[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 247 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 94703-94712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29853]



[[Page 94703]]

Vol. 81

Friday,

No. 247

December 23, 2016

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Office of the Secretary





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 247 / Friday, December 23, 2016 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 94704]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV

5 CFR Ch. LXXIII

7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII

9 CFR Chs. I-III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2016

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 Orders 
(E.O.) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 13563 ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review.'' The agenda also describes 
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also 
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance 
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public 
comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with E.O. 
13563.
    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 this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important 
significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities 
are included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online 
regulatory agenda and in part II of the Federal Register that includes 
the abbreviated regulatory agenda.

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) 720-3257.

    Dated: September 22, 2016.
 Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

              Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
163.......................  National Bioengineered             0581-AD54
                             Food Disclosure Standard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
164.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD20
                             Organic Pet Food
                             Standards.
165.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD31
                             Organic Apiculture
                             Practice Standard.
166.......................  National Organic Program--         0581-AD34
                             Organic Aquaculture
                             Standards (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 1).
167.......................  Sunset 2017 Amendments to          0581-AD52
                             the National List.
168.......................  Amendment to Compost               0581-AD53
                             Standards for Organic
                             Production.
169.......................  Organic Check off Program.         0581-AD55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
170.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AD08
                             Origin of Livestock.
171.......................  NOP; Organic Livestock and         0581-AD44
                             Poultry Practices; (Reg
                             Plan Seq No. 2).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
172.......................  Sunset 2016 Amendments to          0581-AD43
                             the National List.
173.......................  Livestock Mandatory                0581-AD45
                             Reporting:
                             Reauthorization of
                             Livestock Mandatory
                             Reporting and Revision of
                             Swine and Lamb Reporting
                             Requirements.
174.......................  Removal of Program To              0581-AD56
                             Assess Organic Certifying
                             Agencies in 7 CFR Part 37.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 94705]]


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
175...........................  Plant Pest                     0579-AC98
                                 Regulations; Update
                                 of General Provisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
176...........................  Scrapie in Sheep and           0579-AC92
                                 Goats.
177...........................  Bovine Spongiform              0579-AD10
                                 Encephalopathy and
                                 Scrapie; Importation
                                 of Small Ruminants
                                 and Their Germplasm,
                                 Products, and
                                 Byproducts.
178...........................  Importation of Wood            0579-AD28
                                 Packaging Material
                                 From Canada.
179...........................  Establishing a                 0579-AD71
                                 Performance Standard
                                 for Authorizing the
                                 Importation and
                                 Interstate Movement
                                 of Fruits and
                                 Vegetables.
180...........................  Agricultural                   0579-AE08
                                 Bioterrorism
                                 Protection Act of
                                 2002; Biennial Review
                                 and Republication of
                                 the Select Agent and
                                 Toxin List.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
181...........................  Brucellosis and Bovine         0579-AD65
                                 Tuberculosis; Update
                                 of General Provisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
182...........................  Mexican Hass Avocado           0579-AE05
                                 Import Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule
                                  Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
183...........................  Unfair Practices and           0580-AB27
                                 Unreasonable
                                 Preference (Reg Plan
                                 Seq No. 6).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule
                                  Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
184...........................  Clarification of Scope         0580-AB25
                                 (Reg Plan Seq No. 7).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
185...........................  Modernizing                    0584-AE37
                                 Supplemental
                                 Nutrition Assistance
                                 Program (SNAP)
                                 Benefit Redemption
                                 Systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
186...........................  National School Lunch          0584-AE09
                                 and School Breakfast
                                 Programs: Nutrition
                                 Standards for All
                                 Foods Sold in School,
                                 as Required by the
                                 Healthy, Hunger-Free
                                 Kids Act of 2010 (Reg
                                 Plan Seq No. 9).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 94706]]


              Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
187...........................  Child Nutrition                0584-AE25
                                 Programs: Local
                                 School Wellness
                                 Policy Implementation
                                 Under the Healthy,
                                 Hunger-Free Kids Act
                                 of 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
188...........................  Elimination of                 0583-AD59
                                 Trichina Control
                                 Regulations and
                                 Consolidation of
                                 Thermally Processed,
                                 Commercially Sterile
                                 Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
189...........................  Management of Surface          0596-AD03
                                 Activities Associated
                                 With Outstanding
                                 Mineral Rights on
                                 National Forest
                                 System Lands
                                 (Directive).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Office of Procurement and Property Management--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
         Sequence No.                    Title           Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
190...........................  Designation of                 0599-AA24
                                 Biobased Product
                                 Categories for
                                 Federal Procurement,
                                 Round 11.
191...........................  Designation of                 0599-AA25
                                 Biobased Product
                                 Categories for
                                 Federal Procurement,
                                 Round 12.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Prerule Stage

163.  National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-216
    Abstract: This notice solicits public comment on how AMS should 
implement a national bioengineered food disclosure standard and is part 
of an open and transparent process to encourage public participation in 
developing the national standard.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   11/00/16  .......................
NPRM................................   11/00/17  .......................
Final Action........................   07/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Craig A. Morris, Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock & 
Seed Programs, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20250-0249, Phone: 202 
720-5705, Fax: 202 720-3499, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD54

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

164. National Organic Program, Organic Pet Food Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) establishes national 
standards governing the marketing of organically produced agricultural 
products. In 2004, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 
initiated the development of organic pet food standards, which had not 
been incorporated into the NOP regulations, by forming a task force 
which included pet food manufacturers, organic consultants, etc. 
Collectively, these experts drafted organic pet food standards 
consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, Food and Drug 
Administration requirements, and the Association of American Feed 
Control Officials (AAFCO) Model Regulations for Pet and Specialty Pet 
Food. The AAFCO regulations are scientifically based regulations for 
voluntary adoption by State jurisdictions to ensure the safety, 
quality, and effectiveness of feed. In November 2008, the NOSB approved 
a final recommendation for organic pet food standards incorporating the 
provisions drafted by the pet food task force.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles V. McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD20

165. National Organic Program, Organic Apiculture Practice Standard

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action proposes to amend the USDA organic 
regulations to reflect an October 2010 recommendation submitted to the 
Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concerning the 
production of organic apicultural (or beekeeping) products.
    Timetable:

[[Page 94707]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles V. McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD31

166. National Organic Program--Organic Aquaculture Standards

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0581-AD34

167.  Sunset 2017 Amendments to the National List

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522
    Abstract: This proposed rule would address 11 2017 sunset review 
recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic 
Standards Board (NOSB) following their October, 2015 meeting. This rule 
proposes the removal of three synthetic substances and eight non 
organic, agricultural substances from the National List of Allowed and 
Prohibited Substances (National List). These substances are currently 
allowed for various uses in organic crop and livestock production and 
organic handling. Upon removal from the National List, use of these 
substances in organic production or handling would be prohibited. The 
prohibitions would take effect on the sunset date of June 27, 2017, 
following publication of a final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles V. McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD52

168.  Amendment to Compost Standards for Organic Production

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109-97
    Abstract: This rulemaking action provides clarification on the 
prohibition of certain compost products in organic production systems 
under the USDA organic regulations. This rule change will codify into 
regulations the policies outlined in NOP Guidance 5016: Allowance of 
Green Waste in Organic Production Systems.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles V. McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD53

169.  Organic Check Off Program

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522; 7 U.S.C. 7401
    Abstract: The purpose of the new program would be to maintain and 
expand markets for organic products by funding promotion, research, and 
information programs to increase demand and create markets for organic 
products.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/16  .......................
Final Action........................   10/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles W. Parrott, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty 
Crop, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 
720-6393, Fax: 202 720-0016, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD55.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

170. National Organic Program, Origin of Livestock

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The current regulations provide two tracks for replacing 
dairy animals which are tied to how dairy farmers transition to organic 
production. Farmers who transition an entire distinct herd must 
thereafter replace dairy animals with livestock that has been under 
organic management from the last third of gestation. Farmers who do not 
transition an entire distinct herd may perpetually obtain replacement 
animals that have been managed organically for 12 months prior to 
marketing milk or milk products as organic. The proposed action would 
eliminate the two-track system and require that upon transition, all 
existing and replacement dairy animals from which milk or milk products 
are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be 
managed organically from the last third of gestation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/28/15  80 FR 23455
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/27/15  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Miles V. McEvoy, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD08

