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Proposed Rule2021-27969

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2021

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Published

January 31, 2022

Issuing agencies

Agriculture Department

Abstract

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.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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
<a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a>. 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f59f909b9b9c939087db8180969e9087b580869194db929a83">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9eedeaebffeceab0f8ecfff0f5deebedfaffb0f9f1e8">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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. <bullet> 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. <bullet> 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f5a5356455e5d5a4b574d115953504d5a4c7f4a4c5b5e11585049">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0581-AE07

188. <bullet> 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcd9d0d5c6ddded9c8d4ce92dad0d3ced9cffcc9cfd8dd92dbd3ca">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<bullet> Limiting the types of operations in the organic supply
chain that are not required to obtain organic certification;
<bullet> Imported organic products must be accompanied by an
electronic import certificate to validate organic status;
<bullet> Import certificates will be submitted to the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE);
<bullet> Certifying agents must notify USDA within 90 days of the
opening of any new office that conducts certification activities; and,
<bullet> Entities acting on behalf of certifying agents may be
suspended when there is noncompliant activity.
Timetable:

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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5bfb0bbbbbcb3b0a7fba1a0b6beb0a795a0a6b1b4fbb2baa3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a4f584344045e4b534645586a4b4759045f594e4b044d455c">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4ded1dadaddd2d1c69ac0c1d7dfd1c6f4c1c7d0d59ad3dbc2">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0581-AD34

192. <bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#046e616a6a6d6261762a7071676f617644717760652a636b72">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0581-AE12

193. <bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8de7e8e3e3e4ebe8ffa3f9f8eee6e8ffcdf8fee9eca3eae2fb">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0581-AE13

194. <bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e18b848f8f88878493cf9594828a8493a194928580cf868e97">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#16626477757377747f7a7f626f566365727738717960">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:

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:

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:

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:

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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dfb2b6bcb7bebab3f1bbbaafb6adb09faaacbbbef1b8b0a9">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457-
7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#731e12060116161d5d1f0a171c1d33060017125d141c05">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3dedad0dbd2d6df9dd7d6c3dac1dcf3c6c0d7d29dd4dcc5">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#046965717661616a2a687d606b6a44717760652a636b72">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#beddd6dfccd2dbcd90c9dfcad8d1ccdafecbcddadf90d9d1c8">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3a575b4f485f5f541456435e55547a4f495e5b145d554c">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5868d8497898096cb928491838a9781a590968184cb828a93">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#254844505740404b0b495c414a4b65505641440b424a53">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:

[[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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8cefe4edfee0e9ffa2fbedf8eae3fee8ccf9ffe8eda2ebe3fa">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e737f6b6c7b7b703072677a71705e6b6d7a7f30797168">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6a5aea7b4aaa3b5e8b1a7b2a0a9b4a286b3b5a2a7e8a1a9b0">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deb3bfabacbbbbb0f0b2a7bab1b09eabadbabff0b9b1a8">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6f02060c070e0a03410b0a1f061d002f1a1c0b0e41080019">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#026f63777067676c2c6e7b666d6c42777166632c656d74">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0584-AE55

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

209. <bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7aaa6b3b3afa2b0e9aaaea4afa6a2ab87b2b4a3a6e9a0a8b1">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0583-AD92

210. <bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e737f6a6a767b693073777d767f7b725e6b6d7a7f30797168">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#20454457494e410e484f574152440d41475560555344410e474f56">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 0596-AD43

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

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