[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 89 (Monday, May 11, 2009)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 21865-21885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10266]


[[Page 21865]]

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Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 21866]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)






_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX

9 CFR Chs. I-IV

36 CFR Ch. II

41 CFR Ch. 4

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2009

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''

     USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory 
reviews pending at the time of publication, except for minor and 
routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently 
missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item 
from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each 
action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the 
date shown.

     USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:

     (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities; and

     (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.

Dated: March 6, 2009.

 Michael Poe,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

                                  Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1           National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured    0581-AB97
            Aquatic Animals, (TM-01-08)...........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2           National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock) (TM-07-03)............    0581-AC69
3           Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order (FV-08-702)...............    0581-AC82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4           National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (TM-05-14)................................    0581-AC57
5           Dairy Import Assessments (DA-08-07)...................................................    0581-AC87
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6           National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14).............    0581-AC77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21867]]


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7           Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable                0581-AC26
            Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-07-0081)....................................
8           Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Farm Bill)........................................    0581-AC88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9           Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities.............................................    0560-AI03
10          Conservation Loan Guarantee Program...................................................    0560-AI04
11          Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs....................................................    0560-AI05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12          Emergency Forest Restoration Program..................................................    0560-AH89
13          Biomass Crop Assistance Program.......................................................    0560-AH92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs            0579-AB24
            (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
15          Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds...................................    0579-AC02
16          Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting    0579-AC03
            Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a
            Section 610 Review)...................................................................
17          Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering    0579-AC31
18          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers.........................    0579-AC50
19          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products..........    0579-AC68
20          Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................    0579-AC92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
22          Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
23          Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations...............................................    0579-AB91
24          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities;    0579-AB97
            Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
25          Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610         0579-AC00
            Review)...............................................................................
26          National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610        0579-AC04
            Review)...............................................................................
27          Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................    0579-AC05
28          Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................    0579-AC06
29          Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida.....................................    0579-AC07
30          User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products.........................    0579-AC22
31          Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly             0579-AC36
            Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
32          Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine.....................................................    0579-AC71
33          Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain      0579-AC74
            Live Fish.............................................................................

[[Page 21868]]

 
34          Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach.............................    0579-AC82
35          Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement              0579-AC85
            Regulations...........................................................................
36          Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................    0579-AC86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review).............    0579-AA80
38          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity..........................................    0579-AB34
39          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)......................    0579-AB44
40          Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals.................................    0579-AC14
41          Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of               0579-AC41
            Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.........................................
42          Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona..............    0579-AC63
43          Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................    0579-AC69
44          Bovine Tuberculosis...................................................................    0579-AC73
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45          Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification,    0579-AB84
            and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................
46          Citrus Canker; Interstate Movement of Regulated Nursery Stock From Quarantined Areas..    0579-AC38
47          Import/Export User Fees...............................................................    0579-AC59
48          Revision of Regulations for the Movement of Fruits and Vegetables From Hawaii and U.S.    0579-AC70
            Territories Into the Continental United States........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49          Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50          Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program......................    0583-AD37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51          Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products;          0583-AC46
            Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 21869]]


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52          Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado..........    0596-AC74
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53          Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products...........................    0503-AA35
54          Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................    0503-AA36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55          Renewable Energy--Clarify Requirements for Construction/Development of Energy Program     0570-AA69
            Projects (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review).............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________



1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION 
OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS, (TM-01-08)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 to 6522

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising 
regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as 
organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic 
animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to 
establish production and handling standards for operations that capture 
aquatic animals from the wild. Production standards for operations 
producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock 
origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping. 
Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of 
commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of 
contact between organically produced and prohibited substances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and 
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________



2. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK) (TM-
07-03)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established 
national standards for the production and handling of organically 
produced products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the 
public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy 
replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory 
language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has 
established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic 
dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the 
development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They 
seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy 
operation has converted to organic production all future animals be 
organic from the last third of gestation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/09
Final Action                    01/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 21870]]

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and 
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________



3. MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER (FV-08-
702)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6101 to 6112

