[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 84510-84516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28050]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Parts 1150, 1160, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1212, 
1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, 1222, 1230, 1250, and 1260

[Document Number AMS-DA-16-0101]


Provisions for Removing Commodity Research and Promotion Board 
Members and Staff

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposal would amend the research and promotion orders--
or the regulations under the orders--overseen by the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) to provide uniform authority for the removal of 
board members and staff who fail to perform their duties or who engage 
in dishonest actions or willful misconduct. The removal provisions in 
13 of the orders would be modified to allow the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) to take action necessary to ensure the boards can 
continue to fulfill their intended purposes with minimal disruption. 
Removal provisions would be added to the six orders that do not 
currently provide for such action.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 8, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this proposed rule. Comments may be submitted on the 
internet at: http://www.regulations.gov. Written comments may also be 
sent to Laurel L. May, Senior Marketing Specialist, Order Formulation 
and Enforcement Division, USDA/AMS/Dairy Program, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Room 2967-S--Stop 0231, Washington, DC 20250-0231; 
facsimile: 202-690-0552. All comments should reference the document 
number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal 
Register, and will be made available for public inspection in the above 
office during regular business hours, or may be viewed at: http://www.regluations.gov. Please be advised that the identity of the 
individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on 
the internet at the address provided above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurel L. May, Senior Marketing 
Specialist, USDA/AMS/Dairy Program, telephone 202-690-1366, or email 
[email protected]; or Whitney Rick, Director; Promotion, 
Research, and Planning Division; USDA/AMS/Dairy Program; telephone 202-
720-6961; or email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed rule is issued under 19 of the 
commodity research and promotion orders established under the following 
acts: Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2901-2911); 
Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
7411-7425); Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 (7 U.S.C. 2101-
2118); Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4501-4514); 
Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974 (7 U.S.C. 2701-2718); 
Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6401-6417); Hass Avocado 
Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 2000 (U.S.C. 7801-7813); 
Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1990 (7 
U.S.C. 6101-6112); Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer 
Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7481-7491); Pork Promotion, Research, 
and Consumer Information Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 4801-4819); Potato 
Research and Promotion Act of 1971 (7 U.S.C. 2611-2627); and Watermelon 
Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 4901-4916). These acts are 
collectively referred to as ``commodity research and promotion laws'' 
or ``acts.''
    The preceding acts provide that administrative proceedings must be 
exhausted before parties may file suit in court. Under those acts, any 
person subject to an order may file a petition with the Secretary of 
Agriculture (Secretary) stating that the order, any provision of the 
order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order is not in 
accordance with laws and request a modification of the order or to be 
exempted therefrom. The petitioner is afforded the opportunity for a 
hearing on the petition. After the hearing, the Secretary will make a 
ruling on the petition. The acts provide that the district courts of 
the United States in any district in which the person is an inhabitant, 
or has his or her principal place of business, has the jurisdiction to 
review the Secretary's rule, provided a complaint is filed within 20 
days from the date of the entry of the ruling. There are no 
administrative proceedings that must be exhausted prior to any judicial 
challenge to the provision of the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 
1985.

Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563

    USDA is issuing this proposed rule in conformance with Executive 
Orders 12866 and 13563. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct 
agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory 
alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory 
approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, 
environmental, public health, and safety effects, distributive impacts, 
and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of 
quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, 
and promoting flexibility. This action has been designated as a ``non-
significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, the Office of Management and Budget has waived the 
review process.

Executive Order 13175

    This proposed rule has been reviewed in accordance with the 
requirements of Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination 
with Indian Tribal Governments. The review reveals that this regulation 
would not have substantial and direct effects on Tribal governments and 
would not have significant Tribal implications.

Executive Order 12988

Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
Section 11 of the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
2910) provides that it shall not preempt or supersede any other program 
relating to beef promotion organized and operated under the laws of the 
United States or any State.

Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
Section 524 of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act 
of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7423) provides that it shall not affect or preempt 
any other Federal or State law authorizing promotion or research 
relating to an agricultural commodity.

[[Page 84511]]

Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The proposed rule is not intended to have 
retroactive effect.

Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The proposed rule is not intended to have 
retroactive effect. Section 1221 of the Dairy Production Stabilization 
Act of 1983 provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to 
preempt or superseded any other program relating to dairy product 
promotion organized and operated under the laws of the United States or 
any State.

Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The proposed rule is not intended to have 
retroactive effect.

Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The proposed rule is not intended to have 
retroactive effect.

Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 2000

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
Section 1212(c) of the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and 
Information Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7811) provides that nothing in this 
Act may be construed to preempt or supersede any program relating to 
Hass avocado promotion, research, industry information, and consumer 
information organized and operated under the laws of the United States 
or of a State.

Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1990

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
Section 1930 of the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Information Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6109) provides that nothing in this Act may be 
construed to preempt or supersede any program relating to mushroom 
promotion, research, industry information, and consumer information 
organized and operated under the laws of the United States or of a 
State.

Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1996

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
Section 580 of the Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 
1996 (7 U.S.C. 7489) provides that nothing in this Act may be construed 
to preempt or supersede any program relating to popcorn promotion 
organized and operated under the laws of the United States or of a 
State.

Potato Research and Promotion Act of 1971

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect.

Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
Section 1628 of the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information 
Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 4817) states that the statute is intended to 
occupy the field of promotion and consumer education involving pork and 
pork products and of obtaining funds thereof from pork producers. The 
regulation of such activity (other than a regulation or requirements 
relating to a matter of public health or the provision of State or 
local funds for such activity) that is in addition to or different from 
the Pork Act may not be imposed by a State.

Watermelon Research and Promotion Act

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect.

Proposed Rule

    USDA is proposing amendments to the orders and/or rules and 
regulations for 19 of the 22 national commodity research and promotion 
programs overseen by AMS. Each of the programs is administered by a 
board or council comprised of industry stakeholders, who are appointed 
by the Secretary to chart the course of the promotion and research 
activities undertaken by each commodity research and promotion program. 
The boards and councils hire staffs to carry out the day-to-day 
business operations of the programs. The proposed amendments would 
establish uniform provisions across all the programs for removing board 
and council members and their employees as necessary to preserve 
program integrity.
    Currently, 16 of AMS's 22 research and promotion programs specify 
provisions for removing board and council members or their staff 
employees when they are unwilling or unable to perform their duties 
properly or when they engage in prohibited or illegal activities or 
other willful misconduct. Some of the programs require the board or 
council to first make a recommendation for removal to the Secretary, 
who then determines whether such action is appropriate. Six of the 
programs include no removal provisions.
    The need to remove board and council members and staff from service 
is infrequent; but situations do arise that require immediate AMS 
action to ensure program integrity is maintained and to mitigate damage 
from illegal or inappropriate behavior. Examples of such situations 
include, but are not limited to, those occasions when board or council 
members find that they cannot commit enough time to board or council 
business and are unable to consistently attend meetings or fulfill 
program assignments. In such cases, it may be difficult for the board 
or council to meet quorum requirements or make urgent business 
decisions. In other situations, board or council members or their 
employees might violate program policies regarding lobbying and 
influencing government action or policy or violate anti-discrimination, 
anti-harassment, or anti-trust laws, all of which impede program 
integrity and the ability to conduct normal business. Board or council 
members or their employees might mishandle program funds or commit 
other dishonest acts injurious to all program participants. In each 
case, the Secretary must have the ability to initiate removal actions, 
applying consistent criteria and procedures across all programs. 
Improved AMS oversight would ensure these industry boards and councils 
can continue to fulfill their appointed purposes.
    Currently, three of AMS's research and promotion orders (for 
soybeans, sorghum, and lamb) contain identical language related to 
removing board and council members and staff that would be appropriate 
for use in the other 19 programs. The language authorizes the Secretary 
to initiate removal action against any person (board or council member 
or employee) for failure or refusal to perform his or her duties 
properly or for engaging in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct. 
The Secretary is authorized to remove that person if the he or she 
determines that

