[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31362-31364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15205]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 110 / Tuesday, June 9, 1998 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 31362]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Parts 56 and 70

[Docket No. PY-98-002]
RIN 0581-AB54


Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading Increase in Fees and Charges

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to increase 
the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit 
grading. These fees and charges need to be increased to cover the 
increase in salaries of Federal employees, salary increases of State 
employees cooperatively utilized in administering the programs, and 
other increased Agency costs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments, in duplicate, to Douglas C. Bailey, 
Chief, Standardization Branch, Poultry Programs, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 0259, room 3944-South, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0259. Comments 
received may be inspected at this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m., Eastern Time, Monday thru Friday, except holidays. State that 
your comments refer to Docket No. PY-98-002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, 
(202) 720-3271.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed rule has been determined to be 
not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and has not been 
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. This action is not intended to have retroactive 
effect. This rule will not preempt any State or local laws, 
regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable 
conflict with this rule. There are no administrative procedures which 
must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of 
this rule.
    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA), the AMS has considered the economic impact of 
this action on small entities.
    There are about 400 users of Poultry Programs' grading services. 
Many of these users are small entities under the criteria established 
by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.601). This proposed 
rule will raise the fees charged to businesses for voluntary grading 
services for eggs, poultry, and rabbits. The AMS estimates that overall 
this rule would yield an additional $1.5 million during FY 1999. The 
hourly resident rate for grading services will increase by 
approximately 4.1 percent while the hourly nonresident rate for grading 
service will increase by approximately 15 percent. The costs to 
entities will be proportional to their use of service, so that costs 
are shared equitably by all users. Furthermore, entities are under no 
obligation to use grading services as authorized under the Agricultural 
Marketing Act of 1946.
    The AMS regularly reviews its user fee financed programs to 
determine if the fees are adequate. The existing fee schedule will not 
generate sufficient revenues to cover program costs while maintaining 
an adequate reserve balance (four months of costs) as called for by 
Agency policy (AMS Directive 408.1). The Agency has engaged in 
streamlining efforts to reduce costs including staff and space 
reductions or closing of field offices. However, overall, costs are 
increasing despite these efforts.
    Without a fee increase, revenue projections for FY 1999 would be 
$19.8 million, with costs projected at $22.3 million. The shortfall, if 
allowed to continue, would translate into an approximate 3.8 month 
operating reserve at the end of FY 1999 or $7.1 million, which is less 
than Agency policy requires. With the fee increase, FY 1999 revenue is 
projected to be $21.3 million and costs are projected at $22.3 million. 
Trust fund balances would be $8.5 million or 4.3 months.
    The AMS has certified that this action will not have a significant 
impact on a substantial number of small entities, as defined in the RFA 
(5 U.S.C. 601).
    The information collection requirements that appear in the sections 
to be amended by the proposed rule have been previously approved by OMB 
and assigned OMB Control Numbers under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35) as follows: Sec. 56.52(a)(4)--No. 0581-0128; and 
Sec. 70.77(a)(4)--No. 0581-0127.

Background and Proposed Changes

    The Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA) of 1946 authorizes official 
grading and certification on a user-fee basis of eggs, poultry, and 
rabbits. The AMA provides that reasonable fees be collected from users 
of the program services to cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs 
of services rendered. AMS regularly reviews these programs to determine 
if fees are adequate and if costs are reasonable. This proposal would 
amend the schedule for fees and charges for grading services rendered 
to the egg, poultry, and rabbit industries to reflect the costs 
currently associated with the program.
    Several streamlining actions to be completed in FY 1998 will result 
in cost savings. They include staff and space reductions or closing of 
field offices. However, overall, costs are increasing despite these 
efforts.
    Employee salaries and benefits account for approximately 82 percent 
of the total operating budget. A general and locality salary increase 
for Federal employees, ranging from 2.57 to 6.52 percent, depending on 
locality, became effective in January 1998 and has materially affected 
program costs. Another general and locality salary increase estimated 
at 3.0 percent is expected in January 1999. Also, from October 1997 
through September 1999, salaries and fringe benefits of federally 
licensed State employees will have increased by about 6 percent. As a 
result, the hourly resident rate for grading services will increase by 
approximately 4.1 percent. The hourly resident rate covers graders' 
salaries, fringe benefits, and related costs.
    Another factor affecting the current fee structure is the increased 
demand for grading services on a fee basis. Resident grading service is 
provided by a grader with a regular tour of duty in

