This rule would revise USDA's generally applicable regulation in 7 CFR part 16 regarding the equal protection of faith-based organizations in the Department's programs and activities. These revisions are being undertaken to implement the provisions of Executive Order (E.O.) 13559, "Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships with Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations." Executive Order 13559 revised Executive Order 13279, which provides the legal basis for USDA's current faith-based rules, by changing terminology, clarifying existing principles, and prescribing additional beneficiary protections. Some of the changes that pertain to this rulemaking include restating "inherently religious activities" as "explicitly religious activities," clarifying the distinction between direct and indirect Federal financial assistance, and implementing the beneficiary protections specified in section 2(h) of Executive Order 13559.

This rule makes several changes to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) delegations of authority in 7 CFR part 2 by adding new delegations and modifying existing delegations.

Adopts and implements OMB's final guidance on Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Implements 2 CFR part 200 and puts in USDA-specific requirements into 2 CFR 415, 416, and 422. USDA will be removing five parts in title VII.

This proposed rule announces the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS), intent to increase the fees of ARS's Patent Culture Collection.

The primary goal of the Food Insecurity Nutrition and Incentive (FINI) grants program is to fund and evaluate projects intended to "increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in [SNAP] by providing incentives at the point of purchase" (FCEA, 4405(b)(2)(A)(ii)(II)). For FINI grants, NIFA defines "fruits and vegetables" as "any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen whole or cut fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils, and salt (i.e. sodium)." The program will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to inform future efforts, and develop effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies.

The Facility Guarantee Loan Program (FGP) provides payment guarantees to finance commercial exports of U.S. manufactured goods and services that will be used to improve or establish agriculture-related facilities in emerging markets, with the goal of enhancing U.S. agricultural commodity sales. Under the provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the proposed rule will incorporate changes to allow for a waiver of U.S. content. The final rule will also simplify the implementation and application process of the FGP program and ensure the program's compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments (OECD) Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits.

This direct final rule provides uniform guidelines on the use, award, and administration of Federal financial assistance transactions awarded by FAS under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 3291(a).

This direct final rule will provide uniform guidelines on the use, award, and administration of Federal financial assistance joint venture agreements awarded by FAS under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 3318(b). The intended effect is to implement agency regulations to reflect current statutory authority and long-held agency business practices.

This direct final rule will provide uniform guidelines on the use, award, and administration of Federal financial assistance cost-reimbursable agreements and subagreements awarded by Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 3319a.  The intended effect is to implement agency regulations to reflect current statutory authority and long-held agency business practices.

FAS is issuing a final rule with comment for the USDA Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement Program (USDA LRP Program), authorized in section 3207 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. The USDA LRP Program funds may be used to support development activities that strengthen the capacity of food-insecure developing countries, and build resilience and address the causes of chronic food insecurity and support USDA’s other food assistance programs, especially the McGovern Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (McGovern-Dole).  In addition, funds may be used to fill food availability gaps generated by unexpected emergencies. USDA LRP Program funding used to complement ongoing activities under the McGovern-Dole Program will improve dietary diversity and nutrition, and support the graduation and sustainability of school-feeding programs as they transition to full host-government ownership.  LRP funding will enable FAS and its partners to build the capacity of host-governments to implement their own homegrown school feeding programs.  A final rule is needed for FAS to begin implementing the program in FY 2016 and will establish awardee obligations regarding financial management and performance standards specifying applicable Departmental regulations and incorporating statutory requirements. The promulgation of a rule to administer the USDA LRP program will require the assignment of a new CFR number.

The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (McGovern-Dole) helps support food security, child development, and education in low-income, food-deficient countries around the world. The program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities, as well as financial and technical assistance, to support school feeding and maternal and child health and nutrition projects.

FAS plans to publish a final rule with comments for the McGovern-Dole Program to: (1) clarify the types of entities eligible for awards and the applicability of the regulations to each type of eligible entity, (2) insert new definitions, (3) include a requirement to disclose the names and estimated costs of intended subrecipients at the proposal phase, (4) insert new terms for cash advances and reimbursements, (5) remove obsolete references to old systems and reporting requirements, (6) clarify and strengthen language requiring award recipients to report on commodity losses or damages and pursue claims, (7) insert a requirement for monetization plans for all programs involving sales of branding and labeling requirements and allow for the option of a waiver in exceptional circumstances, and (10) update other language as necessary to align the regulation with 2 CFR part 200, the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule combining the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal awards.

The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector.  The commodities are monetized (sold on the local market), and the proceeds are used to support agricultural development activities. Food for Progress has two objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and expand trade in agricultural products.

FAS plans to publish a final rule with comments for the Food for Progress Program to: (1) clarify the types of entities eligible for awards and the applicability of the regulations to each type of eligible entity, (2) insert new definitions, (3) include a requirement to disclose the names and estimated costs of intended subrecipients at the proposal phase, (4) insert new terms for cash advances and reimbursements, (5) remove obsolete references to old systems and reporting requirements, (6) clarify and strengthen language requiring award recipients to report on commodity losses or damages and pursue claims, (7) insert a requirement for monetization plans for all programs involving sales of donated commodities, (8) incorporate new performance monitoring requirements, (9) strengthen branding and labeling requirements and allow for the option of a waiver in exceptional circumstances, and (10) update other language as necessary to align the regulations with 2 CFR part 200, the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule combining the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal awards.

The U.S. dairy market has changed a great deal since the dairy import licensing regulation was promulgated in 1996. In intervening years, there have been significant advances in technology and telecommunications and certain processes; for example, issuing new or reallocated licenses can now be managed in less time. While the United States was a major net importer of cheese in 1996, as of 2011 the United States had become a net exporter of cheese. Given such large changes in the dairy market environment, we are requesting comments on various aspects of the program, such as how the fees are calculated and the basis upon which historical and lottery licenses are issued each year.

This rule will provide the Farm Service Agency (FSA) with an environmental compliance regulation that updates, improves, and clarifies its requirements to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act; the National Historic Preservation Act; and numerous other environmental and cultural resource laws, regulations, and Executive orders. It will also make the regulation consistent for both FSA's Farm Loan Programs and Farm Programs. Also, it will remove outdated regulations used by FSA from chapter XVIII of the Code of Federal Regulations, formerly used by the predecessor to FSA, the Farmers Home Administration. The changes will promote predictability and reduce uncertainty for environmental compliance related to actions for FSA programs. The changes will coordinate, simplify, and harmonize the environmental compliance rules.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is revising regulations on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to specify the requirements for a person to be considered actively engaged in farming for the purpose of payment eligibility for certain FSA and CCC programs.  Specifically, FSA is revising and clarifying the requirements for a significant contribution of active personnel management to a farming operation. These changes are required by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill). The provisions of the rule will not apply to persons or entities comprised solely of family members. The rule will not change the existing regulations as they relate to contributions of land, capital, equipment, labor, or the special rules related to landowners with a risk in the crop or spouses.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will implement a new Highly Fractionated Indian Lands (HFIL) loan program to provide revolving loan funds to eligible intermediary lenders familiar with Indian lands, and those lenders will give loans to the qualified individuals, entities, and tribes to purchase HFIL, as specified in the section 5402 of the 2014 Farm Bill.  As ownership of Indian land descends from one generation to another, fractionation continues to be a worsening problem, and many tracts are held in undivided ownership by hundreds or thousands of people.  The ability of the owners to use land decreases as fractionation increases, sometimes to the point where it is nearly impossible to locate the owners or for the owners to coordinate. The new HFIL program is required by 2014 Farm Bill. This final rule provides a way for tribal members to be able to get loans to purchase the lands and consolidate the fractionated interests to qualified tribes, individuals and entities.

