83_FR_43667 83 FR 43501 - Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Increased Assessment Rate for Area No. 2

83 FR 43501 - Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Increased Assessment Rate for Area No. 2

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 166 (August 27, 2018)

Page Range43501-43503
FR Document2018-18560

This rule implements a recommendation from the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for Area No. 2 for the 2018-2019 and subsequent fiscal periods. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 166 (Monday, August 27, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 166 (Monday, August 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43501-43503]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18560]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 43501]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 948

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-18-0022; SC18-948-1 FR]


Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Increased Assessment Rate for 
Area No. 2

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This rule implements a recommendation from the Colorado Potato 
Administrative Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate 
established for Area No. 2 for the 2018-2019 and subsequent fiscal 
periods. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless 
modified, suspended, or terminated.

DATES: Effective September 26, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Broadbent, Senior Marketing 
Specialist, or Gary 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: Barry.Broadbent@ams.usda.gov or GaryD.Olson@ams.usda.gov.
    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: Richard.Lower@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This action, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, 
amends regulations issued to carry out a marketing order as defined in 
7 CFR 900.2(j). This rule is issued under Marketing Agreement No. 97 
and Order No. 948, as amended (7 CFR part 948), regulating the handling 
of Irish potatoes grown in Colorado. Part 948, (referred to as 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 Committee locally administers the Order and is comprised 
of producers and handlers operating within the area of production.
    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this final rule in 
conformance with Executive Orders 13563 and 13175. This action falls 
within a category of regulatory actions that the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive Order 12866 review. 
Additionally, because this rule does not meet the definition of a 
significant regulatory action, it does not trigger the requirements 
contained in Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum titled 
``Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of 
January 30, 2017, titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs'[thinsp]'' (February 2, 2017).
    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. Under the Order, Colorado Area No. 2 potato handlers 
are subject to assessments. Funds to administer the Order are derived 
from such assessments. It is intended that the assessment rate as 
established herein will be applicable to all assessable potatoes in 
Area No. 2 for the 2018-2019 fiscal period, 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.
    The Order provides authority for each area Committee, with the 
approval of USDA, to formulate an annual budget of expenses and collect 
assessments from handlers to administer the program. The members are 
familiar with the Committee's needs and with the costs of goods and 
services in their local area and are in a position to formulate an 
appropriate budget and assessment rate. The assessment rate is 
formulated and discussed in a public meeting and all directly affected 
persons have an opportunity to participate and provide input.
    This rule increases the assessment rate for Area No. 2 from $0.0033 
to $0.006 per hundredweight of potatoes handled for the 2018-2019 and 
subsequent fiscal periods. The Committee established the current rate 
in 2013-2014 fiscal period to reduce the Committee's monetary reserve 
to a level that it determined to be appropriate under the Order. Since 
that action, the reserve fund has been drawn down to approximately 15 
percent of annual budgeted expenditures. The $0.006 per hundredweight 
assessment rate realigns annual assessment revenue with expected 
administrative expenses moving forward and will no longer require the 
utilization of the monetary reserve to fund a portion of the 
Committee's budgeted expenditures.
    The Committee met on March 15, 2018 to consider the Committee's 
projected 2018-2019 financial requirements, the size of the Committee's 
operating reserve, and the Order's continuing assessment rate. The 
Committee unanimously recommended an assessment rate of $0.006 per 
hundredweight of potatoes for the 2018-2019 fiscal period. The $0.006 
assessment rate is $0.0027 higher than the rate previously in effect. 
Without the increase, anticipated assessment revenue would not have 
been sufficient to fund the Committee's ongoing administrative 
function, and the balance in the Committee's monetary reserve would not 
have been enough to cover the deficit. The assessment rate increase is 
necessary to maintain the Committee's oversight activities at current 
levels and avoid a reduction in the program's effectiveness.
    For the 2017-2018 fiscal period, the Committee adopted a budget of 
$79,623.

