USDA upon recommendation and                          income at the rate of $1.40 per ton of
                                                12866, 13563, and 13175.                                information submitted by the                          Washington apricots handled. Income
                                                  This rule has been reviewed under                     Committee or other information                        derived from handler assessments, along
                                                Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice                    available to USDA.                                    with interest income and funds from the
                                                Reform. Under the order now in effect,                     The Committee met on May 11, 2016,                 Committee’s authorized reserve, would
                                                apricot handlers in designated counties                 and unanimously recommended 2016–                     be adequate to cover budgeted expenses
                                                in Washington are subject to                            17 expenditures of $7,160 and an                      for the 2016–17 fiscal period. Funds in
                                                assessments. Funds to administer the                    assessment rate of $1.40 per ton of                   the reserve (currently $7,301) would be
                                                order are derived from such                             apricots. In comparison, the previous                 kept within the maximum amount
                                                assessments. It is intended that the                    fiscal period’s budgeted expenditures                 permitted by the order of approximately
                                                assessment rate as issued herein will be                were $7,610. The recommended                          one fiscal period’s operational expenses.
                                                applicable to all assessable Washington                 assessment rate of $1.40 per ton is $0.65             Authority for maintaining a financial
                                                apricots beginning April 1, 2016, and                   per ton higher than the rate currently in             reserve is found in § 922.42(a)(2) of the
                                                continue until amended, suspended, or                   effect.                                               order. The Committee expects its
                                                terminated.                                                Last year at the May 12, 2015,                     monetary reserve to decrease from
                                                  The Act provides that administrative                  meeting, Committee members voted to                   $7,301 at the beginning of the 2016–17
                                                proceedings must be exhausted before                    moderately increase the budget from                   fiscal period to approximately $7,141 at
                                                parties may file suit in court. Under                   $7,095 to $7,610, and to decrease the                 the end of the 2016–17 fiscal period.
                                                section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any                     assessment rate from $1.50 to $0.75 per               That amount would be within the
                                                handler subject to an order may file                    ton of apricots handled. The Committee                provisions of the order and should
                                                with USDA a petition stating that the                   was attempting to lower their excess                  provide the Committee with the ability
                                                order, any provision of the order, or any               reserve funds to approximately one                    to absorb fluctuations in assessment
                                                obligation imposed in connection with                   fiscal period’s operating expenses to                 income and expenses into the future.
                                                the order is not in accordance with law                 remain in compliance with                                The assessment rate will continue in
                                                and request a modification of the order                 § 922.42(a)(2) of the order. The                      effect indefinitely unless modified,
                                                or to be exempted therefrom. Such                       Committee based its recommendation                    suspended, or terminated by USDA
                                                handler is afforded the opportunity for                 on a crop estimate of 5,800 tons for the              upon recommendation and information
                                                a hearing on the petition. After the                    2015–16 crop year. The actual crop                    submitted by the Committee or other
                                                hearing, USDA would rule on the                         yield for that period was 4,795 tons,                 available information.