Abstract: The Farm Bill of 2008 amends the Mushroom Promotion, Research 
and Consumer Information Act of 1990 by changing the number of regions 
for nominations purposes from four to three; adjusting the number of 
pounds required to appoint members to the Mushroom Council; and to 
allow for the development of good agricultural and good handling 
practices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/07/09                    74 FR 15677
NPRM Comment Period End         05/07/09
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Marketing Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, South Building, P.O. Box 
96456, Washington, DC 20050-6456
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________



4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE (TM-05-14)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq

Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established 
national standards for the production and handling of organically 
produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some 
members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory 
standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy 
animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory 
language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement 
based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not 
provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals 
that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for 
livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments 
received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining 
the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/13/06                    71 FR 19131
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/12/06
NPRM                            10/24/08                    73 FR 63583
NPRM Comment Period End         12/23/08
Final Action                    08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and 
Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC57
_______________________________________________________________________



5. DAIRY IMPORT ASSESSMENTS (DA-08-07)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 to 4513

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing a dairy 
import assessment program as required by law. This action is in 
conformance to the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm 
Bill). The Farm Bill mandates that the Dairy Promotion and Research 
Order be amended to implement an assessment on imported dairy products 
to fund promotion and research, and allow for importer representation 
on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Promotion and Research Branch Chief, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________



6. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011) (CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM-
07-14)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending 
regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 
Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of 
1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances 
in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2001. 
The AMS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the 
public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is

[[Page 21871]]

essential in the review process to determine whether these substances 
should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and 
handling of organic agricultural products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/14/08                    73 FR 13795
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/13/08
NPRM                            10/00/10
Final Action                    08/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)



_______________________________________________________________________



7. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, 
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-07-0081)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm 
Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act 
(2002 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 107-206) amended the Agricultural 
Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) to require 
retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered 
commodities beginning September 30, 2004. Covered commodities include 
muscle cuts of beef (including veal), lamb, and pork; ground beef, 
ground lamb, and ground pork; farm-raised fish and shellfish; wild fish 
and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities; and peanuts. The FY 
2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill (2004 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 
108-199) delayed implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling 
(COOL) for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and 
shellfish until September 30, 2006. The FY 2006 Agriculture 
Appropriations Bill further delayed the implementation date for other 
covered commodities until September 30, 2008.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/15/09                     74 FR 2657
Final Action Effective          03/16/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Erin Morris
Phone: 202 720-5131
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________



8. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (FARM BILL)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing 
regulations to administer the Special Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) 
to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The interim final 
rule is intended to establish eligibility and application requirements, 
the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures 
for SCBGP. The SCBGP is authorized under section 101 of the Specialty 
Crops Competitiveness Act (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) and amended under the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Section 101 direction the 
Secretary of Agriculture to make grants available to States.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/03/08
Final Action                    03/27/09                    74 FR 13313
Final Action Effective          03/30/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Trista Etzig
Phone: 202 690-4942
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0581-AC88
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________



9. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill 
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there 
is discretion involved in the implementation. The sections being 
implemented are: 5001, Direct Loans; 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher 
and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales 
Program Down Payment Loan Program; 5101, Farming Experience as an 
Eligibility Requirement; 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and 
Ranchers for Emergency Loans; 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program; and 5501, Loans to 
Purchase Highly Fractionated Land.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts 5-year 
pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The program 
entails FSA making grants to qualified nonprofit organizations who then 
deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must match 50 
percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified, low-income 
beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would establish 
saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by the 
grantees. The program funds must match the participants' deposits at a 
minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants must 
use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland, 
livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program 
must be operated by and in conjunction with

[[Page 21872]]

FSA farm loan programs. The initial applications for the program must 
be approved no more than one year after the law is enacted. The program 
is not mandatory; an appropriation of up to $5 million annually is 
authorized to fund the program.
Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land 
Acquisition loans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AI03
_______________________________________________________________________



10. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill 
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there 
is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The 
section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan 
Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will create a new direct 
and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting farmers in 
implementing conservation practices.
The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance 
qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent 
of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation 
plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given 
to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion 
to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with 
highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the 
program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The 
program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AI04
_______________________________________________________________________



11. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm 
Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing 
regulations. An overall plan will be established to insure that 
borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest 
timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all 
borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill 
emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools 
available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they 
can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7 
percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. FSA believes 
graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant 
on the overall farm economy.
The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under 
Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the 
immediate family. Currently, FSA only has 38 properties in Homestead 
Protection.
Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a 
claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim 
pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the 
time of the moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim, 
the interest which would have accrued during the moratorium will be due 
and offset on the account will be reestablished.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AI05
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Farm Service Agency (FSA)



_______________________________________________________________________



12. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part 
701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) which 
was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share 
funding to owners of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the 
land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land 
must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The 
2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be 
appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to 
remain available until expended.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233

[[Page 21873]]

Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH89
_______________________________________________________________________



13. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop 
Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will 
collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry, 
agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and 
selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a 
commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if 
the facility is not operational at the time of proposal); anticipated 
economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation 
rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the 
impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in 
biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has 
capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing 
funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP 
project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area 
selection, FSA, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a 
term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops and up to 15 years 
for woody biomass.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice                          10/01/08                    73 FR 57047
NPRM                            06/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0560-AH92
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________



14. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND 
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane 
handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals 
under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals 
have been in effect since 1979, and amended in 1984. During this time, 
advances have been made and new information has been developed with 
regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking 
addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached 
during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 
1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, 
outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as 
swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to 
ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, 
treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based 
on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/30/02                    67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/29/02
NPRM                            06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________



15. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling, 
care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for 
use in research.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Darrel Styles, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-0658

RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________



16. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF 
PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK 
ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations 
governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for 
planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose 
importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. We would allow 
foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted 
for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk 
evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would 
conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if 
determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to 
expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting 
regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would

[[Page 21874]]

allow us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for 
planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based 
on scientific evidence.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Risk Manager, Commodity 
Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5306

RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________



17. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH 
GENETIC ENGINEERING

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the regulations regarding the 
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain 
genetically engineered organisms in order to bring the regulations into 
alignment with provisions of the Plant Protection Act. The revisions 
would also update the regulations in response to advances in genetic 
science and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing 
the current regulations. This is the first comprehensive review and 
revision of the regulations since they were established in 1987. This 
rule would affect persons involved in the importation, interstate 
movement, or release into the environment of genetically engineered 
plants and certain other genetically engineered organisms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement  01/23/04                     69 FR 3271
Comment Period End              03/23/04
Notice of Availability of Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement  07/17/07                    72 FR 39021
Comment Period End              09/11/07
NPRM                            10/09/08                    73 FR 60007
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/08
Correction                      11/10/08                    73 FR 66563
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    01/16/09                     74 FR 2907
NPRM Comment Period End         03/17/09
NPRM; Notice of Public Scoping 
Session                         03/11/09                    74 FR 10517
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    04/13/09                    74 FR 16797
NPRM Comment Period End         06/29/09
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: John Turner, Director, Policy Coordination Division, 
BRS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 146, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5720

RIN: 0579-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________



18. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This document will withdraw a proposed rule that we published 
on August 24, 2004 (69 FR 51960 to 51962, APHIS Docket No. 03-081-3). 
In our August 2004 proposed rule, we proposed to require that steers 
and spayed heifers with any evidence of horn growth that are entering 
the United States meet the same tuberculosis testing requirements as 
sexually intact animals entering the United States. Instead of 
proposing provisions specific to cattle imported for use at rodeos, as 
our August 2004 proposal did, APHIS is considering broader changes to 
the tuberculosis regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/20/04                    69 FR 43283
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/19/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/20/04
Interim Rule; Withdrawal        08/12/04                    69 FR 49783
Interim Rule; Withdrawal 
Effective                       08/12/04
NPRM                            08/24/04                    69 FR 51960
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/04
NPRM; Withdrawal                05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei, Assistant Director, Ruminant 
Health Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________



19. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE 
PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 
to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of bovines and bovine products. Under this rulemaking, 
countries would be classified as either negligible risk, controlled 
risk, or undetermined risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). 
Some commodities would be allowed importation into the United States 
regardless of the BSE classification of the country of export. Other 
commodities would be subject to importation restrictions or 
prohibitions based on the type of commodity and the BSE classification 
of the country. The criteria for country classification and commodity 
import would be closely aligned with those of the World Organization 
for Animal Health.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Christopher Robinson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Technical Trade Services, National

[[Page 21875]]

Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7837

RIN: 0579-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________



20.  SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AND GOATS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by 
changing the risk groups and categories established for individual 
animals and for flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a 
means of assigning risk levels to animals, reducing movement 
restrictions for animals found to be genetically less susceptible or 
resistant to scrapie, and simplifying, reducing, or removing 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 change the definition of high-risk animal, which 
will change the types of animals eligible for indemnity, and to pay 
higher indemnity for certain pregnant ewes and early maturing ewes. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator, 
Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________



21. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 
USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate 
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States 
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign 
regions. This rule will require that a phytosanitary certificate 
accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables 
imported into the United States by air passengers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01
NPRM; Availability of Risk 
Assessment                      05/24/06                    71 FR 29846
NPRM; Availability of Risk 
Assessment Comment Period End   07/24/06
Final Action                    06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy 
Analysis and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8295

RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________



22. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations 
to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS 
in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate 
movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in 
California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update 
conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from 
quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all 
other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also 
updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the 
list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other 
miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary 
to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United 
States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional 
rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes 
available.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/27/07                     72 FR 8585
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/30/07
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program 
Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________



23. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action will establish domestic boll weevil regulations 
that will restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within 
regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated 
areas in commercial cotton producing States. The regulations will help 
prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of 
the United States

[[Page 21876]]

and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been 
eradicated.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/06                    71 FR 63707
NPRM Comment Period End         01/02/07
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/20/06                    71 FR 76224
NPRM Comment Period End         02/01/07
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil 
Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-8676

RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________



24. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND 
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND 
TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 
4331 and 4332

Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January 
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of 
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that 
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and 
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established 
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant 
products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the 
regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of 
conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin. 
Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting 
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to 
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of 
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision. 
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants 
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to 
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease 
agent entering the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/28/05                    70 FR 71213
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/27/06
Final Action                    03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade 
Services, Animal Products, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________



25. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE FACILITIES 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish standards for the approval of 
permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are 
taking this action because regional and seasonal demand for quarantine 
services for horses often exceeds the space available at existing 
facilities. Allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, 
privately owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed 
criteria facilitates the importation of horses while continuing to 
protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/13/06                    71 FR 74827
NPRM Comment Period End         02/12/07
Final Action                    05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ellen Buck, Veterinary Medical Officer, Import/Export 
Animals, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________



26. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM 
A SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the 
National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two 
accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to 
add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of 
accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These 
changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding 
initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated 
surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our 
National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/01/06                    71 FR 31109
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/06
Supplemental NPRM               02/27/07                     72 FR 8634
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period 
End                             04/30/07
Final Action                    03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Agency Contact: Todd Behre, Program Manager, National Veterinary 
Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-6188

RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________



27. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish provisions under which

[[Page 21877]]

eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the availability 
of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified citrus nursery 
stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. The payment of 
these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic effects on 
affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified citrus 
nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/06                    71 FR 33168
Interim Final Rule Effective    06/08/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/07/06
Affirmation of Interim Final 
Rule                            08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________



28. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA 
BORDER

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503

Abstract: This action will amend the foreign quarantine and user fee 
regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and 
vegetables grown in Canada and the exemptions from user fees for 
commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, 
commercial aircraft, and international air passengers entering the 
United States from Canada. As a result of this action, all agricultural 
products imported from Canada will be subject to inspection, and 
commercial conveyances, as well as airline passengers arriving on 
flights from Canada, will be subject to inspection and user fees. We 
are taking this action in part because we are not recovering the costs 
of our current inspection activities at the U.S./Canada border. In 
addition, our data show an increasing number of interceptions on the 
U.S./Canada border of prohibited material that originated in regions 
other than Canada that presents a high risk of introducing plant pests 
or animal diseases into the United States. These findings, combined 
with additional Canadian airport preclearance data on interceptions of 
ineligible agricultural products approaching the U.S. border from 
Canada, strongly indicate that we need to expand and strengthen our 
pest exclusion and smuggling interdiction efforts at that border. In 
order to do this and to recover the costs of our existing inspection 
activity, we need to collect user fees from commercial conveyances and 
international air passengers entering the United States from Canada.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/25/06                    71 FR 50320
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/24/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/24/06
Delay of Effective Date         11/22/06                    71 FR 67436
Delay of Effective Date         02/26/07                     72 FR 8261
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan S. Green, Executive Director, Plant Health 
Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 36, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8261

RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________



29. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to list 
the entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and 
amend the requirements for the movement of regulated articles from 
Florida now that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is no 
longer being carried out as an objective. It will also amend the 
regulations to allow regulated articles that would not otherwise be 
eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for immediate 
export. These changes are necessary in light of the Department's 
determination that the established eradication program was no longer a 
scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/01/06                    71 FR 43345
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/01/06
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/02/06
Technical Amendment             01/12/07                     72 FR 1415
Final Action                    09/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________



30. USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 
8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the user fee regulations by 
adjusting the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant 
products. We are increasing these user fees for fiscal years 2009 
through 2012 to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing 
these services during each year. This action adds a new user fee for 
Federal export certificates for plants and plant products that an 
exporter obtains from a State or county cooperator in order to recover 
our costs associated with that service. Finally, the action will make 
several nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These 
changes will enable us to properly recover the costs of providing 
export certification services for plants and plant products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/12/07                    72 FR 32223
NPRM Comment Period End         08/13/07
Final Rule                      05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ,

[[Page 21878]]

Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-4382

Kris Caraher, User Fee Section Head, Financial Management Division, 
MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901

RIN: 0579-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________



31. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED 
WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the 
importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the 
importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from 
regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry 
of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This 
action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on 
articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic 
Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. 
The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on 
articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE, 
Animal Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, 
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________



32. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: We are quarantining 9 counties in California and the entire 
State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting 
the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined 
areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the 
spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Deborah McPartlan, Staff Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5356

RIN: 0579-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________



33. VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT 
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations to restrict the 
interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish 
that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly 
contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005 and 
2006, viral hemorrhagic septicemia was detected in freshwater fish in 
several of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has 
been responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the 
Great Lakes region. This action is necessary to prevent further 
introductions into, and dissemination within, the United States of 
viral hemorrhagic septicemia.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule (IFR)        09/09/08                    73 FR 52173
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/10/08
IFR; Delay of Effective Date    10/28/08                    73 FR 63867
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/09/09
IFR; Delay of Effective Date    01/02/09                        74 FR 1
Amended Interim Final Rule      04/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, 
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6188

Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import 
and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________



34. IMPORTATION OF GRAPES FROM CHILE UNDER A SYSTEMS APPROACH

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a

Abstract: This action would amend the fruits and vegetables regulations 
to allow fresh table grapes from Chile to be imported into the 
continental United States under a systems approach. Currently, as a 
condition of entry, all table grapes from Chile must be fumigated with 
methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation measure for Brevipalpus chilensis. 
Under this proposal, we would allow a combination of risk-mitigation 
measures, or systems approach, to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide 
fumigation. The systems approach would provide an alternative to methyl 
bromide while continuing to provide protection against the introduction 
of quarantine pests into the United States.

[[Page 21879]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/27/08                    73 FR 50577
NPRM Comment Period End         10/27/08
Final Action                    05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alex Belano, Chief, Commodity Import Analysis and 
Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5333

RIN: 0579-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________



35. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE 
MOVEMENT REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the 
State of Florida and one parish in Louisiana as quarantined areas for 
citrus greening, and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, 3 counties in South Carolina, and 
portions of 2 counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian 
citrus psyllid, a vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It 
would also establish restrictions on the interstate movement of 
regulated articles from the quarantined areas, as well as treatments 
under which Asian citrus psyllid host material may be moved interstate 
from a quarantined area. These actions follow the discovery of citrus 
greening and/or Asian citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are 
necessary in order to prevent the spread of the disease and its vector 
to noninfested areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and 
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC85
_______________________________________________________________________



36. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 to 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New 
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex 
woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of 
regulated articles from these quarantined areas. This action is 
necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the artificial spread of 
this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/00/09
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner, Department of Agriculture, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7228

RIN: 0579-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________



37. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701

Abstract: APHIS plans to amend its plant pest regulations to align them 
more closely with the Plant Protection Act and to update them in 
response to advances in science and technology and our accumulated 
experiences in implementing the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/27/96                    61 FR 50767
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/26/96
NPRM                            10/09/01                    66 FR 51340
NPRM Comment Period End         02/06/02
Withdrawal and Reproposal        To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930

RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________



38. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative 
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other 
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary 
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of 
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of 
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be 
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock 
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/02                    67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended    06/28/02                    67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End         07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB34

[[Page 21880]]

_______________________________________________________________________



39. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of animals into the United States to establish several 
levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with 
regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the 
importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk 
classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle 
and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________



40. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the 
transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain 
such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for 
other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early 
transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to 
allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical 
treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age 
and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met. 
Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and 
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum 
age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of 
these animals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/09/08                    73 FR 26344
NPRM Comment Period End         07/08/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    07/31/08                    73 FR 44671
NPRM Comment Period Extended    09/02/08


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________



41. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR 
TRANSPORTATION OF WARMBLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine 
mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for 
various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would 
replace those requirements with a single performance standard under 
which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental 
conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations 
currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within 
certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at 
ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor 
provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the 
animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum 
temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live 
animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace 
a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part 
of this document, that would have required that the acclimation 
certificate for a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat 
being transported rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does 
not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care 
and handling. We believe that establishing a single performance 
standard would ensure that warmblooded animals other than marine 
mammals are transported in climatic and environmental conditions that 
are not detrimental to their welfare while allowing for variations in 
climatic and environmental conditions that are suitable for individual 
animals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/03/08                      73 FR 413
NPRM Comment Period End         03/03/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/18/08                    73 FR 14403
NPRM Comment Period End         04/17/08


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Tracy L. Bowman
Phone: 301 734-6328

RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________



42. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS, 
ARIZONA

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 
31 USC 9701

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port 
through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or 
exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the 
United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be 
constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis, 
AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper 
chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such 
cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations 
to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been 
infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne 
diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited 
the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed. 
These changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve 
restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/29/08                     73 FR 5132
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/08
Final Rule                      01/02/09                        74 FR 1

[[Page 21881]]

Final Rule Effective; but the 
Amendment to 93.427(b)(2) 
Effective Date Is Delayed 
Indefinitely                    01/02/09


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________



43. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training 
of personnel by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, 
intermediate handlers, and carriers. We are proposing these 
requirements because we believe all licensees and registrants should 
develop a contingency plan for all animals regulated under the Animal 
Welfare Act in an effort to better prepare for potential disasters. 
This action would heighten the awareness of licensees and registrants 
regarding their responsibilities and help ensure a timely and 
appropriate response should an emergency or disaster occur.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/08                    73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End         12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/19/08                    73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period End         02/20/09
Final Rule                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Jodie Kulpa-Eddy
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________



44. BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine tuberculosis 
regulations by removing from incorporation by reference the Bovine 
Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 1999, and including 
in 9 CFR part 77 all Federal requirements. We are also proposing a 
number of substantive changes to the requirements in order to enhance 
our bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts. The proposed changes 
include, but are not limited to, tightening certain tuberculosis 
surveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening the quarantine 
and quarantine-release requirements; setting minimum testing ages, 
depending upon the status of the State or zone of origin and/or the 
purpose of movement, when testing is required for interstate movement 
of cattle and bison; adding new requirements to prevent the spread of 
tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle and bison; adding new requirements 
for interstate movement of dairy cattle; strengthening the requirements 
for individual cattle and bison that are to be added to accredited 
herds; and providing for the interstate movement of commuter herds. 
Finally, we would reorganize 9 CFR part 77 to make the regulations 
clearer and easier to use.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench
Phone: 970 494-7378