[[Page 43502]]

The Committee recommended a similar level of budgeted expenditures for 
the 2018-2019 fiscal period at its meeting in May 2018. The Committee 
anticipates its expenditures for the 2018-2019 fiscal period to be 
close to the amounts for the 2017-2018 fiscal period. Budgeted 
expenditures for the 2017-2018 fiscal period included $66,110 for 
administrative expenses, $6,138 for office expenses, and $7,375 for 
facilities/utilities. The Committee's annual budget has been relatively 
stable over the past five years, with average growth of approximately 
2.7 percent. The Committee's budget five years ago for the 2013-2014 
fiscal period was $71,227, compared to the 2017-2018 fiscal period 
budget of $79,623.
    The assessment rate recommended by the Committee was derived by 
considering anticipated expenses, expected shipments, and the amount of 
funds available in the authorized reserve. Expected income derived from 
handler assessments of $84,000 (estimated 14,000,000 hundredweight 
times $0.006 per hundredweight) should be adequate to cover budgeted 
expenses of between $81,000 and $83,000 and put a small amount back 
into the Committee's monetary reserve fund. Funds in the reserve 
(currently expected to be $11,848 at the end of the 2017-2018 fiscal 
period) would be kept within the maximum permitted by Sec.  948.78.
    The assessment rate established by this rule 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 Committee meetings are available from the Committee or 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 budget 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 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 160 producers of Colorado Area No. 2 
potatoes in the production area and approximately 60 handlers subject 
to regulation under the Order. Small agricultural producers are defined 
by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as those having annual 
receipts 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).
    According to data from USDA's Market News, the 2016-2017 season 
weighted average f.o.b. price for Colorado potatoes was approximately 
$12.06 per hundredweight. The Committee reported that shipments for the 
2016-2017 fiscal period were 13.9 million hundredweight. Using the 
number of handlers, and assuming a normal distribution, the majority of 
handlers would have average annual receipts of less than $7,500,000 
($12.06 times 13.9 million equals $167,634,000 divided by 60 handlers 
equals $2,793,900 per handler).
    In addition, based on data from USDA's National Agricultural 
Statistics Service, the season average producer price for Colorado 
potatoes for the 2016-2017 crop year was approximately $9.60 per 
hundredweight. Based on producer price, shipment data, and the total 
number of Colorado Area No. 2 potato producers, and assuming a normal 
distribution, the average annual producer revenue is above $750,000 
($9.60 times 13.9 million hundredweight equals $133,440,000 divided by 
160 producers equals $834,000 per producer). Thus, the majority of 
Colorado Area No. 2 potato handlers may be classified as small 
entities, while many of the Colorado Area No. 2 potato producers may be 
classified as large entities.
    This rule increases the assessment rate collected from handlers for 
the 2018-2019 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0033 to $0.006 per 
hundredweight of Colorado Area No. 2 potatoes. The Committee 
unanimously recommended the increase. The $0.006 per hundredweight 
assessment rate established by this rule is $0.0027 higher than the 
2017-2018 rate. The quantity of assessable potatoes for the 2018-2019 
fiscal period is estimated at 14 million hundredweight. Thus, the 
$0.006 rate is expected to provide $84,000 in assessment income. Income 
derived from handler assessments is expected to be adequate to cover 
budgeted expenses.
    The Committee adopted a budget of $79,623 for the 2017-2018 fiscal 
period and recommended a similar amount of budgeted expenditures for 
the 2018-2019 fiscal period at its scheduled May 2018 meeting. The 
major budgeted expenditures for the 2017-2018 year included $66,110 for 
administrative expenses, $6,138 for office expenses, and $7,375 for 
facilities/utilities. Budgeted expenses for these items in 2016-2017 
were $65,894, $6,587, and $6,313, respectively.
    Prior to arriving at the recommended assessment rate, the Committee 
considered the benefits and costs related to establishing other 
assessment rates. However, the Committee determined that any assessment 
rate other than the $0.006 per hundredweight rate would either generate 
insufficient revenue to meet the Committee's expected expenses for the 
2018-2019 fiscal period or would result in a larger than desired 
addition to the Committee's reserve. Based on estimated shipments, the 
established assessment rate of $0.006 should provide $84,000 in 
assessment income. The Committee determined that this level of 
assessment revenue would be adequate to cover budgeted expenses for the 
2018-2019 fiscal period without unduly increasing reserve funds.
    A review of historical information and preliminary information 
pertaining to the upcoming fiscal year indicates that the average 
producer price for the 2018-2019 season should be approximately $9.26 
per hundredweight of potatoes. Therefore, the estimated assessment 
revenue for the 2018-2019 fiscal period as a percentage of total 
producer revenue would be about 0.06 percent.
    This action increases the assessment obligation imposed on 
handlers. While assessments impose some additional costs, such 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 Colorado potato industry. All interested

