📄Notice to Revise NIFA Application Kit for Grant Collections
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) intention to extend and revise a previously approved information collection, entitled NIFA Application Kit.
Learn More🌱Funding Opportunity for Rural Community Development Initiative
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Approximately $5 million in funding is available for FY 2025. These grants will be made to qualified Intermediary organizations that will provide financial and Technical assistance to Recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development that will support the community. Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Learn More🥛Notice on Special Milk Program Information Collection Activities
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is a revision of a currently approved collection to determine public participation in the Special Milk Program for Children.
Learn More🏡Energy Efficiency Standards for HUD and USDA Housing
HUD and USDA ("the agencies") published a Final Determination on April 26, 2024, adopting the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 energy codes as minimum requirements for programs covered under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). The Final Determination found that adoption of the energy codes would have no negative impact on the affordability and availability of EISA- covered housing. The agencies plan to review the analysis contained in the Final Determination and are seeking public comments to inform the review.
Learn More🌱USDA Interim Final Rule on NEPA Regulations Revisions
This interim final rule modifies the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and removes various USDA agency regulations for implementing NEPA. USDA is taking this action in response to the Council on Environmental Quality's rescission of its NEPA implementing regulations (which USDA's NEPA regulations were designed to supplement), statutory changes to NEPA, executive orders, and case law. Comments are voluntarily requested on this action to inform USDA's decision-making.
Learn More🌾Geographic Area Updates for Official Grain Inspection Services
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing updates to the boundaries of the geographic areas in which official service providers (OSP) perform official inspection and weighing services under a United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) designation or delegation, and for purposes of cooperative service agreements under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA). The updates are necessary due to changes in natural and man-made landmarks, railroad lines, roads, and signs that were used in historical boundary descriptions.
Learn More📦FSIS Notice on Renewing Import Inspection Application Requirements
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, FSIS is announcing its intention to renew an approved information collection regarding import inspection applications. The approval for this information collection will expire on December 31, 2025. FSIS is making no changes to the existing information collection.
Learn More🥓Implications of Removing Pumped Bacon Sampling Regulations
FSIS is amending the Federal meat inspection regulations to remove the provisions providing for FSIS' sampling and testing of pumped bacon for nitrosamines. FSIS stopped sampling for nitrosamines in 1998.
Learn More🏡Proposed Rule on Household Income Calculations in Rural Housing Programs
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), proposes to amend its regulation to implement changes related to income calculation and net family assets for properties that receive funding from the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs. These proposed changes are intended to align the Agency's annual income certification requirements with the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA).
Learn More🏡Impact of New Market Study Requirement on Rural Housing Loans
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), an agency of the Rural Development (RD), within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a proposed rule to amend its regulation that will require applicants (lenders) to submit a market study as part of the complete application for the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) loan guarantee. This change will require all applicants to use a market study when demonstrating market need for new construction.
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