                                                petition. The Act provides that the                     1,005 tons less than the 5,800 ton                       Although this assessment rate will be
                                                district court of the United States in any              estimate used by the Committee for                    in effect for an indefinite period, the
                                                district in which the handler is an                     budgeting purposes. Low water supply                  Committee will continue to meet prior
                                                inhabitant, or has his or her principal                 and higher than average temperatures                  to or during each fiscal period to
                                                place of business, has jurisdiction to                  were reported by the industry at the                  recommend a budget of expenses and
                                                review USDA’s ruling on the petition,                   May 11, 2016, meeting as the major                    consider recommendations for
                                                provided an action is filed not later than              factors for the short 2015–16 crop. As a              modification of the assessment rate. The
                                                20 days after the date of the entry of the              result of the reduced crop size and                   dates and times of the Committee
                                                ruling.                                                 related lower assessment revenue, the                 meetings are available from the
                                                  This rule increases the assessment                    Committee was forced to use more                      Committee or the USDA. Committee
                                                rate established for the Committee for                  funds from its reserve than previously                meetings are open to the public and
                                                the 2016–17 and subsequent fiscal                       anticipated. The Committee intends to                 interested persons may express their
                                                periods from $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of                  fully fund ongoing operations and                     views at these meetings. USDA will
                                                Washington apricots handled under the                   maintain adequate reserve funds                       evaluate Committee recommendations
                                                order.                                                  through the implementation of the                     and other available information to
                                                  The Washington apricot marketing                      assessment rate increase for the 2016–17              determine whether modification of the
                                                order provides authority for the                        and future fiscal periods.                            assessment rate is needed. Further
                                                Committee, with the approval of USDA,                      The major expenditures                             rulemaking will be undertaken as
                                                to formulate an annual budget of                        recommended by the Committee for the                  necessary. The Committee’s 2016–17
                                                expenses and collect assessments from                   2016–17 fiscal period include $3,000 for              budget and those for subsequent fiscal
                                                handlers to administer the program. The                 the contracted management fee to the                  periods will be reviewed and, as
                                                members of the Committee are                            Washington State Fruit Commission,                    appropriate, approved by USDA.
                                                producers and handlers of apricots in                   $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,000 for
                                                designated counties in Washington.                      the annual audit, $500 for computer and               Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
                                                They are familiar with the Committee’s                  technical services, and $250 for office                  Pursuant to requirements set forth in
                                                needs, and with the costs for goods and                 supplies. Budgeted expenses for these                 the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
                                                services in their local area, and are thus              items in the 2015–2016 fiscal period                  U.S.C. 601–612), the Agricultural
                                                in a position to formulate an appropriate               were $3,000 for the management fee,                   Marketing Service (AMS) has
                                                budget and assessment rate. The                         $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,500 for               considered the economic impact of this
                                                assessment rate is formulated and                       the annual audit, and $500 for office                 rule on small entities. Accordingly,
                                                discussed in a public meeting. Thus, all                supplies, respectively.                               AMS has prepared this final regulatory
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                                                directly affected persons have an                          The assessment rate recommended by                 flexibility analysis.
                                                opportunity to participate and provide                  the Committee was derived by dividing                    The purpose of the RFA is to fit
                                                input.                                                  anticipated expenses by expected                      regulatory actions to the scale of
                                                  For the 2015–16 and subsequent fiscal                 shipments of Washington apricots,                     businesses subject to such actions in
                                                periods, the Committee recommended,                     while also taking into account the                    order that small businesses will not be
                                                and the USDA approved, an assessment                    Committee’s monetary reserve.                         unduly or disproportionately burdened.
                                                rate that would continue in effect from                 Washington apricot shipments for the                  Marketing orders issued pursuant to the


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                      74661

                                                Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are               $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,000 for               reduce information requirements and
                                                unique in that they are brought about                   the annual audit, $500 for computer and               duplication by industry and public
                                                through group action of essentially                     technical services, and $250 for office               sector agencies. As noted in the initial
                                                small entities acting on their own                      supplies. Budgeted expenses for these                 regulatory flexibility analysis, USDA
                                                behalf.                                                 items in the 2015–2016 fiscal period                  has not identified any relevant Federal
                                                   There are approximately 100 growers                  were $3,000 for the management fee,                   rules that duplicate, overlap or conflict
                                                and 17 handlers of Washington apricots                  $1,200 for Committee travel, $2,500 for               with this final rule.
                                                subject to regulation under the                         the annual audit, and $500 for office                    AMS is committed to complying with
                                                marketing order in the regulated area.                  supplies.                                             the E-Government Act, to promote the
                                                Most apricot producers and all handlers                    The Committee discussed alternatives               use of the internet and other
                                                accounted for in the regulated area are                 to this action, including recommending                information technologies to provide
                                                engaged in the production of other crops                alternative expenditure levels and                    increased opportunities for citizen
                                                in addition to apricots. Small                          assessment rates. Although lower                      access to Government information and
                                                agricultural producers are defined by                   assessment rates were considered, none                services, and for other purposes.