[[Page 43503]]

persons were invited to attend the meetings and participate in 
Committee deliberations on all issues. Like all Committee meetings, the 
March 15, 2018, meeting was a public meeting and all entities, both 
large and small, were able to express views on this issue.
    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 OMB and assigned OMB No. 0581-0178, 
Vegetable and Specialty Crops. No changes in those requirements are 
necessary as a result of this action. 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 Colorado potato 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 mentioned 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 May 24, 2018 (83 FR 24045). A copy of the proposed rule was 
provided to the handlers by the Committee. Finally, the proposal was 
made available through the internet by USDA and the Office of the 
Federal Register. A 30-day comment period ending June 25, 2018, 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 will tend to 
effectuate the declared policy of the Act.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 948

    Marketing agreements, Potatoes, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 948 is 
amended as follows:

PART 948--IRISH POTATOES GROWN IN COLORADO

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 948 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 601-674.


0
2. Section 948.216 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  948.216  Assessment rate.

    On and after September 1, 2018, an assessment rate of $0.006 per 
hundredweight is established for Colorado Area No. 2 potatoes.

    Dated: August 22, 2018
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18560 Filed 8-24-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

43501 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 166 Monday, August 27, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER No. 948, as amended (7 CFR part 948), 20 days after the date of the entry of the contains regulatory documents having general regulating the handling of Irish potatoes ruling. applicability and legal effect, most of which grown in Colorado. Part 948, (referred to The Order provides authority for each are keyed to and codified in the Code of as the ‘‘Order’’) is effective under the area Committee, with the approval of Federal Regulations, which is published under Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act USDA, to formulate an annual budget of 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674), expenses and collect assessments from The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’ The handlers to administer the program. The the Superintendent of Documents. Committee locally administers the members are familiar with the Order and is comprised of producers Committee’s needs and with the costs of and handlers operating within the area goods and services in their local area DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE of production. and are in a position to formulate an The Department of Agriculture appropriate budget and assessment rate. Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA) is issuing this final rule in The assessment rate is formulated and conformance with Executive Orders discussed in a public meeting and all 7 CFR Part 948 13563 and 13175. This action falls directly affected persons have an [Doc. No. AMS–SC–18–0022; SC18–948–1 within a category of regulatory actions opportunity to participate and provide FR] that the Office of Management and input. Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive This rule increases the assessment Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Order 12866 review. Additionally, rate for Area No. 2 from $0.0033 to Increased Assessment Rate for Area because this rule does not meet the $0.006 per hundredweight of potatoes No. 2 definition of a significant regulatory handled for the 2018–2019 and action, it does not trigger the subsequent fiscal periods. The AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, requirements contained in Executive Committee established the current rate USDA. Order 13771. See OMB’s Memorandum in 2013–2014 fiscal period to reduce the ACTION: Final rule. titled ‘‘Interim Guidance Implementing Committee’s monetary reserve to a level SUMMARY: This rule implements a Section 2 of the Executive Order of that it determined to be appropriate recommendation from the Colorado January 30, 2017, titled ‘Reducing under the Order. Since that action, the Potato Administrative Committee Regulation and Controlling Regulatory reserve fund has been drawn down to (Committee) to increase the assessment Costs’ ’’ (February 2, 2017). approximately 15 percent of annual rate established for Area No. 2 for the This rule has been reviewed under budgeted expenditures. The $0.006 per 2018–2019 and subsequent fiscal Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice hundredweight assessment rate realigns periods. The assessment rate will Reform. Under the Order, Colorado Area annual assessment revenue with remain in effect indefinitely unless No. 2 potato handlers are subject to expected administrative expenses modified, suspended, or terminated. assessments. Funds to administer the moving forward and will no longer Order are derived from such require the utilization of the monetary DATES: Effective September 26, 2018. assessments. It is intended that the reserve to fund a portion of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: assessment rate as established herein Committee’s budgeted expenditures. Barry Broadbent, Senior Marketing will be applicable to all assessable The Committee met on March 15, Specialist, or Gary Olson, Regional potatoes in Area No. 2 for the 2018– 2018 to consider the Committee’s Director, Northwest Marketing Field 2019 fiscal period, and continue until projected 2018–2019 financial Office, Marketing Order and Agreement amended, suspended, or terminated. requirements, the size of the Division, Specialty Crops Program, The Act provides that administrative Committee’s operating reserve, and the AMS, USDA; Telephone: (503) 326– proceedings must be exhausted before Order’s continuing assessment rate. The 2724, Fax: (503) 326–7440, or email: parties may file suit in court. Under Committee unanimously recommended Barry.Broadbent@ams.usda.gov or section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any an assessment rate of $0.006 per GaryD.Olson@ams.usda.gov. handler subject to an order may file hundredweight of potatoes for the 2018– Small businesses may request with USDA a petition stating that the 2019 fiscal period. The $0.006 information on complying with this order, any provision of the order, or any assessment rate is $0.0027 higher than regulation by contacting Richard Lower, obligation imposed in connection with the rate previously in effect. Without the Marketing Order and Agreement the order is not in accordance with law increase, anticipated assessment Division, Specialty Crops Program, and request a modification of the order revenue would not have been sufficient AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence or to be exempted therefrom. Such to fund the Committee’s ongoing Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, handler is afforded the opportunity for administrative function, and the balance DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– a hearing on the petition. After the in the Committee’s monetary reserve 2491, Fax: (202)720–8938, or email: hearing, USDA would rule on the would not have been enough to cover Richard.Lower@ams.usda.gov. petition. The Act provides that the the deficit. The assessment rate increase amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This district court of the United States in any is necessary to maintain the action, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, district in which the handler is an Committee’s oversight activities at amends regulations issued to carry out inhabitant, or has his or her principal current levels and avoid a reduction in a marketing order as defined in 7 CFR place of business, has jurisdiction to the program’s effectiveness. 900.2(j). This rule is issued under review USDA’s ruling on the petition, For the 2017–2018 fiscal period, the Marketing Agreement No. 97 and Order provided an action is filed not later than Committee adopted a budget of $79,623. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Aug 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27AUR1.SGM 27AUR1