[[Page 31363]]

a plant, while fee grading service is provided by a grader on an 
intermittent, as-needed basis. Historically, the majority of shell egg 
and poultry grading has been done on a resident basis according to the 
official U.S. quality grade standards. In recent years, however, there 
has been an increase in the volume of shell eggs and poultry being 
traded according to product-specific purchase requirements where USDA 
certification is required, and this work is done predominantly on a fee 
basis. Fee services for many plants require more supervisory time and 
travel to staff, train, and supervise graders. As a result, a greater 
proportion of overhead costs for supervision and support staff must be 
charged to fee services. Rates to cover these costs were only minimally 
raised in years prior to the last fee increase effective May 1, 1997. 
Current analysis shows that these rates need to be increased an 
additional 15 percent to totally support their fair share of the 
program's overhead costs.
    Additionally, rates for appeal grading and review of a grader's 
decision are only occasionally used, currently accounting for less than 
$5,000 revenue annually. A separate rate for this service would be 
discontinued and these services would be charged using fee service 
rates for the time required to perform such service. This amendment 
would simplify the rate structure and any change in revenue would be 
negligible.
    A recent review of the current fee schedule, effective May 1, 1997, 
revealed that anticipated revenue will not adequately cover increasing 
program costs. Without a fee increase, projected FY 1999 revenues for 
grading services are $19.8 million, with costs projected at $22.3 
million, and trust fund balances would be $7.1 million, below 
appropriate levels. With a fee increase, projected FY 1999 revenues 
would be $21.3 million and costs are projected at $22.3 million. Trust 
fund balances would be $8.5 million or 4.3 months of operating costs.
    The following table compares current fees and charges with proposed 
fees and charges for egg, poultry, and rabbit grading as found in 7 CFR 
Parts 56 and 70:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Service                       Current      Proposed 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resident service:                                                       
    Inauguration of service...................          310          310
    Hourly charges--Regular hours.............        26.56        27.64
    Administrative charges--Poultry grading:                            
        Per pound of poultry..................       .00033       .00034
        Minimum per month.....................          225          225
        Maximum per month.....................        2,250        2,500
    Administrative charges--Shell egg grading:                          
        Per 30-dozen case of shell eggs.......         .038         .040
        Minimum per month.....................          225          225
        Maximum per month.....................        2,250        2,500
    Administrative charges--Rabbit grading:                             
        Based on 25% of grader's salary,                                
         minimum per month                              225          250
Nonresident Service: \1\                                                
    Hourly charges:                                                     
        Regular hours.........................        26.56        27.64
    Administrative charges:                                             
        Based on 25% of grader's salary,                                
         minimum per month....................          225          250
Fee and appeal service:                                                 
    Hourly charges:                                                     
        Regular hours.........................        38.96        44.80
        Weekend and holiday hours.............        43.24       51.60 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For poultry and shell egg grading.                                  

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 56

    Eggs and egg products, Food grades and standards, Food labeling, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 70

    Food grades and standards, Food labeling, Poultry and poultry 
products, Rabbits and rabbit products, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.
    For reasons set forth in the preamble, it is proposed that Title 7, 
Code of Federal Regulations, parts 56 and 70 be amended as follows:

PART 56--GRADING OF SHELL EGGS

    1. The authority citation for part 56 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    2. Section 56.46 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 56.46  On a fee basis.