The interim rule implements mandatory changes to the conservation compliance regulations in 7 CFR part 12 as required by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill). The current regulations require participants in most USDA programs to comply with conservation compliance measures on any land that is highly erodible or that is considered a wetland. The 2014 Farm Bill expands current conservation compliance requirements to apply to producers who obtain subsidized Federal crop insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act. It also slightly modifies the existing wetlands "Mitigation Banking" program to remove the requirement that USDA hold easements in the mitigation program.

The rule implements changes to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) required by the 2014 Farm Bill. CRP assists producers to conserve and improve soil, water, and wildlife resources by converting highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage to a long-term vegetative cover. The core scope of CRP will not change. The changes required by the 2014 Farm Bill include providing an "early out" for contract cancellations in 2015, removing the requirement for a payment reduction for emergency haying and grazing, and allowing non-cropland (grasslands) in CRP. CRP is a Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to establish a system to prioritize contracts and make allocations of certain agriculture-related resources, as necessary, to meet national defense priorities. The Farm Service Agency has the delegated authority and is implementing regulations to allow USDA to efficiently place priority ratings on contracts or orders with respect to resources within its authority should the need arise. The new Agriculture Priorities and Allocation System (APAS) regulations will be similar to the Department of Commerce's Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS) for establishing priority ratings for contract performance.

The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC’s proposed action to amend the Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions. The intended effect of this action is to provide policy changes to better meet the needs of policyholders, to clarify existing policy provisions, and to reduce vulnerability to program fraud, waste, and abuse. The proposed changes will be effective for the 2018 and succeeding crop years.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation amends the General Administrative Regulations--Ineligibility for Programs under the Federal Crop Insurance Act, the Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement, the Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations, and the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions, to revise those revisions affected by changes mandated by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (commonly referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill), enacted on February 7, 2014.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) plans to revise the General and Administrative Regulation subpart X--Interpretations of Statutory and Regulatory Provisions, to incorporate interpretations of procedures previously issued and administered in accordance with Manager's Bulletin MGR-05-018 and to provide a mechanism for interpretations of policy provisions that are not codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. This action would provide requestors with information on how to request a final agency determination or an interpretation of FCIC procedures and unpublished policy provisions within one administrative regulation, bring consistency and clarity to the processes used, and to clarify existing provisions.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation replaces the General Administrative Regulation-subpart V--Submission of Policies, Provisions of Policies and Rates of Premium to incorporate legislative changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act) stemming from the Agricultural Act of 2014, to clarify existing regulations, lessen the burden of submitters of crop insurance policies, provisions of policies, or rates of premium under section 508(h) of the Act; provide guidance on the submission and payment for concept proposals under section 522 of the Act; and to incorporate changes that are consistent with those made in the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions.

The purpose of this rule is to amend the Cotton Crop Insurance Provisions and the Extra Long Staple (ELS) Cotton Crop Insurance Provisions. The intended effect of this action is to clarify and revise policy provisions for the 2017 and succeeding crop years.

The purpose of this rule is to amend the Area Risk Protection Insurance (ARPI) Basic Provisions and the ARPI Forage Crop Insurance Provisions to implement the changes contained in the Agricultural Act of 2014, enacted on February 7, 2014, and to meet the goals of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI). The changes will apply for the 2017 and succeeding crop years.

The Agency published a proposed rule for the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program on September 15, 2014 (78 FR 22044), which, when finalized, would revise the 1996 B&I regulations.  While there have been some minor modifications to the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program regulations since 1996, this action primarily implements the 2014 Farm Bill and makes needed refinements to the regulation. These changes are designed to enhance the program, improve efficiency, correct minor inconsistencies, clarify the regulations, and ultimately reduce delinquencies. The Agency held several lender meetings throughout the country to see how changes to the program could benefit lenders who use the program. The rule is intended to, increase lending activity, expand business opportunities, and create jobs in rural areas, particularly in areas that have historically experienced economic distress.

The Agency is proposing to publish an Interim Rule with request for comments that will codify certain program measures and metrics for included Agency programs and establish the process by which the Agency will collect the data. Section 6209 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 113-79) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short- and long-term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds. The proposed action will not change the underlying provisions of the included programs (e.g., eligibility, applications, scoring, and servicing provisions).

In order to facilitate the programmatic interest of the Rural Electrification Act that loans made or guaranteed by the Agency are adequately secured, the Agency has established certain standardized forms for materials and equipment and the construction of electric and telecommunications systems. The use of standard forms, construction contracts, and procurement procedures helps to ensure that appropriate standards and specifications are maintained by the borrower, protects the Agency's loan security so it is not adversely affected, and ensures that the loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purpose. The Rural Utilities Service is issuing a new equipment contract, RUS Form 395, for use by telecommunications program borrowers. The new contract will reflect present business and utilities practices, as well as changes in technology, services, and equipment.

The Agency will issue a proposed rule to incorporate the latest revisions to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards Issued by GAO. Other changes include clarifying the management letter to provide better guidance on subsidiary reporting; expanding the definition of borrower to include broadband and wireless providers; adding new definitions pertaining to the peer review program administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; increasing the threshold for expenditures under OMB Circular A-133; clarifying the peer review requirements; and clarifying procedures for requesting a change in audit date.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending regulations for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program to implement section 6104 of the Agriculture Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), which made changes the Agency must adopt prior to accepting applications for future loans. RUS published this regulation as an interim rule, which took effect upon publication in the Federal Register on July 30, 2015.  The rulemaking will allow the Agency to begin accepting applications once again.

In addition, the Agency is seeking comments regarding this interim rule to guide its efforts in drafting the final rule for the Broadband Loan Program.  The Comment Date ends  September 28, 2015.  

7 U.S.C. 1926(d) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to the State of Alaska for the benefit of rural or Native villages in Alaska to develop and construct water and wastewater systems that would improve the health and sanitation conditions in those villages. The Rural Utilities Service will remove the current administration of this program from 7 CFR 1780 and issue a new regulation, 7 CFR 1784, in order to provide specific policies and procedures governing the program.