[[Page 84512]]

person's continued service would be detrimental to the purposes of the 
act under which the program is established.
    This proposed rule would amend 11 of the orders by replacing 
current provisions with the language used in the soybean, sorghum, and 
lamb orders, to provide identical authority for the Secretary to take 
appropriate removal action when necessary to preserve program 
integrity. Specifically, the following sections in each order would be 
amended:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mango Promotion, Research, and      Sec.   1206.33(b).
 Information Order.
Processed Raspberry Promotion,      Sec.   1208.43(b).
 Research, and Information Order.
Mushroom Promotion, Research, and   Sec.   1209.35(c).
 Consumer Information Order.
Honey Packers and Importers         Sec.   1212.43(b).
 Research, Promotion, Education
 and Information Order.
Christmas Tree Promotion,           Sec.   1214.43(b).
 Research, and Information Order.
Popcorn Promotion, Research, and    Sec.   1215.26.
 Consumer Information Order.
Softwood Lumber Research,           Sec.   1217.43(b).
 Promotion, Consumer Education,
 and Industry Information Order.
Blueberry Promotion, Research and   Sec.   1218.43(b).
 Information Order.
Paper and Paper-Based Packaging     Sec.   1222.43(a).
 Promotion, Research, and
 Information Order.
Pork Promotion, Research, and       Sec.  Sec.   1230.35 and 1230.55.
 Consumer Information Order.
Beef Promotion and Research Order.  Sec.   1260.213.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, this proposed rule would suspend the current removal 
authority under two orders. The language proposed for use in all the 
other orders, as currently provided in the orders for soybeans, 
sorghum, and lamb, would be added to the rules and regulations under 
the three orders to provide identical authority for the Secretary to 
take appropriate removal action when necessary to preserve program 
integrity. Specifically, new regulations would be added to replace 
language suspended in the following sections:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watermelon Research and Promotion   Sec.   1210.324(b)
 Plan.
Hass Avocado Promotion, Research    Sec.   1219.36(b)
 and Information Order.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, this proposed rule would add removal authority to the six 
orders or the rules and regulations under the orders that do not 
currently specify such provisions. The language proposed for use in all 
the other orders, as currently provided in the orders for soybeans, 
sorghum, and lamb, would be added to provide identical authority for 
the Secretary to take appropriate removal action when necessary to 
preserve program integrity. Specifically, removal language would be 
added to each of the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dairy Promotion and Research Order  Sec.   1150.136.
National Fluid Milk Processor       Sec.   1160.25.
 Promotion Order.
Cotton Research and Promotion--     Sec.   1205.506 (new).
 Cotton Board Rules and
 Regulations.
Potato Research and Promotion Plan  Sec.   1207.324.
Peanut Promotion, Research, and     Sec.   1216.44.
 Information Order.
Egg Research and Promotion Order..  Sec.   1250.331.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This proposed rule is intended to strengthen AMS's oversight of the 
commodity research and promotion programs to protect the interests of 
the regulated industries. The proposed removal language to be applied 
to all of the orders would not preclude the ability of the boards or 
councils to initiate action to remove members if they become aware of 
situations requiring such action. Nevertheless, board or council 
recommendations regarding removals would not be required for AMS to 
take action, as they currently are under some of the orders. AMS would 
be able to take immediate action to investigate possible violations of 
order provisions, policies, and laws without waiting for a formal 
request to do so from the board or council. AMS would also be able to 
apply consistent criteria for board or council member removal across 
all the programs as necessary to ensure program integrity.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 
601-612), AMS is required to examine the impact of this proposed rule 
on small entities. The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions 
to the scale of businesses subject to such actions in order that small 
businesses will not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. 
Accordingly, AMS has considered the economic impact of this action on 
small entities and has prepared this initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis.
    Small agricultural service firms are defined by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) as those having annual receipts of less than 
$7,000,000, and small agricultural producers are defined as those 
having annual receipts of less than $750,000 (13 CFR 121.201).
    Research and promotion programs established under the various 
commodity research and promotion acts, and the rules and regulations 
issued thereunder, are uniquely brought about through group action of 
essentially small entities acting on their own behalf. The boards and 
councils that administer the programs are largely comprised of 
producers, handlers, processors, manufacturers, and importers of the 
regulated commodities, who are nominated by their industries and 
selected by the Secretary to recommend, plan, and conduct generic 
promotion and research projects that will benefit all industry members, 
regardless of size.
    In most cases, board and council members are nominated by their 
peers in specific regions or states where the commodity is produced to 
represent those areas. Some programs may provide for board or council 
representation according to the member's production volume. Every 
effort is made to ensure that boards and councils are composed of 
diverse members of all business sizes in order to assure proper 
representation of all