RIN: 0579-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)



_______________________________________________________________________



45. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK 
FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the 
interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that 
handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by APHIS. 
These will include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, 
concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in 
interstate commerce are assembled. APHIS' approval will be contingent 
on the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other 
conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and 
goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal 
identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other 
conditions will be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations 
relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to 
control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats. 
This rule will provide for the establishment of standards for the 
approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in 
interstate commerce.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/01/09                    74 FR 14703
Final Action Effective          05/01/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________



46. CITRUS CANKER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED NURSERY STOCK FROM 
QUARANTINED AREAS

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the citrus canker quarantine 
regulations to explicitly prohibit, with limited exceptions, the 
interstate movement of regulated nursery stock from a quarantined area 
and remove calamondin plants from a protocol allowing the limited 
interstate movement of calamondin and kumquat plants. We decided to 
provide for the interstate movement of calamondin and kumquat plants 
based on their apparent resistance to citrus canker. However, we have 
since discovered calamondin plants affected with citrus canker. This 
action is necessary to clarify our regulations and to address the risk 
associated with the interstate

[[Page 21882]]

movement of regulated nursery stock from areas quarantined for citrus 
canker.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      04/09/09                    74 FR 16097
Final Rule Effective            05/11/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Stephen Poe
Phone: 301 734-4387

RIN: 0579-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________



47. IMPORT/EXPORT USER FEES

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 
and 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716 and 3717; 31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations concerning user 
fees for import- and export-related services that we provide for 
animals, animal products, birds, germplasm, organisms, and vectors. We 
are proposing increases in those fees for fiscal years 2009 through 
2013 in order to ensure that the fees accurately reflect the 
anticipated costs of providing these services each year. By publishing 
the annual user fee changes in advance, users can incorporate the fees 
into their budget planning. The user fees pay for the actual cost of 
providing these services.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      03/30/09                    74 FR 13999
Final Rule Effective            04/29/09
Correction                      04/21/09                    74 FR 18115

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Inez Hockaday
Phone: 301 734-7517

Kris Caraher
Phone: 301 734-5901

RIN: 0579-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________



48. REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 
FROM HAWAII AND U.S. TERRITORIES INTO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 
136a

Abstract: This rulemaking will revise and reorganize the regulations 
pertaining to the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables from 
Hawaii and the territories to consolidate requirements of general 
applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and 
remove outdated requirements and references, and make various editorial 
and nonsubstantive changes to the regulations to make them easier to 
use. It will also make substantive changes to the regulations including 
establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, will allow 
us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for interstate movement 
in the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in Hawaii and 
U.S. territories expeditiously, and remove the listing in the 
regulations of some specific commodities as regulated articles. These 
changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for 
approving certain regulated articles for interstate movement and 
acknowledging pest-free areas while continuing to allow for public 
participation in the processes. This final rule does not allow for the 
interstate movement of any specific new fruits or vegetables, nor does 
it alter the conditions for interstate movement of currently approved 
fruits or vegetables. These changes will make our domestic interstate 
movement regulations more consistent with our fruits and vegetables 
import regulations. The changes in this final rule will not alter the 
manner in which the risk associated with a regulated article interstate 
movement request is evaluated, nor will they alter the manner in which 
those risks are ultimately mitigated.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/16/09                     74 FR 2770
Final Action Effective          02/17/09
Technical Amendment             04/07/09                    74 FR 15640

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: David B. Lamb
Phone: 301 734-8758

RIN: 0579-AC70
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Rural Housing Service (RHS)



_______________________________________________________________________



49. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

Abstract: The Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will provide 
better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken 
to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and 
provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing 
Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1465
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0575-AC18
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S

[[Page 21883]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________



50. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: PL 110-246 (section 11015)