The Agency will consolidate the applicable portions of the seven regulations used to service Community Facilities direct loans and grants into one streamlined regulation. The consolidation will improve the Agency's ability to service its portfolio and will ensure that the Government's investment is protected and maximized. The proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or the Agency and will be in the best interest of the Government and the public. The consolidation and update will provide an improved basis for servicing Community Facilities direct loans by providing servicing options that will enable facilities to recover from delinquent situations, and continue operating and providing essential services to the public. The Agency also expects this action to reduce the use of program loan cost expense funds to maintain inventory properties. Streamlining seven regulations into one regulation will provide a user-friendly document that will reduce the time burden on Agency staff, as well as provide an easy-to-understand reference for the public.

The Agency plans to consolidate and update three regulations, 7 CFR 1942-A, 1942-C, and 3570-B, into a new regulation, 7 CFR 3570-A. This new regulation will be used to administer the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant programs. It also will incorporate the Tribal College and Economic Impact Initiative grant programs. The existing regulations 7 CFR 1942-A, 7 CFR 1942-C, and 7 CFR 3570-B will be obsolete upon publication of the new 7 CFR 3570-A. The proposed action includes the following: remove references to the RUS water and waste disposal program, which was moved to 7 CFR 1780-A in 1997; update scoring priorities to reflect current needs in rural America. * Incorporate information from staff instructions and guidance that have been renewed and republished for many years. * Make pre-application optional for small (under $300,000) projects; clarify and coordinate applicant and project eligibility requirements among the Community Facilities Guarantee, Direct, and Grant regulations; update the regulation to reflect recent legal opinions/determinations; update audit requirements in accordance with the latest OMB directives; and add "Exception Authority" to allow for the granting of exceptions by the Administrator to portions of regulations that are not statutory. The granting of exceptions is allowed in other Rural Development regulations under very defined and controlled circumstances.

RHS published an Interim final rule on December 9, 2013, which became effective on December 1, 2014. The agency plans to propose a rule amending the liquidation value section of the rule, and providing a 60-day public comment period. The proposed change is to permit lenders to furnish liquidation value appraisals instead of the Agency obtaining one. The change will save lenders at least 41 days in receiving payment for their loss claim submissions, and will save the agency staff time.

The Rural Housing Service has consolidated and streamlined the regulations pertaining to section 515, Rural Rental Housing, section 514, Farm Labor Housing Loans, section 516, Farm Labor Housing Grants, and section 521, Rental Assistance Payments. As in the interim final rule, 14 published regulations have been reduced to one regulation and handbooks for program administration. This will simplify loan origination and portfolio management for applicants, borrowers, and housing operators, as well as Rural Development field staff. This also provides flexibility for program modifications to reflect current and foreseeable changes. The consolidated regulations save time and simplify costs. Finally, the regulation is more customer-friendly and responsive to the needs of the public.

The Rural Development program is seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update all Agency environmental requirements into a common environmental regulation. This Rural Development regulation will replace 7 CFR 1794; the current utilities environmental regulation, 7 CFR 1940-G; the current housing/business environmental regulation, 7 CFR 1901-F; the current historic preservation regulation; and 7 CFR part 1940-J, the current intergovernmental review regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural communities, and Rural Development staff, as well as bring the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar actions. This rule consists of subparts A through O.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) published a proposed rule (68 FR 32872) on June 2, 2003, to streamline and consolidate 14 regulations into 7 CFR 3560, which sets forth requirements, policies, and procedures for originating, processing, and servicing Rural Development's Multi-Family Housing (MFH) direct loans and grants. Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes the programs covered by this part. An interim rule (69 FR 69032-69176) was published November 28, 2004, to implement those changes, with an effective date of February 24, 2005. As part of the implementation of the interim rule, Civil monetary penalties (CMP) were included as an enforcement provision in section 3560.641(b). RHS proposes to amend its regulations to create a new section for imposing civil monetary penalties under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 1490s (section 543 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended (Act)) (Housing Act CMP). RHS also proposes to adopt the USDA civil monetary penalty provisions for the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986 (PFCRA) in a revision to an existing section (PFCRA CMP). The new section will include an amended version of the existing Housing Act CMP provision together with additional language providing procedural guidance.

The Rural Development Voucher Program was created as a demonstration program by Congress to offer protection to eligible multifamily housing tenants in properties financed through Rural Development's section 515 Rural Rental Housing Program who may be subject to economic hardship through prepayment or foreclosure of the Rural Development mortgage. The Housing Act of 1949, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447) (the Act) states: "To such extent or in such amounts as are approved in appropriation Acts, the Secretary shall carry out a rural housing voucher program to assist very low-income families and persons to reside in rental housing in rural areas." The Rural Housing Service (RHS) published a proposed rule August 14, 2013 (78 FR 49374), that would add new permanent regulations to implement this program. This rule will provide procedural guidance for the Rural Development Voucher Program.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) published a proposed rule June 2, 2003 (68 FR 32872), to streamline and consolidate 14 regulations into 7 CFR 3560, which sets forth requirements, policies, and procedures for originating, processing, and servicing Rural Development's Multi-Family Housing (MFH) direct loans and grants. The programs covered by this part are authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949.  An interim rule was published November 26, 2004 (69 FR 69032-69176) to implement those changes, with an effective date of February 24, 2005.  This proposed rule is to amend the interim rule  7 CFR 3560, regulations to change program requirements at the property level that will reduce operating costs for the project owner by changing financial reporting requirements. Rural Development (RD) is establishing a rule-based reporting threshold, similar to that of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). RD’s Financial Reporting also aligns with HUD’s provisions by using a modified version of the "HUD IG Audit Guide.”

The Agency seeks to expand its lender indemnification authority for loss claims in the case of fraud, misrepresentation, or noncompliance with applicable loan origination requirements; amend refinance provisions to include a streamlined refinance option that was tested in a successful pilot; and add a section clarifying that any loan guaranteed by the Agency is a "qualified mortgage" under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of (Pub. L. 111-203).

Section 6006 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) requires the Agency to create a technical assistance and training grant program. The program will provide funding to public bodies, Indian tribes and nonprofit corporations with experience providing technical assistance to eligible community facilities applicants to carry out the following eligible purposes directly associated with developing or improving essential community facilities: help identify and plan community facility needs; identify public and private resources to finance community facility needs; prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; prepare applications for financial assistance; improve management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or help with other areas of need identified by Rural Development.

The Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service are rewriting their regulations to conform to the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (NFIRA) Biggert-Waters Act, Flood Insurance Reform Act, etc.

Through this action, the Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposes to amend its regulation at 7 CFR section 3560.306 to change the requirements of the Reserve Account for the section 515 Rural Rental Housing (RRH) program. The action would address reserve account requirements of requiring an Agency countersignature with the borrower when a section 538 guaranteed loan is involved and also clarifying that reserve account funds cannot be used to pay for fees associated with the section 538 guarantee loan program.

The Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Act) consolidated the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), and the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) into a single Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The consolidated easement program has two components: an agricultural land easement component and a wetland reserve easement component. The agricultural land easement component is patterned after the former FRPP with GRP's land eligibility components merged into it. The wetland reserve easement component is patterned after WRP. Land previously enrolled in the three contributing programs is considered enrolled in the new ACEP.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) promulgated the current Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) regulation on January 15, 2009, through an interim rule. The interim rule incorporated programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Act). NRCS published a correction to the interim rule on March 12, 2009, and an amendment to the interim rule on May 29, 2009. NRCS has implemented EQIP in FY 2009 through FY 2013 under the current regulation. The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Act) amended chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 by making the following changes to EQIP program requirements: 1) eliminates requirement that contract must remain in place for a minimum of one year after last practice implemented, but keeps requirement that the contract term is not to exceed 10 years; 2) consolidates elements of Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and repeals WHIP authority; 3) replaces rolling six-year payment limitation with payment limitation for FY 2014-FY 2018; 4) requires Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) reporting no later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter; 4) establishes payment limitation at $450,000 and eliminates waiver authority; 5) modifies the special rule for foregone income payments for certain associated management practices and resource concern priorities; 6) makes advance payments available up to 50 percent for eligible historically underserved participants to purchase material or contract services instead of the previous 30 percent; 7) provides flexibility for repayment of advance payment if not expended within 90 days; and 8) requires that for each fiscal year from of the FY 2014 to FY 2018, at least 5 percent of available EQIP funds shall be targeted for wildlife-related conservation practices. The 2014 Act further identifies EQIP as a contributing program authorized to accomplish the purposes of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) (subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended). RCPP replaces the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program (CBWP), Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI), and the Great Lakes Basin Program for soil erosion and sediment control. Like the programs it replaces, RCPP will operate through regulations in place for contributing programs. The other contributing programs include the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Healthy Forests Reserve Program, and the new Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). NRCS published an interim rule to incorporate the 2014 Act changes to EQIP program administration. This regulation action is pursuant to section 1246 of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by section 2608 of the 2014 Act, which requires regulations necessary to implement title II of the 2014 Act be promulgated through the interim rule process.  

NRCS published an interim rule to incorporate the Agriculture Act of 2014 (the 2014 Act)  changes to Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) program administration. This regulatory action is pursuant to section 1246 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (1985 Act), as amended by the 2014 Act, which requires regulations necessary to implement title II of the 2014 Act through an interim rule with request for comments.

 Background: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Act (2008 Act) amended the 1985 Act to establish CSP and authorized the program in fiscal years 2009 through 2013. The 2014 Act re-authorized and revised CSP. The purpose of CSP is to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns and improve and conserve the quality and condition of the natural resources in a comprehensive manner by (1) undertaking additional conservation activities, and (2) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. The Secretary of Agriculture delegated authority to the Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to administer CSP. Through CSP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include private or tribal cropland, grassland, pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forest lands, and other land in agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land capable of being used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns related to agricultural production could be addressed. Participation in the program is voluntary. CSP encourages land stewards to improve their conservation performance by installing and adopting additional activities, and improving, maintaining, and managing existing activities on eligible land. NRCS makes funding for CSP available nationwide on a continuous application basis.

Section 1613 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 authorized the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide equitable relief from program ineligibility to participants in covered programs. This authority was effective May 12, 2002. NRCS published a final rule (69 FR 56345) on September 21, 2004, to implement the equitable relief provisions. In order for a participant to obtain equitable relief, NRCS, at 7 CFR 635.7 (b), provided that: "[P]articipants may request equitable relief from the Chief or the State Conservationist with respect to: (1) Reliance on the actions or advice of an authorized NRCS representative; or (2) Failure to fully comply with the program requirements but made a good faith effort to comply." The final rule made no distinction between the two bases for relief in providing regulatory guidance for obtaining such relief. NRCS is amending part of the equitable relief application procedure in 7 CFR 635.7 based on feedback received from participants and NRCS employees over the course of implementing equitable relief since rule publication in 2004. Participants were being required to initiate the request for equitable relief when the source of the violation or ineligibility was NRCS' erroneous advice or action even when the State Conservationist was fully aware of this fact. Participants and employees commented that NRCS was creating an additional burden by mandating that only a participant could request relief when an NRCS employee had provided incorrect information or actions detrimentally relied upon by a participant. NRCS is addressing this concern by amending the procedures for requesting equitable relief when a participant has, in good faith, detrimentally relied upon incorrect actions or advice from an NRCS employee. In particular, this rulemaking provides that the State Conservationist may initiate equitable relief in lieu of the participant when the State Conservationist finds that the NRCS action or advice has detrimentally harmed a participant in a covered program. This rulemaking does not change the participant's ability to originate such a relief request. Other minor revisions are being made to the rule in support of this change.

USDA uses science-based regulatory systems to allow for the safe development, use, and trade of products derived from new agricultural technologies. USDA continues to regulate the importation, interstate movement, and field-testing of newly developed genetically engineered (GE) organisms that qualify as regulated articles” to ensure they do not pose a threat to plant health before they can be commercialized. These science-based evaluations facilitate the safe introduction of new agricultural production options and enhance public and international confidence in these products. As a part of this effort, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will publish a proposed rule to revise its regulations and align them with current authorizations by incorporating the noxious weed authority and regulate GE organisms that pose plant pest or weed risks in a manner that balances oversight and risk, and that is based on the best available science. The regulatory framework being developed will enable more focused, risk-based regulation of GE organisms that pose plant pest or noxious weed risks and will implement regulatory requirements only to the extent necessary to achieve the APHIS protection goal.

This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity. These proposed changes would affect sections in the regulations relating to variances and implementation dates, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality. We are also proposing to revise the regulations that relate to swim-with-the-dolphin programs. We believe these actions are necessary to ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current industry and scientific knowledge and experience.

We are proposing to amend the regulations that set out our National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures. The amendments would clarify when we would complete an environmental impact statement or an environmental analysis for an action, provide additional categories of actions for which we would prepare such documents, expand the list of actions subject to categorical exclusion from further environmental documentation, and set out an environmental documentation process that could be used in emergencies. The proposed changes are intended to update the regulations and improve their clarity and effectiveness.

This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by changing the risk groups and categories established for individual animals and for flocks. It would simplify, reduce, or remove certain recordkeeping requirements. This action would provide designated scrapie epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when testing animals in order to determine flock designations under the regulations. It would also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes would affect sheep and goat producers and State governments.

We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of plant pests. We are proposing criteria regarding the movement and environmental release of biological control organisms, and are proposing to establish regulations to allow the importation and movement in interstate commerce of certain types of plant pests without restriction by granting exceptions from permitting requirements for those pests. We are also proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of soil. This proposed rule replaces a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document. This proposal would clarify the factors that would be considered when assessing the risks associated with the movement of certain organisms and facilitate the movement of regulated organisms and articles in a manner that also protects U.S. agriculture.   

This rulemaking would amend the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen, products, and byproducts. The proposed scrapie revisions regarding the importation of sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other than immediate slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such animals to those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free flocks.