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in this part, the fees to be charged 
and collected for any service performed, in accordance with this part, 
on a fee basis shall be based on the applicable rates specified in this 
section.
    (b) Fees for grading services will be based on the time required to 
perform the services. The hourly charge shall be $44.80 and shall 
include the time actually required to perform the grading, waiting 
time, travel time, and any clerical costs involved in issuing a 
certificate.
    (c) Grading services rendered on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal 
holidays shall be charged for at the rate of $51.60 per hour. 
Information on legal holidays is available from the Supervisor.
    3. Section 56.47 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 56.47  Fees for appeal grading or review of a grader's decision.

    The cost of an appeal grading or review of a grader's decision 
shall be borne by the appellant on a fee basis at rates set forth in 
Sec. 56.46, plus any travel and additional expenses. If the appeal 
grading or review of a grader's decision discloses that a material 
error was made in the original determination, no fee or expenses will 
be charged.
    4. In Sec. 56.52, paragraph (a)(4) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 56.52  Continuous grading performed on a resident basis.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) An administrative service charge based upon the aggregate 
number of 30-

[[Page 31364]]

dozen cases of all shell eggs handled in the plant per billing period 
multiplied by $0.040, except that the minimum charge per billing period 
shall be $225 and the maximum charge shall be $2,500. The minimum 
charge also applies where an approved application is in effect and no 
product is handled.
* * * * *
    5. In Sec. 56.54, paragraph (a)(2) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 56.54  Charges for continuous grading performed on a nonresident 
basis.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) An administrative service charge equal to 25 percent of the 
grader's total salary costs. A minimum charge of $250 will be made each 
billing period. The minimum charge also applies where an approved 
application is in effect and no product is handled.
* * * * *

PART 70--VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS

    6. The authority citation for part 70 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    7. Section 70.71 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 70.71  On a fee basis.

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in this part, the fees to be charged 
and collected for any service performed, in accordance with this part, 
on a fee basis shall be based on the applicable rates specified in this 
section.
    (b) Fees for grading services will be based on the time required to 
perform such services for class, quality, quantity (weight test), or 
condition, whether ready-to-cook poultry, ready-to-cook rabbits, or 
specified poultry food products are involved. The hourly charge shall 
be $44.80 and shall include the time actually required to perform the 
work, waiting time, travel time, and any clerical costs involved in 
issuing a certificate.
    (c) Grading services rendered on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal 
holidays shall be charged for at the rate of $51.60 per hour. 
Information on legal holidays is available from the Supervisor.
    8. Section 70.72 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 70.72  Fees for appeal grading, laboratory analysis, or 
examination or review of a grader's decision.

    The costs of an appeal grading, laboratory analysis, or examination 
or review of a grader's decision, will be borne by the appellant on a 
fee basis at rates set forth in Sec. 70.71, plus any travel and 
additional expenses. If the appeal grading, laboratory analysis, or 
examination or review of a grader's decision discloses that a material 
error was made in the original determination, no fee or expenses will 
be charged.
    9. In Sec. 70.76, paragraph (a)(2) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 70.76  Charges for continuous poultry grading performed on a 
nonresident basis.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) An administrative service charge equal to 25 percent of the 
grader's total salary costs. A minimum charge of $250 will be made each 
billing period. The minimum charge also applies where an approved 
application is in effect and no product is handled.
* * * * *
    10. In Sec. 70.77, paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5) are revised to read 
as follows:


Sec. 70.77  Charges for continuous poultry or rabbit grading performed 
on a resident basis.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) For poultry grading: An administrative service charge based 
upon the aggregate weight of the total volume of all live and ready-to-
cook poultry handled in the plant per billing period computed in 
accordance with the following: Total pounds per billing period 
multiplied by $0.00034, except that the minimum charge per billing 
period shall be $225 and the maximum charge shall be $2,500. The 
minimum charge also applies where an approved application is in effect 
and no product is handled.
    (5) For rabbit grading: An administrative service charge equal to 
25 percent of the grader's total salary costs. A minimum charge of $250 
will be made each billing period. The minimum charge also applies where 
an approved application is in effect and no product is handled.
* * * * *
    Dated: June 3, 1998.
Enrique E. Figueroa,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 98-15205 Filed 6-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P