[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5190-5198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27969]



[[Page 5189]]

Vol. 87

Monday,

No. 20

January 31, 2022

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2022 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 5190]]


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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 2021

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 
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 
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 this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important 
regulatory actions are summarized in a Statement of Regulatory 
Priorities that is 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 Mr. Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.

    Dated: September 14, 2021.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

              Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
182.......................  Inert Ingredients in               0581-AE02
                             Pesticides for Organic
                             Production (AMS-NOP-21-
                             0008).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
183.......................  Dealer Trust; Add                  0581-AE01
                             Livestock Dealer
                             Regulation and Statement
                             (AMS-FTPP-21-0015).
184.......................  Poultry Grower Ranking             0581-AE03
                             Systems (AMS-FTPP-21-
                             0044) (Reg Plan Seq No.
                             1).
185.......................  Unfair Practices in                0581-AE05
                             Violation of the Packers
                             and Stockyards Act (AMS-
                             FTPP-21-0045) (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 3).
186.......................  Organic Livestock and              0581-AE06
                             Poultry Standards (Reg
                             Plan Seq No. 4).
187.......................  Natural Grass Sod                  0581-AE07
                             Promotion, Research, and
                             Information Order (AMS-LP-
                             21-0028).
188.......................  Wheat Flour Foods                  0581-AE09
                             Promotion, Research, and
                             Information Order (AMS-LP-
                             20-0024).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
189.......................  Strengthening Organic              0581-AD09
                             Enforcement (AMS-NOP-17-
                             0065).
190.......................  Dairy Donation Program             0581-AE00
                             (AMS-DA-21-0013).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
191.......................  National Organic Program--         0581-AD34
                             Organic Aquaculture
                             Standards.
192.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AE12
                             Organic Apiculture
                             Practice Standard.
193.......................  National Organic Program,          0581-AE13
                             Organic Pet Food
                             Standards.
194.......................  National Organic Program:          0581-AE14
                             Organic Mushroom
                             Standards.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5191]]


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
195.......................  Animal Disease                     0579-AE64
                             Traceability; Electronic
                             Identification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
196.......................  Handling of Animals;               0579-AC69
                             Contingency Plans.
197.......................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
198.......................  Importation of Fresh               0579-AD95
                             Citrus Fruit From the
                             Republic of South Africa
                             Into the Continental
                             United States.
199.......................  Horse Protection;                  0579-AE19
                             Licensing of Designated
                             Qualified Persons and
                             Other Amendments.
200.......................  National List of                   0579-AE39
                             Reportable Animal
                             Diseases.
201.......................  Requiring Microchipping,           0579-AE58
                             Verifiable Signatures,
                             Government Official
                             Endorsement, and
                             Mandatory Forms for
                             Importation of Live Dogs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
202.......................  Special Supplemental               0584-AE85
                             Nutrition Program for
                             Women, Infants and
                             Children (WIC): WIC
                             Online Ordering and
                             Transactions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
203.......................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE11
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: School Food
                             Service Account Revenue
                             Amendments Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
204.......................  Modernizing Supplemental           0584-AE37
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP) Benefit
                             Redemption Systems.
205.......................  Supplemental Nutrition             0584-AE39
                             Assistance Program
                             (SNAP): Electronic
                             Benefits Transfer
                             Requirements for Scanning
                             and Product-Lookup
                             Technology.
206.......................  Providing Regulatory               0584-AE61
                             Flexibility for Retailers
                             in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
207.......................  Strengthening Integrity            0584-AE71
                             and Reducing Retailer
                             Fraud in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
208.......................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE55
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: Nutrition
                             Standards for All Foods
                             Sold in School, as
                             Required by the Healthy,
                             Hunger-Free Kids Act of
                             2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
209.......................  Changing the Labeling              0583-AD92
                             Requirements for
                             Processed Products That
                             Contain Nitrate or
                             Nitrite.
210.......................  Foreign Equivalence                0583-AD93
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5192]]


                    Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
211.......................  Special Uses--                     0596-AD43
                             Communications Uses Rent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Prerule Stage