43502 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2018 / Rules and Regulations The Committee recommended a similar U.S.C. 601–612), the Agricultural potatoes. The Committee unanimously level of budgeted expenditures for the Marketing Service (AMS) has recommended the increase. The $0.006 2018–2019 fiscal period at its meeting in considered the economic impact of this per hundredweight assessment rate May 2018. The Committee anticipates rule on small entities. Accordingly, established by this rule is $0.0027 its expenditures for the 2018–2019 fiscal AMS has prepared this final regulatory higher than the 2017–2018 rate. The period to be close to the amounts for the flexibility analysis. quantity of assessable potatoes for the 2017–2018 fiscal period. Budgeted The purpose of the RFA is to fit 2018–2019 fiscal period is estimated at expenditures for the 2017–2018 fiscal regulatory actions to the scale of 14 million hundredweight. Thus, the period included $66,110 for businesses subject to such actions in $0.006 rate is expected to provide administrative expenses, $6,138 for order that small businesses will not be $84,000 in assessment income. Income office expenses, and $7,375 for unduly or disproportionately burdened. derived from handler assessments is facilities/utilities. The Committee’s Marketing orders issued pursuant to the expected to be adequate to cover annual budget has been relatively stable Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are budgeted expenses. over the past five years, with average unique in that they are brought about The Committee adopted a budget of growth of approximately 2.7 percent. through group action of essentially $79,623 for the 2017–2018 fiscal period The Committee’s budget five years ago small entities acting on their own and recommended a similar amount of for the 2013–2014 fiscal period was behalf. budgeted expenditures for the 2018– $71,227, compared to the 2017–2018 There are approximately 160 2019 fiscal period at its scheduled May fiscal period budget of $79,623. producers of Colorado Area No. 2 2018 meeting. The major budgeted The assessment rate recommended by potatoes in the production area and expenditures for the 2017–2018 year the Committee was derived by approximately 60 handlers subject to included $66,110 for administrative considering anticipated expenses, regulation under the Order. Small expenses, $6,138 for office expenses, expected shipments, and the amount of agricultural producers are defined by and $7,375 for facilities/utilities. funds available in the authorized the Small Business Administration Budgeted expenses for these items in reserve. Expected income derived from (SBA) as those having annual receipts 2016–2017 were $65,894, $6,587, and handler assessments of $84,000 less than $750,000, and small $6,313, respectively. (estimated 14,000,000 hundredweight agricultural service firms are defined as Prior to arriving at the recommended times $0.006 per hundredweight) those whose annual receipts are less assessment rate, the Committee should be adequate to cover budgeted than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201). considered the benefits and costs related expenses of between $81,000 and According to data from USDA’s to establishing other assessment rates. $83,000 and put a small amount back Market News, the 2016–2017 season However, the Committee determined into the Committee’s monetary reserve weighted average f.o.b. price for that any assessment rate other than the fund. Funds in the reserve (currently Colorado potatoes was approximately $0.006 per hundredweight rate would expected to be $11,848 at the end of the $12.06 per hundredweight. The either generate insufficient revenue to 2017–2018 fiscal period) would be kept Committee reported that shipments for meet the Committee’s expected within the maximum permitted by the 2016–2017 fiscal period were 13.9 expenses for the 2018–2019 fiscal § 948.78. million hundredweight. Using the period or would result in a larger than The assessment rate established by number of handlers, and assuming a desired addition to the Committee’s this rule will continue in effect normal distribution, the majority of reserve. Based on estimated shipments, indefinitely unless modified, handlers would have average annual the established assessment rate of suspended, or terminated by USDA receipts of less than $7,500,000 ($12.06 $0.006 should provide $84,000 in upon recommendation and information times 13.9 million equals $167,634,000 assessment income. The Committee submitted by the Committee or other divided by 60 handlers equals determined that this level of assessment available information. $2,793,900 per handler). revenue would be adequate to cover Although this assessment rate will be In addition, based on data from budgeted expenses for the 2018–2019 in effect for an indefinite period, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics fiscal period without unduly increasing Committee will continue to meet prior Service, the season average producer reserve funds. to