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42256 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No.

140 / Friday, July 22, 2005 / Rules and Regulations

regulations, or policies, unless they (c) Grading services rendered on poultry handled in the plant per billing
present an irreconcilable conflict with Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays period computed in accordance with the
this rule. There are no administrative shall be charged for at the rate of $75.12 following: Total pounds per billing
procedures which must be exhausted per hour. Information on legal holidays period multiplied by $0.00039, except
prior to any judicial challenge to the is available from the Supervisor. that the minimum charge per billing
provisions of this rule. ■ 3. In § 56.52, paragraph (a)(4) is revised period shall be $260 and the maximum
to read as follows: charge shall be $2,875. The minimum
Paperwork Reduction
charge also applies where an approved
The information collection § 56.52 Continuous grading performed on application is in effect and no product
requirements that appear in the sections resident basis. is handled.
to be amended by this action have been * * * * * * * * * *
previously approved by OMB and (a) * * *
assigned OMB Control Numbers under (4) An administrative service charge Dated: July 19, 2005.
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. based upon the aggregate number of 30- Kenneth C. Clayton,
Chapter 35) as follows: § 56.52(a)(4)— dozen cases of all shell eggs handled in Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
No. 0581–0128; and § 70.77(a)(4)—No. the plant per billing period multiplied Service.
0581–0127. by $0.051, except that the minimum [FR Doc. 05–14514 Filed 7–21–05; 8:45 am]
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 533, it is found charge per billing period shall be $260 BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
and determined that good cause exists and the maximum charge shall be
for not postponing the effective date of $2,875. The minimum charge also
this action until 30 days after applies where an approved application DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
publication in the Federal Register. The is in effect and no product is handled.
revised fees need to be implemented on Agricultural Marketing Service
an expedited basis in order to avoid PART 70—VOLUNTARY GRADING OF
further financial losses in the grading POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT 7 CFR Part 983
program. The effective date of the fee PRODUCTS [Docket No. FV05–983–4 IFR]
increase, September 25, 2005, will ■ 4. The authority citation for part 70
coincide with the first billing period in Pistachios Grown in California;
continues to read as follows:
FY 2006. Establishment of Procedures for
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Exempting Handlers From Minimum
List of Subjects Quality Testing
■ 5. Section 70.71 is revised to read as
7 CFR Part 56 follows: AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
Eggs and egg products, Food grades USDA.
§ 70.71 On a fee basis.
and standards, Food labeling, Reporting ACTION: Interim final rule with request
and recordkeeping requirements. (a) Unless otherwise provided in this
part, the fees to be charged and for comments.
7 CFR Part 70 collected for any service performed, in SUMMARY: This rule establishes
Food grades and standards, Food accordance with this part, on a fee basis procedures for exempting handlers from
labeling, Poultry and poultry products, shall be based on the applicable rates quality requirements, including
Rabbits and rabbit products, Reporting specified in this section. maximum limits for quality defects and
and recordkeeping requirements. (b) Fees for grading services will be minimum size, prescribed under the
For reasons set forth in the preamble, based on the time required to perform California pistachio marketing order
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, such services for class, quality, quantity (order). The order regulates the handling
parts 56 and 70 are amended as follows: (weight test), or condition, whether of pistachios grown in California and is
ready-to-cook poultry, ready-to-cook administered locally by the
PART 56—GRADING OF SHELL EGGS rabbits, or specified poultry food Administrative Committee for
products are involved. The hourly Pistachios (Committee). These
■ 1. The authority citation for part 56 charge shall be $65.00 and shall include procedures will be used by the
continues to read as follows: the time actually required to perform Committee in considering handler
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. the work, waiting time, travel time, and requests for exemptions from minimum
any clerical costs involved in issuing a quality testing requirements and when
■ 2. Section 56.46 is revised to read as certificate. considering revocations of such
follows: (c) Grading services rendered on exemptions. Additionally, this rule
Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays establishes an appeals process for
§ 56.46 On a fee basis.
shall be charged for at the rate of $75.12 handlers who have been denied an
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this per hour. Information on legal holidays
part, the fees to be charged and exemption or had an approved
is available from the Supervisor. exemption revoked.