                                                the Small Business Administration                       were selected because they would not                     A proposed rule concerning this
                                                (SBA) as those having annual receipts of                have generated sufficient income to                   action was published in the Federal
                                                less than $750,000, and small                           administer the order.                                 Register on August 23, 2016 (81 FR
                                                agricultural service firms are defined as                  A review of historical data and                    57493). Copies of the proposed rule
                                                those whose annual receipts are less                    preliminary information pertaining to                 were also mailed or sent via facsimile to
                                                than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201).                       the 2016–17 season indicates that the                 all apricot handlers. Finally, the
                                                   The National Agricultural Statistics                 grower price for Washington apricots                  proposal was made available through
                                                Service (NASS) reports that the 2015                    could range between $1,050 and $1,300                 the internet by USDA and the Office of
                                                total production and utilization                        per ton. Therefore, the assessment                    the Federal Register. A 30-day comment
                                                (including both fresh and processed                     revenue for the 2016–17 fiscal period, as             period ending September 22, 2016, was
                                                markets) of Washington apricots was                     a percentage of total grower revenue,                 provided for interested persons to
                                                approximately 8,000 tons, the average                   could range between 0.133 and 0.108                   respond to the proposal. No comments
                                                price was $1,050 per ton, and the total                 percent.                                              were received.
                                                farm-gate value was approximately                          This action increases the assessment                  A small business guide on complying
                                                $8,400,000. Based on these reports and                  obligation imposed on handlers. While                 with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
                                                the number of apricot growers within                    assessments impose some additional                    marketing agreements and orders may
                                                the production area, it is estimated that               costs on handlers, the costs are minimal              be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/
                                                the 2015 average revenue from the sale                  and uniform on all handlers. Some of                  rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses.
                                                of apricots was approximately $84,000.                  the additional costs may be passed on                 Any questions about the compliance
                                                In addition, based on information from                  to producers. However, these costs are                guide should be sent to Richard Lower
                                                the USDA’s Market News Service, 2015                    offset by the benefits derived by the                 at the previously-mentioned address in
                                                f.o.b. prices for Washington No.1                       operation of the order. In addition, the              the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
                                                apricots ranged from $20.00 to $26.00                   Committee’s meeting was widely                        section.
                                                per 24-pound container for both loose                   publicized throughout the Washington                     After consideration of all relevant
                                                pack and 2-layer tray-pack containers.                  apricot industry and all interested                   material presented, including the
                                                Using average prices and shipment                       persons were invited to attend the                    information and recommendation
                                                information provided by the Committee,                  meeting and participate in Committee                  submitted by the Committee and other
                                                it is determined that each of the                       deliberations on all issues. Like all                 available information, it is hereby found
                                                Washington apricot handlers currently                   Committee meetings, the May 11, 2016,                 that this rule, as hereinafter set forth,
                                                ship less than $7,500,000 worth of                      meeting was a public meeting and all                  will tend to effectuate the declared
                                                apricots on an annual basis. In view of                 entities, both large and small, were able             policy of the Act.