or during each fiscal period to price for Colorado potatoes for the A review of historical information and recommend a budget of expenses and 2016–2017 crop year was approximately preliminary information pertaining to consider recommendations for $9.60 per hundredweight. Based on the upcoming fiscal year indicates that modification of the assessment rate. The producer price, shipment data, and the the average producer price for the 2018– dates and times of Committee meetings total number of Colorado Area No. 2 2019 season should be approximately are available from the Committee or potato producers, and assuming a $9.26 per hundredweight of potatoes. USDA. Committee meetings are open to normal distribution, the average annual Therefore, the estimated assessment the public and interested persons may producer revenue is above $750,000 revenue for the 2018–2019 fiscal period express their views at these meetings. ($9.60 times 13.9 million as a percentage of total producer USDA will evaluate Committee hundredweight equals $133,440,000 revenue would be about 0.06 percent. recommendations and other available divided by 160 producers equals This action increases the assessment information to determine whether $834,000 per producer). Thus, the obligation imposed on handlers. While modification of the assessment rate is majority of Colorado Area No. 2 potato assessments impose some additional needed. Further rulemaking will be handlers may be classified as small costs, such costs are minimal and undertaken as necessary. The entities, while many of the Colorado uniform on all handlers. Some of the Area No. 2 potato producers may be additional costs may be passed on to amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Committee’s budget for subsequent fiscal periods will be reviewed and, as classified as large entities. producers. However, these costs are appropriate, approved by USDA. This rule increases the assessment offset by the benefits derived by the rate collected from handlers for the operation of the Order. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 2018–2019 and subsequent fiscal In addition, the Committee’s meeting Pursuant to requirements set forth in periods from $0.0033 to $0.006 per was widely publicized throughout the the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 hundredweight of Colorado Area No. 2 Colorado potato industry. All interested VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Aug 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27AUR1.SGM 27AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 43503 persons were invited to attend the List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 948 DATES: This final rule is effective meetings and participate in Committee Marketing agreements, Potatoes, January 1, 2019. deliberations on all issues. Like all Reporting and recordkeeping FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Committee meetings, the March 15, requirements. Monique Chenault, Paralegal, and 2018, meeting was a public meeting and Shelley Thompson, Counsel, Office of For the reasons set forth in the all entities, both large and small, were Regulations, at (202) 435–7700. If you preamble, 7 CFR part 948 is amended as able to express views on this issue. require this document in an alternative follows: In accordance with the Paperwork electronic format, please contact CFPB_ Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. PART 948—IRISH POTATOES GROWN Accessibility@cfpb.gov. Chapter 35), the Order’s information IN COLORADO SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The collection requirements have been Bureau is amending the regulation text previously approved by the OMB and ■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR and official interpretations for assigned OMB No. 0581–0178, part 948 continues to read as follows: Regulation Z, which implements TILA, Vegetable and Specialty Crops. No Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. to update the dollar amounts of various changes in those requirements are thresholds that are adjusted annually necessary as a result of this action. ■ 2. Section 948.216 is revised to read as follows: based on the annual percentage change Should any changes become necessary, in the CPI as published by the Bureau they would be submitted to OMB for § 948.216 Assessment rate. of Labor Statistics (BLS). Specifically, approval. for open-end consumer credit plans On and after September 1, 2018, an This rule imposes no additional assessment rate of $0.006 per under TILA, the threshold that triggers reporting or recordkeeping requirements hundredweight is established for requirements to disclose minimum on either small or large Colorado potato Colorado Area No. 2 potatoes. interest charges will remain unchanged handlers. As with all Federal marketing at $1.00 in 2019. For open-end order programs, reports and forms are Dated: August 22, 2018 consumer credit plans under the CARD periodically reviewed to reduce Bruce Summers, Act amendments to TILA, the adjusted information