collected for any service performed, in
■ 6. In § 70.77, paragraph (a)(4) is revised DATES: Effective July 23, 2005;
accordance with this part, on a fee basis
to read as follows: comments received by September 20,
shall be based on the applicable rates
specified in this section. § 70.77 Charges for continuous poultry or 2005 will be considered prior to
(b) Fees for grading services will be rabbit grading performed on a resident issuance of a final rule.
based on the time required to perform basis. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
the services. The hourly charge shall be * * * * * invited to submit written comments
$65.00 and shall include the time (a) * * * concerning this rule. Comments must be
actually required to perform the grading, (4) For poultry grading: An sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing
waiting time, travel time, and any administrative service charge based Order Administration Branch, Fruit and
clerical costs involved in issuing a upon the aggregate weight of the total Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400
certificate. volume of all live and ready-to-cook Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237,

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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 140 / Friday, July 22, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 42257

Washington, DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) on the petition. After the hearing USDA pistachios per production year
720–8938, or E-mail: would rule on the petition. The Act (September 1–August 31) from
moab.docketclerk@usda.gov; or Internet: provides that the district court of the minimum quality testing requirements.
http://www.regulations.gov. All United States in any district in which Under these authorities, the
comments should reference the docket the handler is an inhabitant, or has his Committee at its April 12, 2005,
number and the date and page number or her principal place of business, has meeting, unanimously recommended
of this issue of the Federal Register and jurisdiction to review USDA’s ruling on establishing a new section entitled,
will be made available for public the petition, provided an action is filed ‘‘§ 983.141—Procedures for Exempting
inspection in the Office of the Docket not later than 20 days after the date of Handlers from Minimum Quality
Clerk during regular business hours, or the entry of the ruling. Testing’’ to specify appropriate
can be viewed at: http:// This rule establishes procedures for exemption, revocation, and appeal
www.ams.usda.gov/fv/moab.html. use by the Committee in exempting procedures. The Committee believes
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose handlers from minimum quality that standardized procedures would
Aguayo, California Marketing Field (maximum limits for quality defects and ensure that handler requests for
Office, Marketing Order Administration minimum size) testing requirements exemptions and revocations of such
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, prescribed under the order. These exemptions are treated similarly by the
AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487– procedures also will be used by the Committee, and ensure that all
5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906; or George Committee, or its duly authorized applicants are treated equitably.
agents, when considering the revocation The Committee also recommended
Kelhart, Technical Advisor, Marketing
of exemptions for good cause, and when that handler exemptions under
Order Administration Branch, Fruit and
considering appeals of handlers who § 983.41(b) not be granted if a handler
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400
have had exemptions denied or revoked. failed to file required reports, shipped
Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237,
Section 983.46 of the pistachio order substandard pistachios, or failed to
Washington, DC 20250–0237;
authorizes the Committee to recommend comply with the requirements specified
Telephone: (202) 720–2491, Fax: (202)
that the Secretary modify or suspend the in § 983.41 on exemptions for minimum
720–8938.
order provisions contained in §§ 983.38 quality testing. Revocations of approved
Small businesses may request
through 983.45. These sections are exemptions could be implemented by
information on complying with this
scheduled to be implemented on August the Committee, or its authorized agents,
regulation by contacting Jay Guerber,
1, 2005. for the same reasons.
Marketing Order Administration Section 983.41 of the pistachio order Additionally, the Committee
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, authorizes handler exemptions from recommended that any handler who
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence minimum quality testing requirements believes that he/she has been
Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, for handlers handling less than 1 improperly denied an exemption or
DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– million pounds of assessed weight improperly had an exemption revoked
2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or E-mail: pistachios per production year by the Committee should be allowed to
Jay.Guerber@usda.gov. (September 1–August 31) and specifies appeal the Committee’s action to USDA.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule that the Committee may grant handler The Committee recommended that the
is issued under Marketing Order No. exemptions. For the purposes, of this USDA review any appeals and
983 (7 CFR part 983), regulating the document, the term ‘‘production year’’ determine their merit. All appeals must
handling of pistachios grown in is synonymous with ‘‘marketing year’’. be submitted in writing and the
California, hereinafter referred to as the Section 983.70 of the pistachio order Committee would provide USDA the
‘‘order.’’ The order is effective under the exempts handlers who handle 1,000 complete file on each appeal.