                                                the foregoing, it is concluded that the                 to express views on this issue. Finally,                 Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also
                                                majority of handlers and growers of                     interested persons were invited to                    found and determined that good cause
                                                Washington apricots may be classified                   submit comments on this rule,                         exists for not postponing the effective
                                                as small entities.                                      including the regulatory and                          date of this rule until 30 days after
                                                   This rule increases the assessment                   informational impacts of this action on               publication in the Federal Register
                                                rate established for the Committee, and                 small businesses.                                     because: (1) The 2016–17 fiscal period
                                                collected from handlers, for the 2016–17                   In accordance with the Paperwork                   began on April 1, 2016, and the
                                                and subsequent fiscal periods from                      Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.                      marketing order requires that the rate of
                                                $0.75 to $1.40 per ton of Washington                    Chapter 35), the order’s information                  assessment for each fiscal period apply
                                                apricots handled. The new assessment                    collection requirements have been                     to all assessable Washington apricots
                                                rate of $1.40 is $0.65 higher than the                  previously approved by the Office of                  handled during such fiscal period; (2)
                                                2015–16 rate. The quantity of assessable                Management and Budget (OMB) and                       the Committee needs to have sufficient
                                                apricots for the 2016–17 fiscal period is               assigned OMB No. 0581–0189. No                        funds to pay its expenses, which are
                                                estimated at 5,000 tons. Thus, the $1.40                changes in those requirements as a                    incurred on a continuous basis; (3)
                                                rate should provide $7,000 in                           result of this action are necessary.                  handlers are already shipping
                                                assessment income and, combined with                    Should any changes become necessary,                  Washington apricots from the 2016
                                                the existing reserve fund, should be                    they would be submitted to OMB for                    crop; and (4) handlers are aware of this
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                                                adequate to meet this year’s budgeted                   approval.                                             action, which was unanimously
                                                expenses.                                                  This rule imposes no additional                    recommended by the Committee at a
                                                   The major expenditures                               reporting or recordkeeping requirements               public meeting and is similar to other
                                                recommended by the Committee for the                    on either small or large Washington                   assessment rate actions issued in past
                                                2016–17 fiscal period include $3,000 for                apricot handlers. As with all Federal                 years. Further, handlers are aware of
                                                the contracted management fee to the                    marketing order programs, reports and                 this rule which was recommended at a
                                                Washington State Fruit Commission,                      forms are periodically reviewed to                    public meeting. Also, a 30-day comment


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                                                74662            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                period was provided for in the proposed                 between the wire and terminal lug,                    proposed requirements were intended to
                                                rule.                                                   subsequent loss of electrical power, and              detect incorrectly installed or crimped
                                                                                                        an electrical fire.                                   terminal lugs and prevent contact
                                                List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 922
                                                                                                        DATES: This AD is effective December 1,               resistance and reduced gastightness
                                                  Apricots, Marketing agreements,                       2016.                                                 between the wire and terminal lug,
                                                Reporting and recordkeeping                                The Director of the Federal Register               subsequent loss of electrical power, and
                                                requirements.                                           approved the incorporation by reference               an electrical fire.
                                                  For the reasons set forth in the                      of a certain document listed in this AD                  The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
                                                preamble, 7 CFR part 922 is amended as                  as of December 1, 2016.                               2015–0044, dated March 13, 2015,
                                                follows:                                                ADDRESSES: For service information                    issued by EASA, which is the Technical
                                                                                                        identified in this final rule, contact                Agent for the Member States of the
                                                PART 922—APRICOTS GROWN IN                                                                                    European Union, to correct an unsafe
                                                                                                        Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum
                                                DESIGNATED COUNTIES IN                                                                                        condition for certain serial-numbered
                                                                                                        Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
                                                WASHINGTON                                                                                                    Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK117
                                                                                                        telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR                   0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://               C–2 helicopters. EASA advises that
                                                part 922 continues to read as follows:                  www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                    terminal lugs with incorrect crimping,
                                                                                                        You may review the referenced service                 which can adversely affect contact
                                                    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.                                                                              resistance and gastightness of the
                                                                                                        information at the FAA, Office of the
                                                ■ 2. Section 922.235 is revised to read                 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                   contact between the wire and the
                                                as follows:                                             10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                    terminal lug, may have been installed
                                                                                                        Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also                      on some helicopters in production.
                                                § 922.235    Assessment rate.                                                                                 EASA advises that this condition, if not
                                                                                                        available on the Internet at http://
                                                  On or after April 1, 2016, an                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  detected and corrected, could lead to
                                                assessment rate of $1.40 per ton is                     and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     the loss of electrical power during flight.
