[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 121 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29597-29602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12325]
[[Page 29597]]
Vol. 84
Monday,
No. 121
June 24, 2019
Part III
Department of Agriculture
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Unified Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 121 / Monday, June 24, 2019 /
Unified Agenda
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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, Spring 2019
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant
and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed
in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance
with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review,''
13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 13771 ``Reducing
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' and 13777, ``Enforcing
the Regulatory Reform Agenda.'' 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 Executive Order
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 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: March 11, 2019.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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1......................... Undue and Unreasonable 0581-AD81
Preferences and
Advantages Under the
Packers and Stockyards
Act.
2......................... Establishment of a Milk 0581-AD87
Donation Program.
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Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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3......................... Establishment of a 0581-AD82
Domestic Hemp Production
Program.
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Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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4......................... National Bioengineered 0581-AD54
Food Disclosure Standard.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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5......................... Plant Pest Regulations; 0579-AC98
Update of General
Provisions.
6......................... Bovine Spongiform 0579-AD10
Encephalopathy and
Scrapie; Importation of
Small Ruminants and Their
Germplasm, Products, and
Byproducts.
7......................... Lacey Act Implementation 0579-AD44
Plan: De Minimis
Exception.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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8......................... Brucellosis and Bovine 0579-AD65
Tuberculosis; Update of
General Provisions.
9......................... Importation of Fresh 0579-AD95
Citrus Fruit From the
Republic of South Africa
Into the Continental
United States.
[[Page 29599]]
10........................ Removal of Emerald Ash 0579-AE42
Borer Domestic Quarantine
Regulations.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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11........................ Scrapie in Sheep and Goats 0579-AC92
12........................ Branding Requirements for 0579-AE38
Bovines Imported Into the
United States From Mexico.
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Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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13........................ Performance Standards for 0583-AC46
the Production of
Processed Meat and
Poultry Products.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Proposed Rule Stage
1. Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the
Packers and Stockyards Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-234
Abstract: This action would invite comments on proposed revisions
to regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act).
The revisions would specify criteria the Secretary could consider in
determining whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or
live poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or
advantage and a violation of the P&S Act.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 06/00/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Associate Deputy Administrator,
Fair Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
RIN: 0581-AD81
2. Establishment of a Milk Donation Program
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 104-127
Abstract: This action begins the rulemaking process to establish a
Milk Donation Program as mandated by the Agriculture Improvement Act of
2018 (2018 Farm Bill). The proposed program would allow milk processors
who account to Federal milk marketing orders (FMMO) to claim limited
reimbursements for the cost of farm milk used to make donated fluid
milk products. Under the program, processors would partner with non-
profit organizations to distribute the donated products to individuals
in low-income groups.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/00/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Erin Taylor, Acting Director, Order Formulation and
Enforcement Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, Dairy Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2969-S,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-7311, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 0581-AD87
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Final Rule Stage
3. Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621
Abstract: This action will initiate a new part 990 establishing
rules and regulations for the domestic production of hemp. This action
is required to implement provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (Farm Bill).
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Interim Final Rule.................. 08/00/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Deputy Administrator, Specialty
Crops Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, South Building, Washington,
DC 20050-6456, Phone: 202 720-4722, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0581-AD82
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
Completed Actions
4. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-216; 7 U.S.C. 1621 to 1627
Abstract: On July 29, 2016, the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
was amended to establish a National Bioengineered Food Disclosure
Standard (Law) (Pub. L. 114-216). The provisions of this rule, pursuant
to the law, will serve as a national mandatory bioengineered food
disclosure standard for bioengineered food and food that may be
bioengineered.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Final Action........................ 12/21/18 83 FR 65814
[[Page 29600]]
Final Rule Effective................ 02/19/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur Neal, Phone: 202 692-1300.
RIN: 0581-AD54
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Final Rule Stage
5. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
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; 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 revising our regulations regarding the movement of
plant pests. We are also adding criteria to the regulations for the
importation, interstate movement, and release of biological control
organisms. This final rule also establishes regulations for the
importation and interstate movement of certain plant pests and
biological control organisms without restriction by establishing a
petition process for granting exceptions from permit requirements for
those pests and organisms. Finally, we are revising our regulations
regarding the importation and interstate movement of soil. This rule
clarifies the points that we will consider when assessing the risks
associated with the movement and release of certain organisms and
facilitates the movement of regulated organisms and articles in a
manner that protects U.S. agriculture.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Notice of Intent To Prepare an 10/20/09 74 FR 53673
Environmental Impact Statement.