171. NOP; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0581-AD44

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Completed Actions

172. Sunset 2016 Amendments to the National List

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6507 to 6522
    Abstract: This rule would propose five non-organic, non-
agricultural substances used as ingredients in or on processed products 
to be removed from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 
Substances (National List).
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   08/03/16  81 FR 51075
Final Action Effective..............   09/12/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 94708]]

    Agency Contact: Miles V. McEvoy, Phone: 202 720-3252.
    RIN: 0581-AD43

173. Livestock Mandatory Reporting: Reauthorization of Livestock 
Mandatory Reporting and Revision of Swine and Lamb Reporting 
Requirements

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1635
    Abstract: This action would reauthorize and amend the mandatory 
price reporting provisions under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting 
(LMR) program authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. 
This proposed rule action would reauthorize mandatory livestock 
reporting for 5 years and amend the swine and lamb reporting 
requirements. This action is authorized by the Agriculture 
Reauthorizations Act of 2015 (2015 Act) and requests from the lamb 
industry.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   08/11/16  81 FR 52969
Final Action Effective..............   10/11/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael P. Lynch, Phone: 202 720-6231.
    RIN: 0581-AD45

174.  Removal of Program To Assess Organic Certifying Agencies 
in 7 CFR Part 37

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 to 1627
    Abstract: This direct final rule informs the public that AMS is 
removing 7 CFR part 37 Program to Assess Organic Certifying Agencies 
from the Code of Federal Regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   08/09/16  81 FR 52589
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Porter, Director, Quality Assessment 
Division, LPS Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 690-3147, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD56

 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

175. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 2260; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8817; 19 U.S.C. 136; 21 
U.S.C. 111; 21 U.S.C. 114a; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 
U.S.C. 4331 and 4332
    Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the 
movement of plant pests. We are proposing criteria regarding the 
movement and environmental release of biological control organisms, and 
are proposing to establish regulations to allow the importation and 
movement in interstate commerce of certain types of plant pests without 
restriction by granting exceptions from permitting requirements for 
those pests. We are also proposing to revise our regulations regarding 
the movement of soil. This proposed rule replaces a previously 
published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this 
document. This proposal would clarify the factors that would be 
considered when assessing the risks associated with the movement of 
certain organisms and facilitate the movement of regulated organisms 
and articles in a manner that also protects U.S. agriculture.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent To Prepare an         10/20/09  74 FR 53673
 Environmental Impact Statement.
Notice Comment Period End...........   11/19/09  .......................
NPRM................................   11/00/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Colin Stewart, Assistant Director, Pests, 
Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2237.
    RIN: 0579-AC98

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

176. Scrapie in Sheep and Goats

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
    Abstract: This rulemaking will 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. It also provides designated scrapie 
epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when testing 
animals in order to determine flock designations under the regulations. 
The rule changes 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 does and early maturing ewes 
and does. The changes will also make the identification and 
recordkeeping requirements for goat owners consistent with those for 
sheep owners. These changes affect sheep and goat producers, persons 
who handle sheep and goats in interstate commerce, and State 
governments.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/10/15  80 FR 54659
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/09/15  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   11/16/15  80 FR 70718
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   12/09/15  .......................
Final Rule..........................   01/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Sheep, Goat, Cervid, and Equine 
Health Center; Surveillance, Preparedness, and Response Services, VS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235, Phone: 301 851-
3509.
    RIN: 0579-AC92

[[Page 94709]]

177. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small 
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 
136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends the bovine spongiform 
encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation 
of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen, 
products, and byproducts. The scrapie revisions regarding the 
importation of sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other 
than immediate slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World 
Organization for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such 
animals to those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free 
flocks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/16  81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/16/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   06/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Langston Hull, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical 
Officer, Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AD10

