Docket Number: AMS-SC-23-0062
Effective Date: December 12, 2023

Summary

This rule temporarily changes the substandard and maturity dockage requirements for raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for raisins produced from grapes grown in California (Order). For the 2023–2024 crop year, the minimum requirements for substandard and maturity dockage in the marketing order's handling regulations will be relaxed to accommodate raisins adversely impacted by severe weather conditions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an interim rule to relax the substandard and maturity dockage requirements in the handling regulations of the California raisins federal marketing order.

Engineers work and consult with equipment manufacturers and local contractors to ensure that heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems properly condition cotton samples for instrument evaluation. They monitor operation of the systems in all classing offices to insure continuous maintenance of conditioning. These duties may involve:

Chemists are responsible for assigned projects and/or programs in support of analytical services, analytical method development, and quality assurance. Specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the analysis of mycotoxins, pesticide residues, and heavy metals/elements. These duties may involve:

The AMS logo is available in both a color and black and white version. When using the logo, keep adequate space around it, only place it on solid colors or very simple graphic/photo backgrounds (such as a clear sky).

See USDA’s logo guidelines for more guidance on spacing and appropriate use of all official USDA logos, lockups and seals.

Docket Number: AMS-SC-23-0048
Comments Due: February 6, 2024

Summary

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for the form currently used by marketers to apply for exemption from market promotion assessments under Federal marketing order programs.

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Docket Number: AMS-SC-23-0055
Dates: The referendum will be conducted from February 5 through February 26, 2024. Only current sweet cherry growers that also grew sweet cherries within the designated production area during the period April 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023, are eligible to vote in this referendum. Ballots returned via express mail must show proof of delivery by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 26, 2024, to be counted.

Addresses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for the Fresh Pear Committee to fill four grower member seats and two handler member seats to serve two-year terms that begin July 1, 2024. Nominations for grower and handler members and their alternates will be made at nomination meetings in each district.

Nominations will be accepted at the following meetings:

Wenatchee District:
•    Handler nomination meeting:
•    Dec. 14, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. PT.
•    2900 Euclid Ave., Wenatchee, Washington, 98801