This rulemaking would consolidate the regulations governing bovine tuberculosis (TB), currently found in 9 CFR part 77, and those governing brucellosis, currently found in 9 CFR part 78. As part of this consolidation, we are proposing to transition the TB and brucellosis programs away from a State status system based on disease prevalence. Instead, States and tribes would implement an animal health plan that identifies sources of the diseases within the State or tribe and specifies mitigations to address the risk posed by these sources. The consolidated regulations also would set forth standards for surveillance, epidemiological investigations, and affected herd management that must be incorporated into each animal health plan, with certain limited exceptions; conditions for the interstate movement of cattle, bison, and captive cervids; and conditions for APHIS approval of tests for bovine TB or brucellosis. Finally, the rulemaking would revise the import requirements for cattle and bison to make these requirements clearer and ensure that they more effectively mitigate the risk of introduction of the diseases into the United States.

In the 2014 Farm Bill, Congress amended the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the authority to determine what facilities and activities involving AWA regulated animals are de minimis and therefore exempt from licensure and oversight. We are proposing to amend the AWA regulations to enact this new provision. This change would provide APHIS with the flexibility to exempt from licensing those dealers and exhibitors who provide adequate levels of humane care to their animals, allowing us to target our enforcement resources where they are most needed. Dealers and exhibitors operating at or below the threshold would be exempted from APHIS licensing and oversight under the AWA.

This rulemaking will amend the regulations for the importation of unmanufactured wood articles to remove the exemption that allows wood packaging material from Canada to enter the United States without first meeting the treatment and marking requirements of the regulations that apply to wood packaging material from all other countries. This action is necessary in order to prevent the dissemination and spread of pests via wood packaging material from Canada.

This rulemaking will amend the regulations to require firewood of all species imported from Canada, including treated lumber (furniture scraps) sold as kindling, and all spruce logs imported from Nova Scotia to be heat-treated and to be accompanied by either a certificate of treatment or an attached commercial treatment label. This action is necessary on an immediate basis to prevent the artificial spread of pests, including emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, gypsy moth, European spruce bark beetle, and brown spruce longhorn beetle to noninfested areas of the United States, and to prevent further introduction of these pests into the United States.

This rulemaking will amend our regulations governing the importations of fruits and vegetables by broadening our existing performance standard to provide for consideration of all new fruits and vegetables for importation into the United States using a notice-based process. Rather than authorizing new imports through proposed and final rules and specifying import conditions in the regulations, the notice-based process uses Federal Register notices to make risk analyses available to the public for review and comment, with authorized commodities and their conditions of entry subsequently being listed on the Internet. It also will remove the region- or commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements currently found in these regulations. Likewise, we are proposing an equivalent revision of the performance standard in our regulations governing the interstate movements of fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and the removal of commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements from those regulations. This action will allow for the consideration of requests to authorize the importation or interstate movement of new fruits and vegetables in a manner that enables a more flexible and responsive regulatory approach to evolving pest situations in both the United States and exporting countries. It will not, however, alter the science-based process in which the risk associated with importation or interstate movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated or the manner in which risks associated with the importation or interstate movement of a fruit or vegetable are mitigated.

This rulemaking would amend the regulations pertaining to certain diseases of livestock and poultry to specify conditions for payment of indemnity claims for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Specifically, it would provide a formula that will allow us to split such payments between poultry and egg owners and parties with which the owners enter into contracts to raise or care for the eggs or poultry based on the proportion of the production cycle completed. This action is necessary to ensure that all contractors are compensated appropriately. It would also providing for the payment of indemnity for eggs required to be destroyed due to HPAI, thus codifying an existing policy. Finally, it would require owners and contractors, unless specifically exempted, to provide a statement that at the time of detection of HPAI in their facilities, they had in place and were following a biosecurity plan aimed at keeping HPAI from spreading to commercial premises. This requirement is intended to prevent the introduction of HPAI into commercial facilities due to substandard biosecurity practices.

We are withdrawing a proposed rule that would have amended the regulations regarding the introduction (importation, interstate movement, and environmental release (field testing)) of certain genetically engineered organisms. We are doing this because of the experience we have gained over the past 28 years, continuing advances in biotechnology, and comments we received on the rule. We will begin a fresh stakeholder engagement to explore alternative policy approaches. This engagement will begin with a series of webinars that will provide the stakeholder community an opportunity to provide initial feedback. Information on these webinars will be announced in the coming month.

This rulemaking amends the regulations governing the importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products by allowing, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from a region in Brazil (the States of Bahia, Distrito Federal, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, São Paulo, Sergipe, and Tocantins). Based on the evidence in a recent risk assessment, we have determined that fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can be safely imported from those Brazilian States provided certain conditions are met. This action provides for the importation of beef from the designated region in Brazil into the United States while continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease.

This rulemaking amends the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act regulations to provide for the use of a simpler labeling format that would better communicate product performance to the user. Under this rulemaking, the previous label format, which reflected any of four different levels of effectiveness, is replaced with a single, uniform label format. We are also requiring biologics licensees to provide a standardized summary, with confidential business information removed, of the efficacy and safety data submitted to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in support of the issuance of a full product license or conditional license. A simpler label format, along with publicly available safety and efficacy data, will help biologics producers to more clearly communicate product performance to their customers.

This rulemaking amends the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act regulations to require that veterinary biologics prepared under the veterinary practitioner exemption must be prepared at the same facility the veterinarian utilizes in conducting the day-to-day activities associated with his or her practice. This exemption applies to veterinary biologics prepared by a veterinary practitioner solely for administration to animals in the course of a State-licensed professional practice of veterinary medicine under a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. This rule is necessary to ensure that veterinary biologics are not prepared in unlicensed establishments in violation of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act and to clarify the regulations regarding the preparation of product by a veterinary practitioner under a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

This rulemaking amends the regulations to allow, under certain conditions, the importation of commercial consignments of fresh papayas from Peru into the continental United States. The conditions for the importation of papayas from Peru will include requirements for approved production locations; field sanitation; hot water treatment; procedures for packing and shipping the papayas; and fruit fly trapping in papaya production areas. This action allows for the importation of papayas from Peru while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests into the continental United States. 

This rulemaking will amend the user fee regulations by adding new fee categories and adjusting current fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection services that are provided in connection with certain commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international passengers arriving at ports in the customs territory of the United States. It also will adjust the fee caps associated with commercial vessels, commercial trucks, and commercial railcars. Based on the conclusions of a third party assessment of the user fee program and on other considerations, we have determined that revised user fee categories and revised user fees are necessary to recover the costs of the current level of activity, to account for actual and projected increases in the cost of doing business, and to more accurately align fees with the costs associated with each fee service.