182. Inert Ingredients in Pesticides for Organic Production (AMS-NOP-
21-0008)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524
    Abstract: This Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) 
requests comments on options for replacing outdated references in 
USDA's organic regulations to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) policy on inert ingredients in pesticides. Inerts, also known as 
other ingredients, are any substances other than the active ingredient 
that are intentionally added to pesticide products. The references to 
outdated EPA policy appear in the USDA organic regulations in the 
National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) and 
identify the inert ingredients allowed in pesticides for organic 
production.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   03/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE02

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

183. Dealer Trust; Add Livestock Dealer Regulation and Statement (AMS-
FTPP-21-0015)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, sec. 763
    Abstract: The proposed rule would revise the Packers and Stockyards 
regulations to add provisions for written notifications related to the 
new livestock dealer trust. The revisions outline the process for 
livestock sellers to notify livestock dealers and the Secretary of the 
seller's intent to preserve their interest in trust benefits should the 
dealer fail to pay for livestock purchased. The revisions also require 
livestock sellers to acknowledge in writing that they forfeit rights to 
the dealer trust under the terms of credit sales to dealers. These 
provisions mirror existing regulatory provisions related to livestock 
and poultry sales under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Stuart Frank, Division Director, Packers and 
Stockyards Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Federal Building; Room 917, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 
50309, Phone: 515 323-2586, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE01

184. Poultry Grower Ranking Systems (AMS-FTPP-21-0044)

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0581-AE03

185. Unfair Practices in Violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act 
(AMS-FTPP-21-0045)

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0581-AE05

186.  Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0581-AE06

187.  Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information 
Order (AMS-LP-21-0028)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411 to 7425
    Abstract: This proposed rule invites comments on the establishment 
of an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for 
natural grass sod products. The proposed Natural Grass Sod Promotion, 
Research, and Information Order was submitted to the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture by Turfgrass Producers International, a group of natural 
grass sod producers. The program will conduct research, marketing, and 
promotion activities that will benefit the entire industry. Primary 
goals of the program include educating consumers and stakeholders of 
the benefits of natural grass and providing producers with marketing 
tools they can use to grow their business. The goals identified in this 
proposed rule are only attainable through a national research and 
promotion program for natural grass sod.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Betsy Flores, Director of the Research and 
Promotion Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: 202 720-1118, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE07

188.  Wheat Flour Foods Promotion, Research, and Information 
Order (AMS-LP-20-0024)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411 to 7425
    Abstract: This proposed rule invites comments on the establishment 
of an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for 
wheat flour used to produce grain foods. The proposed Wheat Flour Foods 
Promotion, Research, and Information Order was submitted to the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture by the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF), a group 
of baking and milling industries and allied suppliers. The proposed 
Order submitted by GFF is intended to increase sales by reversing the 
current decline in wheat flour consumption, improving the perception of 
bread, and producing research to strengthen the industry's promotion of 
bread through: (a) Consumer Media; (b) Retail Channel Development; (c) 
Food Service Channel Development; and (d) Science/Nutrition Research. 
The proposed order submitted by GFF intends to improve consumption

[[Page 5193]]

of grain foods, ensure that benefits to the entire industry are paid 
for by the entire industry, and allow for consistent funding to 
maximize promotion and research efforts.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Betsy Flores, Director of the Research and 
Promotion Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: 202 720-1118, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE09

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

189. Strengthening Organic Enforcement (AMS-NOP-17-0065)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking 
will address 2018 Farm Bill mandates. In summary, SOE will follow 
requirements that align with the Farm Bill:
     Limiting the types of operations in the organic supply 
chain that are not required to obtain organic certification;
     Imported organic products must be accompanied by an 
electronic import certificate to validate organic status;
     Import certificates will be submitted to the U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE);
     Certifying agents must notify USDA within 90 days of the 
opening of any new office that conducts certification activities; and,
     Entities acting on behalf of certifying agents may be 
suspended when there is noncompliant activity.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   08/05/20  85 FR 47536
Comment Period End..................   10/05/20
Final Rule..........................   03/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD09

