The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting comments on proposed updates to the geographic area descriptions for official inspection and weighing services performed under the United States Grain Standards Act and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. 

AMS, in cooperation with the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has developed an Export Verification (EV) Program for natural casings destined for Canada. The USDA Natural Casings for Canada EV Program is designed to verify that natural casings destined for Canada are processed in the United States. 

The Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program (BPMGP) is designed to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of bison and bison products in the United States through business and resource development, and the advancement of innovative solutions or approaches to support the long-term growth of the Bison sector. The program will be implemented through the award of one or more grants to entities who will make subawards to implement the goals of the program.   

A. Diamon Production, Inc. 
American & Efird LLC 
Barnhardt Manufacturing Company
Buhler Quality Yarns Corporation
Fiber Brite, Ltd. 
Gary Beall Enterprises, LLC 
Gildan Yarns, LLC
Goetz Fibers L.P.
Greenwood Mills, Inc. 
Hamrick Mills
Hill Spinning Mill 
Inman Mills
Jones Co LTD
Jones Fiber Products Inc. 
Keer America Corporation
KPR U.S., L.L.C. 
Milliken & Company
Mount Vernon Mills, Inc. 
Parkdale Mills Inc. 
Rockford Manufacturing Company
Shuford Yarns LLC

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 14 members to serve on the Plant Variety Protection Board. The newly appointed members will serve two-year terms.

Newly appointed members are:

Farmer Representation

• James Davis, Ferriday, Louisiana

Private or Industry Representation