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act pounds or less of dried weight (assessed The recommended exemption
of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674), weight) pistachios (dried to 5 percent procedures require the Committee, or its
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’ moisture) during any marketing year authorized agents, to timely notify all
The Department of Agriculture from all assessment, aflatoxin, and handlers of the opportunity to apply to
(USDA) is issuing this rule in minimum quality requirements. be exempted from minimum quality
conformance with Executive Order Section 983.147 of the pistachio order testing so that all interested handlers
12866. establishes handler reporting can submit applications on forms
This rule has been reviewed under requirements (ACP Forms 2–7) and provided by the Committee by the
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice exempts handlers who handle 1,000 August 1 deadline; promptly review all
Reform. This rule is not intended to pounds or less of dried weight requests for exemption; verify that the
have retroactive effect. This rule will pistachios from all reporting quantity of assessed weight pistachios
not preempt any State or local laws, requirements with the exception of ACP handled by any applicants during the
regulations, or policies, unless they Form-4. Handlers who have handled or prior production year was less than 1
present an irreconcilable conflict with intend to handle 1,000 pounds or less of million pounds of assessed weight and
this rule. dried weight pistachios during the that applicants are in compliance with
The Act provides that administrative marketing period (September 1–August the order’s inspection, quality, and
proceedings must be exhausted before 31) must submit ACP Form-4 by reporting requirements; approve or
parties may file suit in court. Under November 15 each year to the disapprove requests for exemptions by
section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any Committee. August 20 of each year; maintain
handler subject to an order may file The recommended decision, complete files concerning the approval
with USDA a petition stating that the published on August 4, 2003, (68 FR or disapproval of each handler’s
order, any provision of the order, or any 45990) indicates that implementing application; and notify handlers by
obligation imposed in connection with regulations should be effectuated to August 30 of approval or disapproval.
the order is not in accordance with law establish the specific procedures for A handler’s exemption would be
and request a modification of the order exempting handlers who handle more revoked by the Committee, or its duly
or to be exempted therefrom. A handler than 1,000 pounds and less than 1 authorized agents, if the handler fails to
is afforded the opportunity for a hearing million pounds of assessed weight provide reports required under this part

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42258 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 140 / Friday, July 22, 2005 / Rules and Regulations

or has not complied with the provisions agricultural producers are defined as Under these authorities, the
on minimal quantity testing in § 983.41. those having annual receipts of less than Committee at its April 12, 2005,
Additionally, the Committee, or its duly $750,000. Seventeen of the 24 handlers meeting, unanimously recommended
authorized agents, would revoke an subject to regulation have annual establishing standardized procedures for
approved exemption when a handler pistachio receipts of less than granting and revoking handler
audit reveals that a handler has handled $6,000,000. In addition, 722 of the 741 exemption requests, and considering
a million pounds or more of assessed producers have annual receipts less handler appeals on exemption
weight pistachios during the applicable than $750,000. Therefore, a majority of decisions. This action will have a
production year. The revocation of a handlers and producers may be positive impact on small and large
handler’s exemption would be made in classified as small entities under the handlers by assuring that all exemption
writing to the handler and specify the SBA standards. applications and reviews are handled
reason(s) for and the effective date. This rule establishes procedures for following standardized procedures.