This rulemaking amends the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of fresh apples (Malus pumila) from China into the continental United States. As a condition of entry, apples from areas in China in which the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is not known to exist will have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes requirements for registration of places of production and packinghouses, inspection for quarantine pests at set intervals by the national plant protection organization of China, bagging of fruit, safeguarding, labeling, and importation in commercial consignments. Apples from areas in China in which Oriental fruit fly is known to exist may be imported into the continental United States if, in addition to these requirements, the apples are treated with fumigation plus refrigeration. All apples from China will also be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that all conditions for the importation of the apples have been met and that the consignment of apples has been inspected and found free of quarantine pests. This action allows for the importation of apples from China into the continental United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.

This rulemaking amends the regulations to recognize the State of Sonora as a region in Mexico that is free of fever ticks. It also establishes an exemption from acaricide dipping treatment requirements, and the documentation requirements associated with such dipping, that were formerly applicable to cattle and other ruminants originating from Sonora as a condition of eligibility for entry to the United States, provided that certain conditions are met. This action removes restrictions on the importation of cattle and other ruminants from Sonora that we believe are no longer necessary and reduce the costs associated with tick dipping for exporters and importers of ruminants.

This rulemaking amends the regulations governing the importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products to allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from a region in Argentina located north of Patagonia South and Patagonia North B, referred to as Northern Argentina. Based on the evidence in a recent risk analysis, we have determined that fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can be safely imported from Northern Argentina, subject to certain conditions. This action provides for the importation of beef from Northern Argentina into the United States, while continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease.

The National Organic Program (NOP) establishes national standards governing the marketing of organically produced agricultural products. In 2004, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) initiated the development of organic pet food standards, which had not been incorporated into the NOP regulations, by forming a task force which included pet food manufacturers, organic consultants, etc. Collectively, these experts drafted organic pet food standards consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, Food and Drug Administration requirements, and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Model Regulations for Pet and Specialty Pet Food. The AAFCO regulations are scientifically based regulations for voluntary adoption by State jurisdictions to ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of feed. In November 2008, the NOSB approved a final recommendation for organic pet food standards incorporating the provisions drafted by the pet food task force.

This action proposes to amend the USDA organic regulations to reflect an October 2010 recommendation submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concerning the production of organic apicultural (or beekeeping) products.

This action proposes to establish standards for organic production and certification of farmed aquatic animals and their products in the USDA organic regulations. This action would also add aquatic animals as a scope of certification and accreditation under the National Organic Program (NOP). This action is necessary to establish standards for organic farmed aquatic animals and their products which would allow U.S. producers to compete in the organic seafood market. This action is also necessary to address multiple recommendations provided by USDA by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). In 2007 through 2009, the NOSB made five recommendations to establish standards for the certification of organic farmed aquatic animals and their products. Finally, the U.S. currently has organic standards equivalence arrangements with Canada and the European Union (EU). Both Canada and the EU established standards for organic aquaculture products. Because the U.S. does not have organic aquaculture standards, the U.S. is unable to include aquaculture in the scope of these arrangements. Establishing U.S. organic aquaculture may provide a basis for expanding those trade partnerships.

The current regulations provide two tracks for replacing dairy animals which are tied to how dairy farmers transition to organic production. Farmers who transition an entire distinct herd must thereafter replace dairy animals with livestock that has been under organic management from the last third of gestation. Farmers who do not transition an entire distinct herd may perpetually obtain replacement animals that have been managed organically for 12 months prior to marketing milk or milk products as organic. The proposed action would eliminate the two-track system and require that upon transition, all existing and replacement dairy animals from which milk or milk products are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be managed organically from the last third of gestation.

As a result of this action, certified "organic" commodities (those comprising at least 95 percent organic components) would no longer be subject to assessment for promotion activities conducted under marketing order or research and promotion programs. In addition, certified organic commodities that are produced, handled, marketed, or imported by operations that also deal in conventional products would be eligible for exemptions. Currently, only products that are certified "100 percent organic" and that are produced and handled by entities that deal exclusively with organic products are exempt from assessments. This action is expected to reduce the assessment obligation for organic industry operators by as much as $13.7 million. Conversely, the impact on the marketing programs will be a loss of approximately $13.7 million in funds for generic commodity promotions.

This action outlines the general requirements for Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) grants, providing an overview of common grant activities and then breaking down specific requirements for each of the eight grants covered by the rulemaking publication.  Consistent with efforts to consolidate the administration of the AMS grant programs and ensure transparency of each grant program's pre- and post- award processes, it is necessary to publish the basic procedures for administering these programs in the Federal Register.

This proposed rule would address two 2015 sunset review recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) following their October 2014 meeting.  The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published two notices of meetings of the NOSB on March 10, 2014 and on September 8, 2014.  Each of these public meetings served as the NOSB's review of National List substances that have a 2015 sunset date.  There were no comments, including no comment from the original marsala petitioner, in support of renewing marsala or sherry on the National List.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to require official egg products plants to develop and implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), consistent with HACCP and Sanitation SOP requirements in the meat and poultry products inspection regulations. FSIS also is proposing to require egg products plants to produce egg products using a process that will eliminate detectable pathogens from the finished product. Plants would be expected to develop HACCP systems that ensure that pathogens cannot be detected in finished egg products.

In addition, FSIS is proposing to amend the egg products inspection regulations by removing the current requirements for prior approval by FSIS of egg products plant drawings, specifications, and equipment prior to their use in official plants, providing for the generic labeling of egg products, and requiring safe handling labels on shell eggs and egg products.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to define the conditions under which it will permit the voluntary claim "natural" to be used in the labeling of meat and poultry products. FSIS also is proposing that label approval requests for labels that contain "natural" claims include documentation to demonstrate that the products meet the criteria to bear a "natural" claim. FSIS is proposing to require that meat or poultry products meet these conditions to qualify for a "natural" claim to make the claim more meaningful to consumers.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend its meat products inspection regulations to add Namibia to the list of countries eligible to export meat products to the United States (9 CFR 327.2). Namibia is not currently listed as eligible to export such products to the United States. If this proposed rule is adopted, any meat and meat products exported to the United States from Namibia will be subject to reinspection at the ports-of-entry for transportation damage, labeling, proper certification, general condition, and accurate box count. FSIS will also conduct other types of inspection, including examination of products for defects and sampling and laboratory analysis of products' chemical residues, or for microbiological contamination. Products that pass reinspection will be stamped with the official United States mark of inspection, and allowed to enter United States commerce. If they do not meet United States requirements, they will be refused entry and must be re-exported, destroyed, or converted to animal food.