[[Page 84513]]

segments of the regulated industries. Thus, across the 19 boards and 
councils that would be affected by this proposed rule, there are any 
number of large or small entities serving as members at any one time.
    This rule is intended to facilitate the removal of individual board 
and council members, or employees of the boards and councils, who are 
no longer able to perform their duties or who have engaged in dishonest 
acts or other willful misconduct. The proposed removal criteria and 
procedures would pertain to the removal of any board or council member, 
regardless of the size of the business entity they represent, or any 
employee of the boards or councils, whose continued service would be 
detrimental to the programs.
    No negative or disproportionate impacts on large or small entities 
are anticipated in connection with this proposed rule. The positive 
impacts, which are expected to accrue to all industry members, both 
large and small, are improved AMS oversight of the commodity research 
and promotion programs and the improved integrity and effectiveness of 
those programs, which are designed to benefit all commodity producers, 
handlers, importers, and consumers, regardless of size.
    AMS considered alternatives to this proposed rule, including 
variations to the removal provision language to be applied to all the 
orders, or doing nothing at all. After consideration, AMS opted to 
propose the provision language that would give the boards, councils, 
and the Secretary the ability to initiate and carry out removal 
proceedings when necessary. The proposal would also allow AMS to apply 
uniform oversight across all programs. In this way, AMS would be able 
to provide more effective oversight of the 22 commodity research and 
promotion programs.
    This proposed rule would not impose any additional reporting or 
recordkeeping requirements on either small or large entities. In 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 
35), the information collection requirements of the 19 affected 
commodity research and promotion programs (7 CFR parts 1150, 1160, 
1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1212, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 
1219, 1222, 1230, 1250, and 1260) have previously been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under those orders. All reports 
and forms used in the AMS research and promotion programs are 
periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and 
duplication by industry and public sector agencies. In addition, USDA 
has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, 
or conflict with this rule.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government act, to promote 
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services, and for other purposes.
    Interested persons are invited to submit comments on this proposed 
rule, including the regulatory and informational impacts of this action 
on small businesses.
    While this proposed rule has not received the approval of USDA, it 
has been determined that it is consistent with and would effectuate the 
purposes of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 
1996, for the programs to which the Act is applicable.
    A 15-day comment period for the proposed rule is provided to allow 
interested persons to submit written comments on the proposed changes 
to the provisions for removing research and promotion board and council 
members, or board and council employees, from service. All comments 
timely received will be considered before a final determination is made 
on this matter.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 1150

    Administrative practice and procedure, Dairy products, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Research.

7 CFR Part 1160

    Administrative practice and procedure, Fluid milk products, 
Promotion, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1205

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Cotton, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1206

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Mango, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

7 CFR Part 1207

    Advertising, Agricultural research, Imports, Potatoes, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1208

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer 
information, Marketing agreements, Raspberry promotion, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

7 CRF Part 1209

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Imports, Mushrooms, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CRF Part 1210

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Watermelons.

7 CFR Part 1212

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer 
education, Honey and honey products, Marketing agreements, Promotion, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1214

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Christmas 
trees, promotion, Consumer information, Marketing agreements, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1215

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Popcorn, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1216

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Peanuts, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1217

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer 
Information, Marketing agreements, Promotion, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Softwood lumber.

7 CFR Part 1218

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Blueberries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1219

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Hass avocados, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1222

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer

[[Page 84514]]

information, Marketing agreements, Paper and paper-based packaging 
promotion, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1230

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Marketing agreements, Pork and pork products, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 1250

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Eggs and egg products, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

7 CFR Part 1260

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Imports, Marketing agreements, Meat and meat products, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 1150, 1160, 
1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1212, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 
1219, 1222, 1230, 1250, and 1260 are proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 1150--DAIRY PROMOTION PROGRAM

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1150 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 4501-4514 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
2. In Sec.  1150.136, redesignate the introductory text as paragraph 
(a), and add a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1150.136  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

PART 1160--FLUID MILK PROMOTION PROGRAM

0
3. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1160 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6401-6417 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
4. In Sec.  1160.205, redesignate the introductory text as paragraph 
(a), and add a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1160.205  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

PART 1205--COTTON RESEARCH AND PROMOTION

0
5. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1205 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2101-2118.

0
6. Add Sec.  1205.506 under the undesignated center heading ``General'' 
in the Subpart--Cotton Board Rules and Regulations to read as follows:


Sec.  1205.506  Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.

