🌱USDA Proposes Revisions to Conservation Practices Handbook
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is revising specific conservation practice standards (CPS) in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes to the specific CPS.
Learn More🌱New Assessment on Biological Control for Russian Thistle in the US
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a revised draft environmental assessment relative to permitting the release of the blister mite, Aceria salsolae De Lillo and Sobhian (Acari: Eriophyidae), for the biological control of Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) within the contiguous United States. Based on the revised draft environmental assessment and other relevant data, we have reached a preliminary determination that the release of this control agent within the contiguous United States will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. We are making the revised draft environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.
Learn More🌲Request for Comments on Community Forest Conservation Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the renewal of a currently approved information collection, 0596-0227 Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program.
Learn More🍗USDA Updates State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program Lists
FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to remove its lists of states that do not operate their own meat or poultry inspection (MPI) programs that are "at least equal to" FSIS' Federal inspection programs and have therefore been designated for FSIS' Federal inspection. FSIS is also amending the regulations to remove or revise related cross references to the lists. Going forward, FSIS will maintain lists of states with and without MPI programs on its website to ensure that the public has accurate and timely access to information about State and Federal inspection programs.
Learn More🌊Environmental Impact Statement for Shortfoot Creek Watershed Plan
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), North Dakota State Office, announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Shortfoot Creek Watershed located within Sargent and Richland Counties, and North Dakota, Marshall and Roberts Counties, South Dakota. The proposed EIS will examine alternative solutions to provide flood damage reduction and watershed protection. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Learn More🐔USDA Notice
We are giving notice that the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan will be holding a public meeting.
Learn More📊USDA SNAP Database Regulation
Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-108, notice is hereby given that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to create a new system of records (SOR) entitled USDA/FNS-15, "National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database." This system is owned, administered, and secured by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The primary purposes of this system are to validate the accuracy of eligibility determinations and strengthen SNAP and government program integrity.
Learn More🐴Proposed Regulation Changes for Horse Importation Requirements
We are proposing to remove the requirement that horses offered for importation to the United States be accompanied by documentation of pre-export examination occurring within 48 hours of departure from the port of embarkation endorsed by a salaried veterinary medical officer. We have found that logistical barriers prevent affected parties from meeting this requirement at this time, and that the other requirements of the regulations are sufficient to ensure that imported horses are free of diseases and pests of livestock.
Learn More🌾USDA Notice on Local Food Marketing Practices Survey
The Department of Agriculture is requesting comments on the Local Food Marketing Practices Survey to inform policymaking regarding local food sectors. The survey will collect vital data on agricultural practices, enhancing understanding of local food markets and supporting future federal programs and funding initiatives in this area.
Learn More🌱Overview of Amendments to Genetically Engineered Organism Regulations
On December 2, 2024, a Federal court vacated the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) final rule issued on May 18, 2020 (the May 2020 final rule) that revised APHIS' regulations governing the movement of certain genetically modified organisms and was issued under the authority of the Plant Protection Act. APHIS is therefore amending the CFR to conform the CFR to the Federal Court's vacatur of that rule. The Court's vacatur was effective December 2, 2024, and had the legal effect of vacating the May 2020 final rule in its entirety and restoring the legal effect of the pre-May 2020 regulations. These technical conforming amendments revise the CFR to reflect the court's vacatur of the May 2020 final rule.
Learn More