190. Dairy Donation Program (AMS-DA-21-0013)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, sec. 762
    Abstract: This rulemaking for the Dairy Donation Program will 
finalize the program authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2021. The Dairy Donation Program is a voluntary program that 
reimburses eligible dairy organizations for milk used to make eligible 
dairy products donated to non-profit groups for distribution to low-
income persons.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   09/01/21  86 FR 48887
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      11/01/21
 End.
Final Rule..........................   11/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Avenue SW, Room 2969-S, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-7311, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE00

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Long-Term Actions

191. National Organic Program--Organic Aquaculture Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522
    Abstract: This action proposes to establish standards for organic 
production and certification of farmed aquatic animals and their 
products in the USDA organic regulations. This action would also add 
aquatic animals as a scope of certification and accreditation under the 
National Organic Program (NOP).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AD34

192.  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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE12

193.  National Organic Program, Organic Pet Food Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: This action proposes to amend the USDA organic 
regulations to reflect a recommendation submitted to the Secretary by 
the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to develop organic pet food 
standards.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE13

194.  National Organic Program: Organic Mushroom Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524
    Abstract: This action proposes to establish standards for the 
organic production and certification of mushrooms in the USDA organic 
regulations.
    Timetable:

[[Page 5194]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0581-AE14

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

195. Animal Disease Traceability; Electronic Identification

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.
    Abstract: This action would amend APHIS' animal disease 
traceability regulations, currently codified at 9 CFR part 86. The 
primary proposed change would require that beginning January 1, 2023, 
APHIS would only recognize identification devices (e.g., eartags) as 
official identification for cattle and bison covered by the regulations 
if the devices have both visual and electronic readability (EID). Other 
proposed changes are intended to clarify language and requirements in 
several sections of part 86. These changes would enhance the U.S. 
traceability system to better achieve goals of rapidly tracing diseased 
and exposed animals and containing outbreaks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Aaron Scott Ph.D., DACVPM, Director, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National 
Animal Disease Traceability and Veterinary Accreditation Center, APHIS 
Veterinary Services Strategy and Policy, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B 
(Mail Stop 3E87), Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970 494-7249, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0579-AE64

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

196. Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a 
final rule on December 31, 2012, to establish regulations under which 
research facilities and dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and 
carriers must meet certain requirements for contingency planning and 
training of personnel. Implementation of the final rule was stayed on 
July 31, 2013, so that the agency could conduct additional review to 
further consider the impact of contingency plan requirements on 
regulated entities. Since that time, we have conducted such a review, 
and the 2021 Congressional Appropriations Act has required us to lift 
the stay. We are therefore lifting the stay and making minor revisions 
to the requirements in order to update compliance dates and clarify 
intent. The lifting of the stay and revisions will better ensure that 
entities responsible for animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act 
are prepared to safeguard the health and welfare of such animals in the 
event of possible emergencies or disasters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/23/08  73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   12/19/08  73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   02/20/09
Final Rule..........................   12/31/12  77 FR 76815
Final Rule Effective................   01/30/13
Final Rule--Stay of Regulations.....   07/31/13  78 FR 46255
Final Rule Effective--Stay of          07/31/13
 Regulations.
NPRM................................   06/25/21  86 FR 33567
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/24/21
Final Rule..........................   02/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Elizabeth Theodorson, Assistant Deputy 
Administrator, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 86, Riverdale, MD 
20737, Phone: 970 494-7473.
    RIN: 0579-AC69

197. 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: 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/16  81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/16/16
Final Rule..........................   11/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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


[[Page 5195]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

198. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South 
Africa Into the Continental United States

    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 notice will 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. This notice is 
being issued pursuant to the terms set forth in a September 14, 2018 
final rule (83 FR 46627-46639, Docket No. APHIS-2010-0082), which 
established a notice-based process for authorizing the importation of 
fruits and vegetables into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/28/14  79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/27/14
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Notice........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
    RIN: 0579-AD95

