[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 42576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14823]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 1260

[No. AMS-LPS-15-0084]


Amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and 
Regulations; Withdrawal

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Withdrawal of proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This document informs the public that the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is 
withdrawing the proposed rule published in the Federal Register (81 FR 
14022) on March 16, 2016, regarding the Beef Promotion and Research 
Order (Order) established under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 
1985 (Act). The proposed rule is being withdrawn because of an error 
noted in the formula determining the assessment rate on imported veal 
carcass weight and to provide the calculation to establish the 
assessment rate on importer veal and veal products.

DATES: The proposed rule published on March 26, 2016 (81 FR 14022), is 
withdrawn.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Dinkel, Agricultural Marketing 
Specialist; Research and Promotion Division, Room 2610-S; Livestock, 
Poultry, and Seed Program; AMS, USDA, STOP 0249; 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0249; facsimile 202/720-1125; 
telephone 301/352-7497, or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Act authorized the establishment of a national beef promotion 
and research program. The final Order was published in the Federal 
Register (51 FR 21632) on July 18, 1986, and the collection of 
assessments began on October 1, 1986. The program is administered by 
the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, appointed by the 
Secretary of Agriculture from industry nominations, and composed of 100 
cattle producers and importers. The program is funded by a $1-per-head 
assessment on producer marketing of cattle in the U.S. and on imported 
cattle, as well as an equivalent amount on imported beef and beef 
products. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service collects 
assessments from importers.
    On March 16, 2016, AMS published in the Federal Register (81 FR 
14022) a proposed rule amending the Order established under the Act to 
add Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for veal and veal products 
not currently covered under the Order and to update the carcass weight 
for imported veal carcasses used to determine the assessment rate for 
imported veal and veal products.
    Following publication, AMS discovered an error in the carcass 
weight of imported veal carcasses used to determine the assessment rate 
for imported veal and veal products. The correct weight used to 
calculate the assessment rate was published as 151 pounds, but the 
correct weight is 154 pounds. In addition, the industry recently 
requested the formula for how the assessment rate for imported veal and 
veal products is calculated. As a result of both the discovered error 
and the industry request, AMS is withdrawing the proposed rule and will 
publish a new proposed rule with the corrected carcass weight and 
formula.

    Dated: June 17, 2016.
Elanor Starmer,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-14823 Filed 6-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P