Sheep and lamb promotion, research, and information order,

[Federal Register: November 23, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 225)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 65665]

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

[DOCID:fr23no99-6]

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 65665]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 1280

[No. LS-99-13]

Sheep and Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service; USDA.

ACTION: Invitation to submit proposals.

SUMMARY: Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for a sheep and lamb promotion, research, and information order (order), or parts of an order as provided for by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act). The Act authorizes national industry- funded programs for promotion, research, and information regarding agricultural commodities. Interested parties are also invited to submit views on whether it would be beneficial to hold a public meeting during an ensuing comment period to discuss the proposals.

DATES: Proposals must be received by December 23, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Proposals (two copies) should be mailed to: Ralph L. Tapp, Chief; Marketing Programs Branch, Room 2627-S; Livestock and Seed Program; Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; STOP 0251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-0251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph L. Tapp, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch on 202/720-1115.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Act (7 U.S.C. 7401-7425) authorizes the development, financing, and carrying out of an effective, continuous, and coordinated program of generic promotion, research, and information regarding agricultural commodities. Any nationwide sheep and lamb program would be funded by mandatory assessments paid by industry and would be administered by a board, composed of industry representatives appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary).

A order issued by the Secretary, based on public input, would form the basis for a national program designed to benefit the sheep and lamb industry. Since the Act provides that an order may be prepared by the Secretary or submitted by an association of producers or any other person that may be affected by the issuance of the order, notice is hereby given that the Department of Agriculture (Department) will accept written proposals for a sheep and lamb promotion, research, and information order, or for various provisions thereof.

Proposals should include: (1) The proposed order language; (2) a description of the proposed order provisions; (3) an explanation of the nature and purpose of the proposed order provisions; (4) references to the section of the Act that would be implemented by an order provision; and (5) any other pertinent information concerning a proposal that would assist in the process of implementing the Act.

The Act itself provides for authority to tailor a program according to the individual needs of an industry. Provision is made for permissive terms in an order in section 516 of the Act, and other sections provide for alternatives. For example, section 514 of the Act provides for orders applicable to: (1) Producers; (2) first handlers and other persons in the marketing chain, as appropriate; and (3) importers (if imports are subject to assessment). Section 516 authorizes an order to provide for exemption of de minimis quantities of an agricultural commodity; different payment and reporting schedules; coverage of research, promotion, and information activities to expand, improve, or make more efficient the marketing or use of an agricultural commodity in both domestic and foreign markets; provision for reserve funds; provision for credits for generic and branded activities; and assessment of imports. In addition, section 518 of the Act provides for referenda to ascertain approval of an order to be conducted either prior to its going into effect or within 3 years after assessments first begin under the order. An order also may provide for its approval in a referendum to be based upon: (1) A majority of those persons voting; (2) persons voting for approval who represent a majority of the volume of the agricultural commodity; or (3) a majority of those persons voting for approval who also represent a majority of the volume of the agricultural commodity. Section 515 of the Act provides for establishment of a board from among producers, first handlers, and others in the marketing chain as appropriate and importers, if importers are subject to assessment.

The Department will only publish for public comment in the Federal Register proposals that are consistent with and would effectuate the purposes of the Act.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1280

Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural research, Marketing agreements, Sheep and lamb products, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7401-7425.

Dated: November 18, 1999. Barry L. Carpenter, Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program.

[FR Doc. 99-30596Filed11-19-99; 1:33 pm]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P