178. Importation of Wood Packaging Material From Canada

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations for the 
importation of unmanufactured wood articles with regard to the 
exemption that allows wood packaging material from Canada to enter the 
United States without first meeting the treatment and marking 
requirements of the regulations that apply to wood packaging material 
from all other countries. This action is necessary in order to prevent 
the dissemination and spread of pests via wood packaging material from 
Canada.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/02/10  75 FR 75157
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/31/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   04/00/17  .......................
Final Action Effective..............   05/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Tyrone Jones, Trade Director, Forestry 
Products, Phytosanitary Issues Management, PPQ, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 301 851-2344.
    RIN: 0579-AD28

179. Establishing a Performance Standard for Authorizing the 
Importation and Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136(a)
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend our regulations governing the 
importations of fruits and vegetables by broadening our existing 
performance standard to provide for consideration of all new fruits and 
vegetables for importation into the United States using a notice-based 
process. Rather than authorizing new imports through proposed and final 
rules and specifying import conditions in the regulations, the notice-
based process uses Federal Register notices to make risk analyses 
available to the public for review and comment, with authorized 
commodities and their conditions of entry subsequently being listed on 
the Internet. It also will remove the region- or commodity-specific 
phytosanitary requirements currently found in these regulations. 
Likewise, we are proposing an equivalent revision of the performance 
standard in our regulations governing the interstate movements of 
fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam, 
Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 
the removal of commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements from those 
regulations. This action will allow for the consideration of requests 
to authorize the importation or interstate movement of new fruits and 
vegetables in a manner that enables a more flexible and responsive 
regulatory approach to evolving pest situations in both the United 
States and exporting countries. It will not, however, alter the 
science-based process in which the risk associated with importation or 
interstate movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated or the 
manner in which risks associated with the importation or interstate 
movement of a fruit or vegetable are mitigated.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/09/14  79 FR 53346
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/10/14  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   12/04/14  79 FR 71973
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/09/15  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   02/06/15  80 FR 6665
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/10/15  .......................
Final Rule..........................   01/00/17  .......................
Final Rule Effective................   04/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Nicole Russo, Assistant Director, Regulatory 
Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1236, Phone: 301 851-2159.
    RIN: 0579-AD71

180. Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review 
and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8401
    Abstract: The Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 
requires the biennial review and republication of the list of select 
agents and toxins and the revision of the list as necessary. 
Accordingly, we solicited public comment on the current list of select 
agents and toxins in our regulations and suggestions regarding any 
addition or reduction of the animal or plant pathogens currently on the 
list of select agents. In accordance with the Act, this rulemaking will 
provide a revised republication of the list of select agents and 
toxins.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   02/27/15  80 FR 10627
ANPRM Comment Period End............   04/28/15  .......................
NPRM................................   01/19/16  81 FR 2762
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/21/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Freeda Isaac, National Director, Agriculture Select 
Agent Services, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health

[[Page 94710]]

Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 2, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AE08

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

181. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of General Provisions

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 15 U.S.C. 
1828; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rulemaking would consolidate the regulations 
governing bovine tuberculosis (TB), currently found in 9 CFR part 77, 
and those governing brucellosis, currently found in 9 CFR part 78. As 
part of this consolidation, we are proposing to transition the TB and 
brucellosis programs away from a State status system based on disease 
prevalence. Instead, States and tribes would implement an animal health 
plan that identifies sources of the diseases within the State or tribe 
and specifies mitigations to address the risk posed by these sources. 
The consolidated regulations also would set forth standards for 
surveillance, epidemiological investigations, and affected herd 
management that must be incorporated into each animal health plan, with 
certain limited exceptions; conditions for the interstate movement of 
cattle, bison, and captive cervids; and conditions for APHIS approval 
of tests for bovine TB or brucellosis. Finally, the rulemaking would 
revise the import requirements for cattle and bison to make these 
requirements clearer and ensure that they more effectively mitigate the 
risk of introduction of the diseases into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/16/15  80 FR 78461
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/15/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/11/16  81 FR 12832
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   05/16/16  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............  .........  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Langston Hull, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    C. William Hench, Phone: 970 494-7378.
    RIN: 0579-AD65