Notice Comment Period End........... 11/19/09 .......................
NPRM................................ 01/19/17 82 FR 6980
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 02/13/17 82 FR 10444
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/19/17 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 06/00/19 .......................
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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
6. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
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: We are amending the regulations governing the importation
of animals and animal products to revise conditions for the importation
of live sheep, goats, and certain other non-bovine ruminants, and
products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) and scrapie. We are removing BSE-related import restrictions on
sheep and goats and most of their products, and adding import
restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for
certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species. The
conditions we are adopting for the importation of specified commodities
are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will,
in general, align our regulations with guidelines established in the
World Organization for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 07/18/16 81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/16/16 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 06/00/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Alexandra MacKenzie, Veterinary Medical Officer,
Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, NIES, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AD10
7. Lacey Act Implementation Plan: De Minimis Exception
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.
Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended
the Lacey Act to provide, among other things, that importers submit a
declaration at the time of importation for certain plants and plant
products. The declaration requirements of the Lacey Act became
effective on December 15, 2008, and enforcement of those requirements
is being phased in. We are proposing to establish an exception to the
declaration requirement for products containing a minimal amount of
plant materials.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 06/30/11 76 FR 38330
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 08/29/11 .......................
NPRM................................ 07/09/18 83 FR 31697
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/07/18 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 12/00/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Dorothy Wayson, National Program Coordinator, Lacey
Act Program, Compliance and Environmental Coordination, PPQ, Department
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 150, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-2036.
RIN: 0579-AD44
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Long-Term Actions
8. Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis; Update of General Provisions
E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
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
[[Page 29601]]
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.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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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 .......................
NPRM--Partial Withdrawal............ 03/27/19 84 FR 11448
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Final Rule.......................... To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Langston Hull, Phone: 301 851-3300.
C. William Hench, Phone: 970 494-7378.
RIN: 0579-AD65
9. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa
Into the Continental United States
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
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 fruits and vegetables
regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh
citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United
States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black
spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will
have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes
shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and
phytosanitary treatment. 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 the
Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that
the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach.
This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit,
including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant
pests into the United States.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 08/28/14 79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/27/14 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............ .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
RIN: 0579-AD95
10. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This rulemaking would remove the domestic quarantine
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action would
discontinue the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer
program as a means to more effectively direct available resources
toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously
allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic
quarantine regulations would instead be directed to a non-regulatory
option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents
for emerald ash borer, which would serve as the primary tool to
mitigate and control the pest.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 09/19/18 83 FR 47310
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/19/18 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............ .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robyn Rose, Phone: 301 851-2283.
RIN: 0579-AE42
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Completed Actions
11. Scrapie in Sheep and Goats
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
Abstract: We are amending 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.
We are also providing designated scrapie epidemiologists with more
alternatives and flexibility when testing animals in order to determine
flock designations under the regulations. We are changing 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.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Final Rule.......................... 03/25/19 84 FR 11170
Final Rule Effective................ 04/24/19 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Phone: 301 851-3509.
RIN: 0579-AC92
12. Branding Requirements for Bovines Imported Into the United States
From Mexico
E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C.
136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the
branding of bovines imported into the United States from Mexico. We are
taking this action at the request of the Government of Mexico to
address issues that have arisen with the branding requirement for these
bovines. These changes will help prevent inconsistencies in branding
that can result in bovines being rejected for import into the United
States.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Final Rule.......................... 12/14/18 83 FR 64223
Final Action Effective.............. 01/14/19 .......................
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[[Page 29602]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Phone: 301 851-3300.
RIN: 0579-AE38
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
Completed Actions
13. Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and
Poultry Products
E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
Abstract: FSIS is proposing to establish pathogen reduction
performance standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-
treated meat and poultry products. The performance standards spell out
the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet
during their operations in order to produce safe products, but allow
the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than
those prescribed in their earlier regulations. With HACCP, food safety
performance standards give establishments the incentive and flexibility
to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing procedures
and controls, while providing objective, measurable standards that can
be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This set of performance
standards will include and be consistent with standards already in
place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Completed:
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Reason Date FR Cite
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Supplemental NPR--Withdrawn......... 03/28/16 81 FR 17338
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Phone: 202 205-0495, Fax: 202
720-2025, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 0583-AC46
[FR Doc. 2019-12325 Filed 6-21-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P