Consistent with the recent changes that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to update and revise the nutrition labeling requirements for meat and poultry products to reflect recent scientific research and dietary recommendations and to improve the presentation of nutrition information to assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices. FSIS is proposing to (1) update the list of nutrients that are required or permitted to be declared; (2) provide updated Daily Reference Values (DRV) and Reference Daily Intake (RDI) values that are based on current dietary recommendations from consensus reports; and (3) amend the requirements for foods represented or purported to be specifically for children under the age of four years and pregnant and lactating women and establish nutrient reference values specifically for these population subgroups. FSIS is also proposing to revise the format and appearance of the Nutrition Facts Panel; amend the definition of a single-serving container; require dual-column labeling for certain containers; and update and modify several reference amounts customarily consumed (RACCs or reference amounts). FSIS also is proposing to consolidate the nutrition labeling regulations for meat and poultry products into a new Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to add Honduras to the list of countries eligible to export poultry products to the United States. Under this proposal, slaughtered poultry or parts or other products thereof processed in certified Honduran establishments would be eligible for export to the United States. All such products will be subject to re-inspection at United States ports of entry by FSIS inspectors.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to eliminate the requirements for both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) pork and pork products to be treated to destroy trichina (Trichinella spiralis) because the regulations are inconsistent with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, and these prescriptive regulations are no longer necessary. If this supplemental proposed rule is finalized, FSIS will end its Trichinella Approved Laboratory Program (TALP program) for the evaluation and approval of non-Federal laboratories that use the pooled sample digestion technique to analyze samples for the presence of trichina. FSIS is also proposing to consolidate the regulations on thermally processed, commercially sterile meat and poultry products (i.e., canned food products containing meat or poultry).

The 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110-246, sec. 11016), amended the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) to make "catfish" a species amenable to the FMIA and, therefore, subject to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection. In addition, the 2008 Farm Bill gave FSIS the authority to define the term "catfish." On February 24, 2011, FSIS published a proposed rule that outlined a mandatory catfish inspection program and presented two options for defining "catfish." The 2014 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 113-79, sec. 12106), amended the FMIA to remove the term "catfish" and to make "all fish of the order Siluriformes" subject to FSIS jurisdiction and inspection. As a result, FSIS inspection of Siluriformes is mandated by law and non-discretionary.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is developing final regulations to amend the meat, poultry, and egg product inspection regulations to provide for an electronic export application and certification system. The electronic export application and certification system will be a component of the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS). The export component of PHIS will be available as an alternative to the paper-based application and certification process. FSIS intends to charge users for the use of the system. FSIS is establishing a formula for calculating the fee. FSIS also is providing establishments that export meat, poultry, and egg products with flexibility in the official export inspection marks, devices, and certificates. In addition, FSIS is amending the egg product export regulations to parallel the meat and poultry export regulations.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is developing final regulations to amend its recordkeeping regulations to specify that all official establishments and retail stores that grind raw beef products for sale in commerce must keep records that disclose the identity of the supplier of all source materials that they use in the preparation of each lot of raw ground product, and identify the names of those source materials.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is developing final regulations to amend the ante-mortem inspection regulations to remove a provision that permits establishments to set apart and hold for treatment veal calves that are unable to rise from a recumbent position and walk because they are tired or cold (9 CFR 309.13(b)). The regulations permit such calves to proceed to slaughter if they are able to rise and walk after being warmed or rested. FSIS proposed to require that non-ambulatory disabled (NAD) veal calves that are offered for slaughter be condemned and promptly euthanized. The existing regulations require that NAD mature cattle be condemned on ante-mortem inspection and that they be promptly euthanized (9 CFR 309.3(e)). FSIS believes that prohibiting the slaughter of all NAD veal calves would improve compliance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978 (HMSA), and the humane slaughter implementing regulations. It also would improve the Agency's inspection efficiency by eliminating the time that FSIS inspection program personnel (IPP) spend re-inspecting non-ambulatory disabled veal calves.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed to amend the definition and standard of identity for the roaster or roasting chicken poultry class to better reflect the characteristics of roaster chickens in the market today. Roasters or roasting chickens are described in terms of the age and ready-to-cook (RTC) carcass weight of the bird. Genetic changes and management techniques have continued to reduce the grow-out period and increased the RTC weight for this poultry class. Therefore, FSIS proposed to amend the roaster definition to remove the 8-week minimum age criterion and increase the RTC carcass weight from 5 pounds to 5.5 pounds. This action is being taken in response to a petition submitted by the National Chicken Council.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has finalized regulations to require the use of the descriptive designation "mechanically tenderized" on the labels of raw or partially cooked needle- or blade-tenderized beef products, including beef products injected with marinade or solution, unless such products are destined to be fully cooked at an official establishment. Beef products that have been needle- or blade-tenderized are referred to as "mechanically tenderized" products. This rule requires that the product name for such beef products include the descriptive designation "mechanically tenderized," and an accurate description of the beef component. The rule also requires that the print for all words in the descriptive designation and the product name appear in a single, easy-to-read type style and color and on a single-color contrasting background. The print may appear in upper and lowercase letters with the lowercase letters not smaller than one-third (1/3) the size of the largest letter. In addition, this rule requires that labels of raw and partially cooked needle- or blade-tenderized beef products destined for household consumers, hotels, restaurants, or similar institutions include validated cooking instructions stating that these products need to be cooked to a specified minimum internal temperature, and whether they need to be held at that minimum internal temperature for a specified time before consumption (in other words, dwell time or rest time) to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked.

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has affirmed, with changes, the interim final rule "Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products," which was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2003, (68 FR 34208). The interim final rule requires establishments that produce certain ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that are exposed to the processing environment after undergoing treatments lethal to Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) to have in their hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plans, or in their sanitation standard operating procedures (Sanitation SOPs), or other prerequisite programs, controls that prevent product adulteration by Lm. Establishments must share with FSIS data and information relevant to their controls for Lm. Establishments also must furnish FSIS with information on the production volume of products affected by the regulations. Establishments may make claims on the labels of their RTE products regarding the processes they use to eliminate or reduce Lm, or suppress, or limit its growth in the products. FSIS made minor changes to the regulatory provisions in response to comments that the Agency received on the basis of experience in implementing the provisions, and because the way FSIS obtains establishment profile information electronically has changed. FSIS clarified in the regulations that establishments may not release into commerce product that has been in contact with Lm contaminated surfaces without reprocessing the product. In addition, FSIS is removing the requirement for establishments to report production volume and related information to FSIS because the Agency now routinely collects this information through its Public Health Information System (PHIS).

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) added Lithuania to the list of countries eligible to export meat and meat products to the United States. Under this proposal, meat from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats slaughtered in Lithuania, or parts or other products thereof, processed in certified Lithuanian establishments, would be eligible for export to the United States. All such products would be subject to reinspection at United States ports of entry by FSIS inspectors.

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (FNA) provides authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to establish temporary emergency standards of eligibility for the duration of an emergency for households who are victims of a disaster that disrupts commercial channels of food distribution. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) plans to publish a Proposed Rule for D-SNAP that will codify longstanding policies disseminated through previous guidance.

This rulemaking will propose to implement sections 4113 (Split Issuance), 4114 (Accrual of Benefits), and part of 4115 (Interchange Fees) of the 2008 Farm Bill, which pertain to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit issuance and redemption. The provisions of section 4115 to de-obligate coupons and make Electronic Benefit Transfer cards the sole method of benefit delivery will be addressed in a separate rulemaking.

This rulemaking will address the criteria used to authorize redemption of SNAP benefits (especially by restaurant-type operations).

