🌱USDA Withdraws Natural Grass Sod Promotion Program Proposal
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2024, that proposed a new grass sod research and promotion program under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The proposed Order was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), a group of natural grass sod producers. AMS conducted a referendum among eligible producers to determine whether they favor establishing a national promotion, research, and information program (Program). After reviewing the results of the producer referendum, a simple majority of industry producers who voted in the referendum are not in favor of establishing a Program, and therefore, the proposed rule is being withdrawn.
Learn More🌱Rescinding Natural Grass Sod Promotion Order
This direct final rule rescinds the referendum procedures for the proposed Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Sod Proposed Order), issued on December 10, 2024. The referendum failed and the Sod Proposed Order was not approved, therefore it is being withdrawn through a Notice which will also be published in the Federal Register. Therefore, the referendum procedures for the Sod Proposed Order are no longer necessary and AMS is rescinding the part in its entirety.
Learn More🌾USDA Information Collection Requirements for Farmers and Businesses
The Department of Agriculture announces an information collection request concerning USDA Farmers Market applications and other agricultural programs. The notice outlines necessary data submissions, emphasizing how these collections assist in selecting market participants and monitoring operations in the agricultural sector. The request invites public comments to enhance the quality and efficiency of the data collection process.
Learn More🥕USDA Notice on Farmers Market Application Information Collection
The USDA Department of Agriculture announces a request for comments regarding the information collection needs tied to the USDA Farmers Market Application. The notice outlines the type of data required from applicants and emphasizes the importance of compliance for successful market participation, ensuring clarity and efficiency in the application process.
Learn More📬USPS Privacy Act Update
The United States Postal Service[supreg] (USPS[supreg]) is proposing to revise one Customer Privacy Act Systems of Records (SOR). These updates are being made to implement an application to analyze and anticipate customer needs and assist sales staff.
Learn More🌱USDA Notice
This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for extension of a currently approved collection titled: Agritourism Directory, from the Office of Management and Budget 0581- 0332. Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, AMS is responsible for conducting research to enhance market access for small and medium sized farmers. The role of the Local and Regional Foods Division of AMS is to facilitate the fair and efficient marketing of U.S. agricultural products. This information is used to populate the USDA's National Local Food Directories that assists customers looking to buy fresh local foods for their families to wholesale food buyers.
Learn More🍊Proposed Increase in Texas Citrus Assessment Rate for 2024-2025
This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2024-2025 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.03 to $0.04 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit grown in Texas. The proposed assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Learn More⚖️FTC Consent Order Against accessiBe
The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of Federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The attached Analysis of Proposed Consent Order to Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the complaint and the terms of the consent order--embodied in the consent agreement--that would settle these allegations.
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