Abstract: FSIS is proposing regulations to implement a new voluntary 
Federal-State cooperative inspection program under which State-
inspected establishments with 25 or fewer employees would be eligible 
to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. State-
inspected establishments selected to participate in this program would 
be required to comply with all Federal standards under the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). 
These establishments would receive inspection services from State 
inspection personnel that have been trained and certified to assist 
with enforcement of the FMIA and PPIA. Meat and poultry products 
produced under the program that have been inspected and passed by 
selected State-inspection personnel would bear a Federal mark of 
inspection. FSIS is proposing these regulations in response to the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, enacted on June 18, 2008 (the 2008 
Farm Bill). Section 11015 of 2008 Farm Bill provides for the interstate 
shipment of State-inspected meat and poultry product from selected 
establishments and requires that FSIS promulgate implementing 
regulations no later than 18 months from the date of its enactment

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Director, Policy Issuances Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AD37
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)



_______________________________________________________________________



51. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT 
AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance 
standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat 
and poultry products, and measures, including testing, to control 
Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products. The performance standards spell 
out the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must 
meet during their operations in order to produce safe products but 
allow the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other 
than those prescribed in the earlier regulations. With HACCP, food 
safety performance standards give establishments the incentive and 
flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing 
procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable 
standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This 
set of performance standards will include and be consistent with 
standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/27/01                    66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/01
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/03/01                    66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Interim Final Rule              06/06/03                    68 FR 34208
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/31/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/24/05                    70 FR 15017
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
Final Action                    09/00/09
Affirmation of Interim Final 
Rule                            03/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0583-AC46
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage


Forest Service (FS)



_______________________________________________________________________



52. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: 
COLORADO

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

Abstract: On April 11, 2007, Governor of Colorado Ritter submitted a 
petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to 
promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for the 
management of inventoried roadless areas within the State of Colorado. 
After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation 
National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's 
petition and initiated a

[[Page 21884]]

proposed rulemaking for inventoried roadless areas in Colorado. The 
proposed rulemaking would manage Colorado's inventoried roadless areas 
by prohibiting road building and tree cutting, with some exceptions, on 
4.1 million acres of inventoried roadless areas in Colorado. The 4.1 
million acres reflect the most updated IRA boundaries for Colorado, 
which incorporate planning rule revisions since 2001 on several 
Colorado national forests. Inventoried roadless areas that are 
allocated to ski area special uses (approximately 10,000 acres) would 
also be removed from roadless designation. Road construction and 
reconstruction plus timber harvesting would be prohibited in 
inventoried roadless areas, with some exceptions, on the Arapaho-
Roosevelt, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre, Gunnison, Manti-La Sal, Pike-San 
Isabel, Rio Grande, Routt, San Juan, and White River National Forests 
in Colorado. Exceptions to the prohibitions would be allowed for 
certain health, safety, valid existing rights, resource protection, and 
ecological management needs.
Web site: http://roadless.fs.fed.us

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/25/08                    73 FR 43544
NPRM Comment Period End         10/23/08
Final Action                    10/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-6560
Fax: 202 205-6539
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0596-AC74
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)



_______________________________________________________________________



53. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA Certified 
Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain 
criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those 
criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the 
label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and 
to establish the labeling program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program, 
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters 
Building, 300 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________



54. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7

Legal Authority: PL 110-246

Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners, 
including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as 
subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor 
cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and 
conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill 
cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers, 
including durable and non-durable thermal shipping containers as 
subcategories.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, Biopreferred Program, 
Departmental Administration, Department of Agriculture, 342 Reporters 
Building, 300 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0503-AA36
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage


Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)



_______________________________________________________________________



55. RENEWABLE ENERGY--CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT 
OF ENERGY PROGRAM PROJECTS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is amending 
its regulation for clarity. This regulation provides financial 
assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the 
purpose of purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and 
energy efficiency improvements in rural areas. Financial assistance to 
any single entity may be provided as a direct loan, guaranteed loan or 
grant, or a combination of a loan and grant. The current regulations 
were implemented in July of 2005. In reviewing the program, it has 
become evident that some of the language in the existing regulation was 
misinterpreted by field offices and

[[Page 21885]]

applicants. With a relatively new program like this, it takes some time 
to get applications completed and the program reviewed before one 
realizes the need for corrections to Instruction language.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Senior Architect, Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-8547
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0570-AA69
[FR Doc. E9-10266 Filed 05-08-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S