Any handler who believes that he/she exempting handlers from minimum The Committee discussed alternatives
has been improperly denied an quality (maximum limits for quality to this change, including not making
exemption or improperly had an defects and minimum size) testing any changes, but determined that
exemption revoked, may appeal to requirements prescribed under the specific procedures were needed to
USDA for reconsideration within 20 order. These procedures will be used by facilitate: (1) Exempting handlers from
days after notification of the the Committee when considering minimum quality testing; (2) revoking
Committee’s findings. All appeals must handler requests for exemptions from exemptions when handlers violate the
be in writing. minimum quality testing requirements marketing order; and (3) processing
The Committee, or its duly authorized and when considering revocations of appeals to the Committee’s actions.
agents, shall forward a file with all such exemptions. Additionally, this rule These procedures are expected to ensure
pertinent information related to the establishes an appeals process for that all such requests are treated
handler’s appeal to USDA. USDA shall handlers who have been denied an equitably. The Committee vote was 8 in
inform the handler and all interested exemption or had an approved favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstained.
persons of the Secretary’s decision. exemption revoked. The information collection
As previously mentioned, under Section 983.41(a) of the pistachio
requirements for the ACP Form-5,
§ 983.70 of the order, this rule applies order allows handlers handling less
which handlers will complete and
to handlers handling more than 1,000 than 1 million pounds of assessed
forward to the Committee to request
pounds and less than 1 million pounds, weight pistachios each production year
exemption from minimum quality
because handlers who handle 1,000 (September 1–August 31) to use
requirements under the order, was
pounds or less of dried weight optional aflatoxin testing methods. The
previously submitted to the Office of
pistachios are exempt from assessment, optional methods permit the sampling
Management and Budget (OMB) and
aflatoxin, and minimum quality and testing of a handler’s entire
inventory before further processing, and approved under OMB No. 0581–0230.
requirements and from all reporting
allow handlers to segregate their Thus, this action will not impose any
requirements under § 983.147 of the
receipts into various lots for sampling additional reporting or recordkeeping
order’s administrative rules and
and testing. requirements on either small or large
regulations, with the exception of ACP
Section 983.41(b) of the pistachio pistachio handlers. As with all Federal
Form-4.
order authorizes handler exemptions marketing order programs, reports and
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis from minimum quality testing for forms are periodically reviewed to
Pursuant to requirements set forth in handlers handling less than 1 million reduce information requirements and
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the pounds of assessed weight pistachios duplication by industry and public
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) per production year and specifies that sector agencies.
has considered the economic impact of the Committee may grant such handler In addition, USDA has not identified
this action on small entities. exemptions. any relevant Federal rules that
Accordingly, AMS has prepared this Section 983.70 of the pistachio order duplicate, overlap or conflict with this
initial regulatory flexibility analysis. exempts handlers who handle 1,000 rule.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit pounds or less of dried weight (assessed Further, the Committee’s meetings are
regulatory actions to the scale of weight) pistachios (dried to 5 percent widely publicized throughout the
business subject to such actions in order moisture) during any marketing year pistachio industry and all interested
that small businesses will not be unduly from all assessment, aflatoxin, and persons are invited to attend the
or disproportionately burdened. minimum quality requirements. For the meetings and participate in the
Marketing orders issued pursuant to the purposes of this document, the term Committee’s deliberations. Like all
Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are ‘‘marketing year’’ is synonymous with Committee meetings, the April 12, 2005,
unique in that they are brought about the term ‘‘production year’’ and covers meeting was a public meeting and all
through group action of essentially the period September 1 through August entities, both large and small, were able
small entities acting on their own 31. to express their views on these issues.
behalf. Thus, both statutes have small The recommended decision, Finally, interested persons are invited
entity orientation and compatibility. published on August 4, 2003, (68 FR to submit information on the regulatory
There are approximately 24 handlers 45990) indicated that implementing and informational impacts of this action
of California pistachios who are subject regulations should be effectuated to on small businesses.
to regulation under the order and about establish the specific procedures for A small business guide on complying
741 producers of pistachios in the exempting handlers who handle more with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
production area. Small agricultural than 1,000 pounds and less than 1 marketing agreements and orders may
service firms are defined by the Small million pounds of assessed weight be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/
Business Administration (SBA)(13 CFR pistachios per production year fv/moab.html. Any questions about the
121.201) as those having annual receipts (September 1–August 31) from compliance guide should be sent to Jay
of less than $6,000,000 and small minimum quality testing requirements. Guerber at the previously mentioned

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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 140 / Friday, July 22, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 42259

address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION August 1. The Committee, or its duly Dated: July 18, 2005.