199. Horse Protection; Licensing of Designated Qualified Persons and 
Other Amendments

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1823 to 1825; 15 U.S.C. 1828
    Abstract: We proposed amending the horse protection regulations to 
provide that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
would train and license horse protection inspectors (HPIs) to inspect 
horses at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions for compliance 
with the Horse Protection Act. Those changes to the regulations would 
strengthen enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and regulations and 
relieve horse industry organizations or associations of their 
regulatory burdens and responsibilities. We also proposed establishing 
a process by which APHIS can deny an application for a HPI license or 
revoke the license of a HPI who does not meet the minimum requirements, 
who fails to follow the designated inspection procedures, or who 
otherwise fails to carry out his or her duties and responsibilities in 
a satisfactory manner. In addition, we proposed making several changes 
to the requirements that pertain to the management of any horse show, 
exhibition, sale, and auction, as well as changes to the list of 
devices, equipment, substances, and practices that are prohibited to 
prevent the soring of horses. Finally, we proposed revising the 
inspection procedures that inspectors are required to perform. These 
actions would help to protect horses from the cruel and inhumane 
practice of soring and eliminate unfair competitive advantage that sore 
horses have over horses that are not sore.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/26/16  81 FR 49111
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   09/22/16  81 FR 65307
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/26/16
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Aaron Rhyner,Phone: 970 494-7484.
    RIN: 0579-AE19

200. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends our disease regulations to provide 
for a National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, along with reporting 
responsibilities for animal health professionals that encounter or 
suspect cases of communicable animal diseases and disease agents. The 
changes are necessary to streamline State and Federal cooperative 
animal disease detection, response, and control efforts. This action 
will consolidate and enhance current disease reporting mechanisms, and 
it will complement and supplement existing animal disease tracking and 
reporting at the State level.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/02/20  85 FR 18471
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   08/18/20  85 FR 50796
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   08/21/20
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Action........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jane Rooney, Phone: 970 494-7397.
    RIN: 0579-AE39

201. Requiring Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, Government 
Official Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of live dogs by requiring all live dogs imported into the 
United States for resale purposes to be microchipped for permanent 
identification, and to require importers to procure a microchip reader 
and make it available to port-of-entry officials as requested. This 
action would also add microchipping as one of three identification 
options for dogs and cats used by dealers, exhibitors and research 
facilities. In addition, APHIS is proposing to require a verifiable 
signature on the health certificate and rabies certificate accompanying 
imported live dogs, an endorsement of the health certificate by a 
government official in the country of origin, and the mandatory use of 
forms provided by APHIS.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Elizabeth Theodorson, Phone: 970 494-7473.
    RIN: 0579-AE58

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P


[[Page 5196]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

202. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and 
Children (WIC): WIC Online Ordering and Transactions

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule addresses key regulatory barriers to online 
ordering in the WIC Program by making changes to the provisions that 
prevent online transactions and types of online capable stores from 
participating in the Program. This rule will also allow FNS to 
modernize WIC vendor regulations that do not reflect current technology 
and facilitate the Program's transition to EBT.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Department of Agriculture, Food and 
Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 
703 305-2876, Email: [email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition 
Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457-
7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE85

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Long-Term Actions

203. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: School Food 
Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free 
Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule amends National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 
regulations to conform to requirements contained in the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 regarding equity in school lunch pricing 
and revenue from non-program foods sold in schools. This rule requires 
school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the NSLP to provide the 
same level of financial support for lunches served to students who are 
not eligible for free or reduced-price lunches as is provided for 
lunches served to students eligible for free lunches. This rule also 
requires that all food sold in a school and purchased with funds from 
the nonprofit school food service account other than meals and 
supplements reimbursed by the Department of Agriculture must generate 
revenue at least proportionate to the cost of such foods.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   06/17/11  76 FR 35301
Interim Final Rule Effective........   07/01/11
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      09/15/11
 End.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE11

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

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose changes 
that collectively modernize SNAP benefit issuance and increase program 
integrity while streamlining program administration, offering greater 
flexibility to State agencies, and improving customer service. The rule 
will codify provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, the 2018 Farm Bill, and 
respond to 2018 OIG audit findings. The rule will codify 2014 Farm Bill 
provisions requiring most SNAP-authorized retailers to pay the costs 
associated with EBT equipment, supplies and related services and 
requirements pertaining to the online SNAP payment option. This rule 
would also codify waivers that have been granted to State agencies to 
implement practices that have proven beneficial as the EBT system has 
developed and matured, address Disaster-SNAP requirements for on-going 
households, and update EBT system technical and functional 
requirements.
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE37

205. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Electronic 
Benefits Transfer Requirements for Scanning and Product-Lookup 
Technology

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This rule will align program regulations with changes 
made by section 4002 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, 
the Farm Bill), which introduced new technical requirements for point-
of-sale (POS) devices in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system 
in section 7(h)(2)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA). 
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose to revise existing 
regulations both to codify these statutory requirements as well as to 
provide for their effective implementation and enforcement through the 
clarification of the technical specifications and capabilities required 
of this equipment and by addressing methods for ensuring compliance. In 
addition, USDA will define what constitutes an area that has 
significantly limited access to food to determine who is exempt from 
this requirement.
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE39

206. Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the requirement that certain 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retail food 
stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of 
items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of 
seven varieties. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) codified these 
mandatory requirements. Subsequent annual Agency appropriations bill 
language prohibited implementation of certain final rule provisions. In 
response, this change will provide some retailers participating in SNAP 
as authorized food stores with more flexibility in meeting the enhanced 
SNAP eligibility requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/05/19  84 FR 13555

[[Page 5197]]

 
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/04/19
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   06/14/19  84 FR 27743
NPRM Comment Period Reopen End......   06/20/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE61

207. Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; Pub. L. 115-334
    Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), and other 
language intended to deter retailer fraud, abuse, and non-compliance in 
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE71

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Completed Actions

208. 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

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule codifies a provision of the Healthy, Hunger-
Free Kids Act (Pub. L. 111-296; the Act) under 7 CFR parts 210 and 220. 
Section 208 requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to 
establish science-based nutrition standards for all foods sold in 
schools. The nutrition standards apply to all food sold outside the 
school meal programs, on the school campus, and at any time during the 
school day. However, FNS determined that this final rule is not 
necessary since this provision is in effect as an interim final rule 
(0584-AE09), and other regulatory provisions for foods sold in school 
were finalized in 2016.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   08/30/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
[email protected].
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0584-AE55

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

209.  Changing the Labeling Requirements for Processed Products 
That Contain Nitrate or Nitrite

    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.
    Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is 
proposing to amend its labeling requirements for processed meat and 
poultry products to establish new definitions for Cured and Uncured. 
Additionally, FSIS is proposing to remove from the regulations the 
chart listing approved uses of food ingredients and sources of 
radiation at 9 CFR 424.21(c) and to instead list approved uses online 
and in FSIS Directive 7120.1, Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the 
Production of Meat, Poultry and Egg Products. FSIS is proposing these 
changes in response to a petition. Finally, FSIS is proposing to 
rescind the regulations at 9 CFR 424.22(b)(1)(i) and (ii)(C) that 
require FSIS to collect samples of pumped bacon from producing 
establishments and analyze them for nitrosamines because FSIS no longer 
conducts this testing.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Matthew Michael, Director, Regulations Development 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
Office of Policy and Program Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone: 202 720-0345, Fax: 202 690-0486, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AD92

210.  Foreign Equivalence Regulations

    Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.; 21 
U.S.C. 1031 et seq.
    Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is 
proposing to update and combine into a new part the criteria FSIS uses 
to evaluate whether a foreign country is eligible to export meat 
(including Siluriformes fish), poultry, or egg products to the United 
States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/22  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Matthew Michael, Director, Regulations Development 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
Office of Policy and Program Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone: 202 720-0345, Fax: 202 690-0486, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0583-AD93

BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Long-Term Actions

211. Special Uses--Communications Uses Rent

    Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1761 to 1771.
    Abstract: Consistent with the requirement in title V, section 
504(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the proposed rule 
would update the Forest Service's rental fee schedule for 
communications uses based on market value. Updated rental fees that 
exceed 100 percent of current rental fees would be phased in over a 3-
year period. USDA is coordinating development of the information base 
to support this rulemaking with the Department of the Interior.

[[Page 5198]]

    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Edwina Howard-Agu, Phone: 202 205-1419, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0596-AD43

[FR Doc. 2021-27969 Filed 1-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P