Federal Seed Act: weed seeds; prohibition of shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds containing them,

[Federal Register: December 24, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 247)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 71232]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr24de98-14]

Proposed Rules Federal Register

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

[[Page 71232]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 201

[No. LS-94-012]

RIN 0581-AB55

Amendments to Regulations Under the Federal Seed Act; Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Rule

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Extension of comment period on proposed rule to amend the Regulations under the Federal Seed Act (FSA).

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the public comment period from December 21, 1998, until February 4, 1999, on the proposed rule to amend the Regulations under FSA. The proposed changes would designate seeds of species listed in the Federal Noxious Weed Act (FNWA) as noxious in interstate commerce, add kinds to the list of those subject to the FSA, update the seed testing regulations, update the seed certification regulations, and correct several minor errors. This proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on October 20, 1998.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 4, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Dr. Richard C. Payne, Acting Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 209, Building 306, BARC-E., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2325. Comments will be available for public inspection during regular business hours in Room 209, Building 306, BARC-E., Beltsville, Maryland.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard C. Payne, Acting Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, Room 209, Building 306, BARC-E., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2325. Telephone 301/504-9430, FAX 301/504-5454.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose

A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on October 20, 1998 (63 FR 55964). The purpose of the proposed rule is to designate seeds of species listed in the FNWA as noxious and prohibit the shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds containing them, to add two kinds to the list of those subject to FSA, to update the seed testing regulations, to update the seed certification regulations, and to correct several minor errors in the regulations.

Reason for Granting the Extension

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), a national trade organization representing nearly 800 seed companies, that will be affected by the proposal, has requested a 45-day extension of the comment period. ASTA had requested the extension to address concerns raised by ASTA members. Several ASTA committees and the ASTA Board of Directors will be meeting in late January. The meetings will provide ASTA an opportunity to consider the proposed regulations and prepare comments.

After careful consideration of the request submitted to the Agency, AMS has decided to grant an extension of the comment period for an additional 45 days or until February 4, 1999. AMS believes this 45-day extension making a total comment period of 105 days provides a sufficient period of time for all interested persons to review the proposed rule and submit comments. Accordingly, AMS is extending the comment period on the proposed rule until February 4, 1999.

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1592.

Dated: December 21, 1998. Barry L. Carpenter, Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program.

[FR Doc. 98-34206Filed12-23-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P