PART 1206--MANGO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION

0
7. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1206 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
8. In Sec.  1206.33, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1206.33  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

PART 1207--POTATO RESEARCH AND PROMOTION PLAN

0
9. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1207 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2611-2627 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
10. In Sec.  1207.324, redesignate the introductory text as paragraph 
(a), and add a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1207.324  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

PART 1208--PROCESSED RASPBERRY PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION 
ORDER

0
11. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1208 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; 7 U.S.C. 7404.

0
12. In Sec.  1208.43, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1208.43  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Council may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

PART 1209--MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION 
ORDER

0
13. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1209 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 6101-6112 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
14. In Sec.  1209.35, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1209.35  Vacancies.

* * * * *

[[Page 84515]]

    (c) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Council may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

PART 1210--WATERMELON RESEARCH AND PROMOTION PLAN

0
15. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1210 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 4901-4916 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
16. In Sec.  1210.324, suspend paragraph (b) indefinitely.
0
17. Add Sec.  1210.503 under the undesignated center heading 
``General'' in Subpart C--Rules and Regulations to read as follows:


Sec.  1210.503  Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.

PART 1212--HONEY PACKERS AND IMPORTER RESEARCH, PROMOTION, CONSUMER 
EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY INFORMATION ORDER

0
18. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1212 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
19. In Sec.  1212.43, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1212.43  Removal and Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

PART 1214--CHRISTMAS TREE PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION 
ORDER

0
20. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1214 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411--7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
21. In Sec.  1214.43, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1214.43  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

PART 1215--POPCORN PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION

0
22. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1215 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7481-7491 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
23. Revise Sec.  1215.26 to read as follows:


Sec.  1215.26  Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.

PART 1216--PEANUT PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER

0
24. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1216 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
25. In Sec.  1216.44, redesignate the introductory text as paragraph 
(a), and add paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1216.44  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

PART 1217--SOFTWOOD LUMBER RESEARCH, PROMOTION, CONSUMER EDUCATION, 
AND INDUSTRY INFORMATION ORDER

0
26. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1217 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
27. In Sec.  1217.43, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1217.43  Removal and Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

PART 1218--BLUEBERRY PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER

0
28. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1218 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
28. In Sec.  1218.43, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1218.43  Vacancies.

* * * * *
    (b) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Council may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

PART 1219--HASS AVOCADO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION

0
29. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1219 continues to read as 
follows:


[[Page 84516]]


    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7801-7813 and U.S.C. 7401.

0
30. In Sec.  1219.36, suspend paragraph (b) indefinitely.
0
31. Add Sec.  1219.204 under Subpart C--Rules and Regulations to read 
as follows:


Sec.  1219.204   Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.

PART 1222--PAPER AND PAPER-BASED PACKAGING PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND 
INFORMATION ORDER

0
32. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1222 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
33. In Sec.  1222.43, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1222.43   Removal and vacancies.

    (a) If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under 
this part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or 
engages in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary 
shall remove the person from office. A person appointed under this part 
or any employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the 
Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
* * * * *

PART 1230--PORK PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION

0
34. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1230 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 4801-4819 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
35. Add Sec.  1230.40, to read as follows:


Sec.  1230.40   Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part may be 
removed by the Secretary if the Secretary determines that the person's 
continued service would be detrimental to the purposes of the Act.
0
36. Add Sec.  1230.59, to read as follows:


Sec.  1230.59   Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.

PART 1250--EGG RESEARCH AND PROMOTION

0
37. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1250 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2701-2718 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
38. Add Sec.  1250.511 under the undesignated section heading 
``General'' in Subpart--Rules and Regulations to read as follows:


Sec.  1250.511   Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board may be removed by the Secretary if the Secretary 
determines that the person's continued service would be detrimental to 
the purposes of the Act.

PART 1260--BEEF PROMOTION AND RESEARCH

0
39. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1260 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2901-2911 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
40. Revise Sec.  1260.213 to read as follows:


Sec.  1260.213   Removal.

    If the Secretary determines that any person appointed under this 
part fails or refuses to perform his or her duties properly or engages 
in acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct, the Secretary shall remove 
the person from office. A person appointed under this part or any 
employee of the Board or Committee may be removed by the Secretary if 
the Secretary determines that the person's continued service would be 
detrimental to the purposes of the Act.

    Dated: November 16, 2016.
Elanor Starmer,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-28050 Filed 11-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P