                                                established for Washington apricots                     5306.                                                 Because of this, the EASA AD requires
                                                handled in the production area.                                                                               a one-time visual inspection of the
                                                                                                        Examining the AD Docket                               terminal lugs and replacement of
                                                  Dated: October 19, 2016.
                                                Elanor Starmer,                                            You may examine the AD docket on                   affected lugs if incorrect crimping is
                                                Administrator, Agricultural Marketing                   the Internet at http://                               found.
                                                Service.                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                        and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     Comments
                                                [FR Doc. 2016–25694 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am]
                                                BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
                                                                                                        5306; or in person at the Docket                        We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                        Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5                participate in developing this AD, but
                                                                                                        p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   we received no comments on the NPRM
                                                                                                        Federal holidays. The AD docket                       (81 FR 23656, April 22, 2016).
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                        contains this AD, the European Aviation
                                                                                                        Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any                          FAA’s Determination
                                                Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                        incorporated-by-reference service                       These helicopters have been approved
                                                14 CFR Part 39                                          information, the economic evaluation,                 by the aviation authority of Germany
                                                                                                        any comments received, and other                      and are approved for operation in the
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2016–5306; Directorate                  information. The street address for the               United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                                Identifier 2015–SW–010–AD; Amendment                    Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–
                                                39–18697; AD 2016–22–08]
                                                                                                                                                              agreement with Germany, EASA, its
                                                                                                        647–5527) is U.S. Department of                       technical representative, has notified us
                                                RIN 2120–AA64                                           Transportation, Docket Operations                     of the unsafe condition described in the
                                                                                                        Office, M–30, West Building Ground                    EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
                                                Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                        Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                  because we evaluated all information
                                                Helicopters Deutschland GmbH                            Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.                     provided by EASA and determined the
                                                Helicopters                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      unsafe condition exists and is likely to
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               George Schwab, Aviation Safety                        exist or develop on other helicopters of
                                                Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Engineer, Safety Management Group,                    these same type designs and that air
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                     Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101                    safety and the public interest require
                                                                                                        Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 adopting the AD requirements as
                                                SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                        telephone (817) 222–5110; email                       proposed.
                                                airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus                 george.schwab@faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                              Related Service Information Under 1
                                                Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            CFR Part 51
                                                Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2
                                                helicopters. This AD requires inspecting                Discussion                                              We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
                                                each terminal lug and replacing any lug                   On April 22, 2016, at 81 FR 23656, the              Service Bulletin ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–
                                                that has discoloration, corrosion,                      Federal Register published our notice of              24A–013, Revision 1, dated November
                                                incorrect crimping, or incorrect                        proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which                     25, 2014 (ASB). The ASB specifies a
                                                installation. This AD was prompted by                   proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by                   visual inspection of the terminal lugs in
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                                                the discovery that terminal lugs with                   adding an AD that would apply to                      the distribution and diode boxes for
                                                incorrect crimping may have been                        certain serial-numbered Model MBB–BK                  correct crimping, damage, discoloration,
                                                installed on these helicopters. The                     117 C–2 helicopters. The NPRM                         corrosion, and correct installation. If
                                                actions of this AD are intended to detect               proposed to require inspecting each                   any deviation is detected, the terminal
                                                incorrectly installed or crimped                        terminal lug and replacing any lug that               lug must be replaced. The ASB also
                                                terminal lugs and prevent contact                       has discoloration, corrosion, incorrect               specifies reporting certain information
                                                resistance and reduced gastightness                     crimping, or incorrect installation. The              to Airbus Helicopters.


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Document Created: 2016-10-27 01:52:13
Document Modified: 2016-10-27 01:52:13
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective October 28, 2016.
ContactDale 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 Citation81 FR 74659 
CFR AssociatedApricots; Marketing Agreements and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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