This rule aims to address current information and accountability gaps, by requiring that State agencies submit to FNS annual Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) operations plans and reports. It is a goal of the legislation and FNS that State agency operators of the RMP regularly assess programs against need; determine if it is effective at meeting the needs of the elderly, disabled, and homeless; monitor the RMP for possible fraud and abuse; and justify the continued operation of the program.  The proposed changes will help ensure the integrity of the program by requiring State operators to submit an annual plan which details concrete need” criteria for approval of private restaurant meal providers to offer meals to the targeted populations. The proposed regulatory changes would require the implementing State agency to demonstrate how the recipient populations referenced in Sections 3(k)(3), (4) and (9) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, are served by those providers it chooses to contract with to provide meals. There is also a statutory requirement for an annual report submission by State operators so that FNS can assess whether the RMP is meeting the needs of those it is designated to serve.

The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, the Farm Bill) amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA) to include new requirements regarding the acceptance and processing of SNAP client benefits by all non-exempt retailers participating in SNAP. Statutory changes will modernize EBT systems and ensure greater program integrity. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) also plans to revise certain SNAP regulations for which multiple State agencies have sought and received approval of waivers. The revisions will streamline program administration, offer greater flexibility to State agencies, and improve customer service. 

FNS proposes to implement provisions of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, the Farm Bill) with regard to the processing of donated foods, and to amend current regulations further to provide more efficient and effective service to State distributing and recipient agencies, including School Food Authorities (SFA).

This rule will align program regulations with changes made by section 4002 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, the Farm Bill), which introduces new technical requirements for point-of-sale (POS) devices in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system in section 7(h)(2)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA). The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose to revise existing regulations both to codify these statutory requirements as well as to provide for their effective implementation and enforcement through the clarification of the technical specifications and capabilities required of this equipment and by addressing methods for ensuring compliance. In addition, the Department will define what constitutes an area that has significantly limited access to food to determine who is exempt from this requirement.

The proposed action will address sections 4007, 4008, 4009 and 4015 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. Section 4007, Eligibility Disqualifications, will address student eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Section 4008, Eligibility Disqualifications for Certain Convicted Felons, will address SNAP eligibility of certain convicted felons who are not in compliance with the terms of their sentence. Section 4009, Lottery and Gambling Winners, will address ineligibility for SNAP beneficiaries with substantial gambling or lottery winnings. Section 4015, Mandating State Immigration Verification, will address the procedures States must have in place to verify immigration status.

This proposed regulation will implement the final guidance Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 26, 2013. USDA implementation of the guidance will occur in December 2014 with the OMB joint interim final rule. This Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule will update references to the OMB final guidance throughout the FNS rules.

The proposed action would implement section 4006, Standard Utility Allowances Based on the Receipt of Energy Assistance Payments, of the Agricultural Act of 2014.  Under section 4006, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is instructed to promulgate regulations establishing that those States electing to use a heating or cooling standard utility allowance (HCSUA) in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility determinations must make the HCSUA available to households that receive a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or other similar energy assistance program payment greater than $20 annually in the current month or in the immediately preceding 12 months.

This rule proposes to implement section 4018 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. This section created new limitations on the use of Federal funds authorized in the Food and Nutrition Act for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) promotion and outreach activities.  These changes will affect the type of outreach activities eligible for 50 percent Federal reimbursement conducted by State agencies and their community partners.  This regulation will codify section 4018 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 which establishes new parameters regarding how funds authorized by the Food and Nutrition Act may be spent to promote SNAP. The Agricultural Act of 2014 makes these changes by amending sections 16(a)(4) and 18 of the Food and Nutrition Act.

Under section 7(h)(9) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act), as amended [7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(9)], States have the option to require that SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card contain a photo of one or more household members. This rule would incorporate into regulation and provide additional clarity on the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) guidance developed for State agencies wishing to implement the photo EBT card option. 

This rule proposes to define the word benefit as it pertains to retail owners as recommended by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) under Recommendation 8 of their July 2013, FNS: Controls for Authorizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retailers (# 27601-0001-31) audit report. The definition would put the burden of proof on the retail owners to demonstrate that they did not benefit from any trafficking that occurred, and are therefore eligible for a civil money penalty in lieu of disqualification.

The proposed rule would revise program regulations related to the authorization or reauthorization of retailers seeking to participate, or to continue participating in the program, in order to implement Recommendation 3 from the July 2013 Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit report titled, FNS: Controls for Authorizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Retailers (# 27601-0001-31).  The Recommendation requires a self-initiated National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check as part of the application process for new retailer applicants to the program, as well as retailers seeking reauthorization in the program who have not already completed the process, as deemed necessary by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR part 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, is amended to establish categorical (automatic) eligibility for free meals and free milk upon documentation that a child is (1) homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; (2) a runaway served by grant programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; or (3) migratory as defined in section 1309(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The rule also requires phase-in of mandatory direct certification for children who are members of households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and continues discretionary direct certification for other categorically eligible children.

This interim final rule will amend 7 CFR parts 210 and 220 to codify section 116 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) amending section 13(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to authorize a Seamless Summer Option for public or private nonprofit school food authorities to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Section 738 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, (Pub. L. 110-161) extends simplified cost accounting procedures to Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors in all States. Beginning on January 1, 2008, sponsors received the maximum rates of reimbursement for the eligible meals they served. This final rule will amend 7 CFR part 225 to eliminate the program assistance requirements that no longer apply and to implement a number of other actions that would further streamline SFSP administration.

The final rule will amend 7 CFR parts 271, 272, and 275 to codify section 4116 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. This section, Review of Major Changes in Program Design, requires the Secretary to develop standards for identifying major changes in the operations of a State agency that administers SNAP. Once the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has determined that a State reported operational change is considered major, the State will be required to report to FNS, on a regular basis, information related to the impact of the change on program integrity and program access.

This final rule amends the regulations governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to codify provisions from the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246) (FCEA) concerning the eligibility and certification of SNAP applicants and participants and SNAP employment and training.

This final rule would implement provisions under section 4132 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, giving the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) the authority to assess a civil penalty and to disqualify a retail or wholesale food store authorized to participate in SNAP.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to add section 19, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Section 19 establishes the FFVP as a permanent national program in a select number of schools in each State, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Schools in all States must apply annually in order to receive FFVP funding. This rule would codify statutory requirements currently established and implemented through program policy and guidance for operators at the State and local level.

Title IV, part III: Program Operations, section 4133 (Major System Failures) provision allows USDA to prohibit State agencies from collecting claims from a household, and to assert a claim against a State in cases of major systemic error resulting in substantial overpayments of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This rule will regulate what procedures and processes are to be followed if a State experiences such a failure. It will define what a major system failure is and explain under what circumstances a State agency will be held liable for an overpayment, rather than the client household.

Section 4112 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246) amended section 6(k) of the FNA to require the Secretary to amend SNAP regulations to clarify and define certain terminology that affects the SNAP eligibility of fleeing felons.