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

182.  Mexican Hass Avocado Import Program

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136(a)
    Abstract: Commercial consignments of Hass avocado fruit are 
currently authorized entry into the continental United States, Hawaii, 
and Puerto Rico from the Mexican State of Michoac[aacute]n under a 
systems approach to mitigate against quarantine pests of concern. We 
are amending the regulations to allow the importation of fresh Hass 
avocado fruit into the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto 
Rico from all of Mexico, provided individual Mexican States meet the 
requirements set out in the regulations and the operational work plan. 
Initially, this action would only apply to the Mexican State of 
Jalisco. With the exception of a clarification of the language 
concerning when sealed, insect-proof containers would be required to be 
used in shipping and the removal of mandatory fruit cutting at land and 
maritime borders, the current systems approach will not change. The 
current systems approach, which includes requirements for orchard 
certification, traceback labeling, pre-harvest orchard surveys, orchard 
sanitation, post-harvest safeguards, fruit cutting and inspection at 
the packinghouse, port-of-arrival inspection, and clearance activities, 
will be required for importation of fresh Hass avocado fruit from all 
approved areas of Mexico. The fruit will also be required to be 
imported in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary 
certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of 
Mexico with an additional declaration stating that the consignment was 
produced in accordance with the systems approach described in the 
operational work plan. This final rule will allow for the importation 
of fresh Hass avocado fruit from Mexico while continuing to provide 
protection against the introduction of plant pests into the continental 
United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/18/15  80 FR 8561
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/20/15  .......................
Final Rule..........................   05/27/16  81 FR 33581
Final Rule Effective................   06/27/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: David B. Lamb, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, 
RPM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Phone: 
301 851-2013.
    RIN: 0579-AE05

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)

Proposed Rule Stage

183. Unfair Practices and Unreasonable Preference

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 6 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0580-AB27

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)

Final Rule Stage

184. Clarification of Scope

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 7 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0580-AB25
BILLING CODE 3410-EN-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

185. Modernizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
Benefit Redemption Systems

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, the Farm 
Bill) amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA) to include 
new requirements

[[Page 94711]]

regarding the acceptance and processing of SNAP client benefits by all 
non-exempt retailers participating in SNAP. Statutory changes will 
modernize EBT systems and ensure greater program integrity. The Food 
and Nutrition Service (FNS) proposes to revise certain SNAP regulations 
for which multiple State agencies have sought and received approval of 
waivers. The revisions would streamline program administration, offer 
greater flexibility to State agencies, and improve customer service.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Chief, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center 
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE37

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Final Rule Stage

186. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Nutrition 
Standards for All Foods Sold in School, as Required by the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 9 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

    RIN: 0584-AE09

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Completed Actions

187. Child Nutrition Programs: Local School Wellness Policy 
Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This final rule codified a provision of the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act (Pub. L. 111-296; the Act) under 7 CFR parts 210 
and 220. Section 204 of the Act requires each local educational agency 
(LEA) to establish, for all schools under its jurisdiction, a local 
school wellness policy. The Act requires that the wellness policy 
include goals for nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity, 
and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. In 
addition, the Act requires that local educational agencies ensure 
stakeholder participation in development of their local school wellness 
policies, and periodically assess compliance with the policies, and 
disclose information about the policies to the public.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   07/29/16  81 FR 50151
Final Action Effective..............   08/29/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Lynnette M. Thomas, Phone: 703 605-4782, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE25

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Final Rule Stage

188. Elimination of Trichina Control Regulations and Consolidation of 
Thermally Processed, Commercially Sterile Regulations

    Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA); Poultry 
Products Inspection Act (PPIA)
    Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed to 
amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to eliminate the 
requirements for both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) 
pork and pork products to be treated to destroy trichina (Trichinella 
spiralis) because the regulations are inconsistent with the Hazard 
Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, and these 
prescriptive regulations are no longer necessary. If this supplemental 
proposed rule is finalized, FSIS will end its Trichinella Approved 
Laboratory Program (TALP program) for the evaluation and approval of 
non-Federal laboratories that use the pooled sample digestion technique 
to analyze samples for the presence of trichina. FSIS also proposed to 
consolidate the regulations on thermally processed, commercially 
sterile meat and poultry products (i.e., canned food products 
containing meat or poultry).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/28/16  81 FR 17337
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/27/16  .......................
Final Action........................   02/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Assistant Administrator, 
Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 349-E 
JWB, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202 720-2025, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AD59

BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Long-Term Actions

189. Management of Surface Activities Associated With Outstanding 
Mineral Rights on National Forest System Lands (Directive)

    Legal Authority: EPA 1992
    Abstract: Close to 11,000,000 acres (approximately 6 percent) of 
National Forest System (NFS) lands overlie severed (split) mineral 
estates owned by a party other than the Federal Government. More than 
75 percent of these lands are in the Eastern Region (Forest Service 
Regions 8 and 9). There are two kinds of severed mineral estates, 
generally known as ``private rights'': Reserved and outstanding. 
Reserved mineral rights are those retained by a grantor in a deed 
conveying land to the United States. Outstanding mineral rights are 
those owned by a party other than the surface owner at the time the 
surface was conveyed to the United States. Because these are non-
Federal mineral interests, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau 
of Land Management has no authority for or role in managing development 
activities associated with such interests. States

[[Page 94712]]

have the authority and responsibility for regulating development of the 
private mineral estate.
    Various Secretary's Rules and Regulations (years of 1911, 1937, 
1938, 1939, 1947, 1950, and 1963) and Forest Service regulations at 36 
CFR 251.15 provide direction for the use of NFS lands for mineral 
development activities associated with the exercise of reserved mineral 
rights. These existing rules for reserved minerals development 
activities also include requirements for protection of NFS resources.
    Currently, there are no formal regulations governing the use of NFS 
lands for activities associated with the exercise of outstanding 
mineral rights underlying those lands. The Energy Policy Act of 1992, 
section 2508, directed the Secretary of Agriculture to apply specified 
terms and conditions to surface-disturbing activities related to 
development of oil and gas on certain lands with outstanding mineral 
rights on the Allegheny National Forest, and promulgate regulations 
implementing that section.
    The Forest Service initiated rulemaking for the use of NFS lands 
for development activities associated with both reserved and 
outstanding minerals rights with an Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal Register on December 29, 2008. 
Comments from the public in response to the ANPRM conveyed a high level 
of concern about the broad scope of the rule, along with a high level 
of concern about effects of a broad rule on small businesses and local 
economies.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Notice of Proposed            12/29/08  73 FR 79424
 Directive.
Advanced Notice of Proposed            02/27/09  .......................
 Directive Comment Period End.
                                     -----------------------------------
Proposed Directive..................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Tinathan A. Lewis, Phone: 202 205-3773, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD03

BILLING CODE 3410-11-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)

Proposed Rule Stage

190. Designation of Biobased Product Categories for Federal 
Procurement, Round 11

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This proposed rule will designate, for preferred 
procurement under the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement 
Program, approximately 10 intermediate ingredient or feedstock product 
categories. An intermediate ingredient or feedstock is defined by the 
BioPreferred Program as a material or compound made in whole or in 
significant part from biological products. Typical intermediate 
ingredient or feedstock product categories will include renewable 
chemicals; plastic resins; chemical binders; oils, fats, and waxes; and 
fibers and fabrics.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Marie Wheat, Department of Agriculture, Office of 
Procurement and Property Management, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 
239-4502, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0599-AA24

191. Designation of Biobased Product Categories for Federal 
Procurement, Round 12

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This proposed rule will designate, for preferred 
procurement under the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement 
Program, approximately eight complex assembly product categories. A 
complex assembly is defined by the BioPreferred program as a system of 
distinct materials and components assembled to create a finished 
product with specific functional intent where some or all of the system 
inputs contain some amount of biobased material or feedstock. Typical 
complex assembly product categories will include products such as 
upholstered office chairs and other office furniture; mattresses; 
backpacks; boots; and other camping gear. The specific product 
categories to be included in this rulemaking are under investigation by 
the Office of Procurement and Property Management, but technical 
information is expected to be available to support the designation of 
about eight product categories.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Marie Wheat, Department of Agriculture, Office of 
Procurement and Property Management, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 
239-4502, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0599-AA25

[FR Doc. 2016-29853 Filed 12-22-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-P