requirements and Administrator, Agricultural Marketing dollar amount in 2019 for the safe duplication by industry and public Service. harbor for a first violation penalty fee sector agencies. As mentioned in the [FR Doc. 2018–18560 Filed 8–24–18; 8:45 am] will increase by $1 to $28 and the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, BILLING CODE 3410–02–P adjusted dollar amount for the safe USDA has not identified any relevant harbor for a subsequent violation Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or penalty fee will increase by $1 to $39. conflict with this final rule. BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL For HOEPA loans, the adjusted total AMS is committed to complying with PROTECTION loan amount threshold for high-cost the E-Government Act, to promote the mortgages in 2019 will be $21,549. The use of the internet and other 12 CFR Part 1026 adjusted points-and-fees dollar trigger information technologies to provide for high-cost mortgages in 2019 will be increased opportunities for citizen Truth in Lending (Regulation Z) Annual $1,077. For qualified mortgages, which access to Government information and Threshold Adjustments (Credit Cards, receive certain protections from liability services, and for other purposes. HOEPA, and Qualified Mortgages) under the ability-to-repay rule, the A proposed rule concerning this AGENCY: Bureau of Consumer Financial maximum thresholds for total points action was published in the Federal Protection. and fees in 2019 will be 3 percent of the Register on May 24, 2018 (83 FR 24045). ACTION: Final rule; official total loan amount for a loan greater than A copy of the proposed rule was interpretation. or equal to $107,747; $3,232 for a loan provided to the handlers by the amount greater than or equal to $64,648 Committee. Finally, the proposal was SUMMARY: The Bureau of Consumer but less than $107,747; 5 percent of the made available through the internet by Financial Protection (Bureau) is issuing total loan amount for a loan greater than USDA and the Office of the Federal this final rule amending the regulation or equal to $21,549 but less than Register. A 30-day comment period text and official interpretations for $64,648; $1,077 for a loan amount ending June 25, 2018, was provided for Regulation Z, which implements the greater than or equal to $13,468 but less interested persons to respond to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The than $21,549; and 8 percent of the total proposal. No comments were received. Bureau is required to calculate annually loan amount for a loan amount less than A small business guide on complying the dollar amounts for several $13,468. with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop provisions in Regulation Z; this final marketing agreements and orders may rule revises, as applicable, the dollar I. Background be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/ amounts for provisions implementing A. Credit Card Annual Adjustments rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses. TILA and amendments to TILA, Any questions about the compliance including under the Credit Card Minimum Interest Charge Disclosure guide should be sent to Richard Lower Accountability Responsibility and Thresholds at the previously mentioned address in Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act), the Sections 1026.6(b)(2)(iii) and the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Home Ownership and Equity Protection 1026.60(b)(3) of Regulation Z implement section. Act of 1994 (HOEPA), and the Dodd- sections 127(a)(3) and 127(c)(1)(A)(ii)(II) After consideration of all relevant Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer of TILA. Sections 1026.6(b)(2)(iii) and amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES material presented, including the Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act). The 1026.60(b)(3) require the disclosure of information and recommendation Bureau is adjusting these amounts, any minimum interest charge exceeding submitted by the Committee and other where appropriate, based on the annual $1.00 that could be imposed during a available information, it is hereby found percentage change reflected in the billing cycle and provide that, for open- that this rule will tend to effectuate the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in effect on end consumer credit plans, the declared policy of the Act. June 1, 2018. minimum interest charge thresholds VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Aug 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27AUR1.SGM 27AUR1


Document Created: 2018-08-25 01:48:41
Document Modified: 2018-08-25 01:48:41
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 September 26, 2018.
ContactBarry Broadbent, Senior Marketing Specialist, or Gary 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 Citation83 FR 43501 
CFR AssociatedMarketing Agreements; Potatoes and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
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