[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 380-381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-155]



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



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
7 CFR Part 1280

[No. LS-94-014]


Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Order

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service; USDA.

ACTION: Notice: Invitation to submit proposals.

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

SUMMARY: Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for a sheep 
and wool promotion, research, education, and information order, or 
parts of an order as provided for by the Sheep [[Page 381]] Promotion, 
Research, and Information Act (Act). The Act authorizes a national 
industry-funded program for sheep and wool promotion, research, 
education, and information.
    Interested parties are also invited to submit views on whether it 
would be beneficial to hold a public meeting during an ensuing comment 
period to discuss the proposals.

DATES: Proposals must be received by February 3, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Proposals (two copies) should be mailed to: Ralph L. Tapp, 
Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed Division, 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), USDA, Room 2624-S; P.O. Box 
96456; Washington, D.C. 20090-6456.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph L. Tapp on 202/720-1115.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Sheep Promotion, Research, and 
Information Act, enacted on October 22, 1994, authorizes the 
establishment of a national sheep and wool promotion, research, 
education, and information program financed through assessments on both 
domestic and imported sheep and sheep products, including exports of 
live sheep and greasy wool. The nationwide program will be administered 
by the National Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Board, 
composed of 120 members, including 85 producers, 10 feeders and 25 
importers, who will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to 
represent units. The term units means each State, group of States, or 
class designation that is represented on the Board.
    To establish the initial Board, the Secretary will solicit 
nominations from eligible producer, feeder, and importer organizations. 
Organizations that represent the producer segment of the industry must 
meet certain criteria in order to be certified to submit nominations 
for that industry segment. If no producer organization is certified to 
submit nominations for a State unit, or if no feeder or importer 
organization is eligible to submit nominations for those industry 
segments, then the Secretary shall use other means to secure 
nominations for appointment to the Board.
    Funds will be collected by assessing domestic producers, feeders, 
and exporters 1 cent per pound of live sheep sold and 2 cents per pound 
of greasy wool sold. Importers will be assessed: (1) 1 cent per pound 
of live sheep imported; (2) the equivalent of 1 cent per pound of live 
sheep for sheep products imported; and (3) 2 cents per pound of 
degreased wool or the equivalent of degreased wool for wool and wool 
products imported. Imported raw wool is exempt from assessments. All 
assessment rates may be adjusted in accordance with applicable 
provisions of the Act.
    Because the Act permits an association of producers to request the 
issuance of an order and to submit a proposal, the Department of 
Agriculture will receive written proposals for a sheep and wool 
promotion, research, education, and information order, or for various 
provisions thereof. Proposals must be submitted in duplicate to the 
Marketing Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed Division; AMS, USDA, Room 
2624-S; P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456, and must be 
received in the Department by February 3, 1995.
    Proposals should include: (1) the proposed order language; (2) a 
description of the proposed order provisions; (3) an explanation of the 
nature and purpose of the proposed order provisions; (4) references to 
the section of the Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act that 
would be implemented by an order provision; and (5) any other pertinent 
information concerning a proposal that would assist in the process of 
implementing the Act.
    The Department will only publish for public comment in the Federal 
Register proposals that are consistent with the Act.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1280

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Marketing agreements, Sheep and sheep products, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Authority: The Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act; 7 
U.S.C. 7101-7111.

    Dated: December 29, 1994.
Lon Hatamiya,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 95-155 Filed 1-3-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P