CONTACT section. authorized agents, shall: Kenneth C. Clayton,
This rule invites comments on the (1) Promptly review all exemption Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
establishment of minimum quality applications received. In reviewing Service.
testing exemption procedures under the applications for exemption, the [FR Doc. 05–14513 Filed 7–19–05; 1:38 pm]
order. Any comments received will be Committee, or its duly authorized BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
considered prior to finalization of this agents, shall determine that the quantity
rule. of assessed weight pistachios handled
After consideration of all relevant during the prior production year was DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
material presented, including the less than 1 million assessed weight
Committee’s recommendation and other pounds and that the applicants are in Animal and Plant Health Inspection
information, it is found that this interim compliance with the order’s reporting Service
final rule, as hereinafter set forth, will requirements and the provisions of
tend to effectuate the declared policy of § 983.41. Handler compliance will be 9 CFR Part 77
the Act. determined through handler audits;
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also [Docket No. 04–068–1]
(2) Complete the review and approve
found and determined upon good cause or disapprove requests for exemptions
that it is impracticable, unnecessary, Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison; State
by August 20; and Zone Designations; New Mexico
and contrary to the public interest to
(3) Maintain complete files detailing
give preliminary notice prior to putting AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health
the reason(s) for the approval or
this rule into effect and that good cause Inspection Service, USDA.
disapproval of each application for at
exists for not postponing the effective
least three years beyond the crop year of ACTION: Interim rule and request for
date of this rule until 30 days after
applicability; and comments.
publication in the Federal Register
(4) Notify in writing all applicants by
because: (1) This action provides SUMMARY: We are amending the bovine
August 30 of the approval or
procedures to facilitate the review and tuberculosis regulations regarding State
disapproval of their requests together
approval of minimum quality testing and zone classifications by removing
with the reason(s) for disapproval, if
exemption requests, denials and New Mexico from the list of modified
applicable.
revocations of such exemptions, and accredited advanced States, adding
subsequent appeals, if submitted; (2) the (b) Revocation of exemptions. A
handler’s exemption shall be revoked by portions of two counties in New Mexico
Committee unanimously recommended to the list of modified accredited
the procedures at a public meeting and the Committee, or its duly authorized
agents, if the handler fails to provide advanced zones, and adding the
interested parties had an opportunity to remainder of the State to the list of
provide input; (3) handlers are required reports required under § 983.147, or has
not complied with the provisions on accredited-free zones. We are taking this
to file the exemption form with the action based on our determination that
Committee by August 1 of each year; minimal quality testing in § 983.41, of
this part. Additionally, the Committee, New Mexico meets the requirements of
and (4) this rule provides for a 60-day the regulations for zone recognition and
comment period and any comments or its duly authorized agents, shall
revoke an approved exemption when a that one of the zones meets the criteria
received will be considered prior to for designation as accredited-free.
finalization of this rule. handler audit reveals that a handler has
handled a million pounds or more of DATES: This interim rule is effective July
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 983 assessed weight pistachios during the 22, 2005. We will consider all
Pistachios, Marketing agreements and current production year. The revocation comments that we receive on or before
orders, Reporting and recordkeeping of a handler’s exemption shall be made September 20, 2005.
requirements. in writing to the handler and shall ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
■ For the reasons set forth in the
specify the reason(s) for and the by any of the following methods:
preamble, 7 CFR part 983 is amended as effective date. • EDOCKET: Go to http://
follows: (c) Appeals. (1) Any handler who www.epa.gov/feddocket to submit or
believes that he/she has been view public comments, access the index
PART 983—PISTACHIOS GROWN IN improperly denied an exemption or listing of the contents of the official
CALIFORNIA improperly had an exemption revoked, public docket, and to access those
may appeal to the Secretary, within 20 documents in the public docket that are
■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part
days after notification of the available electronically. Once you have
983 continues to read as follows: Committee’s, or agents of the entered EDOCKET, click on the ‘‘View
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. Committee’s, decisions. All appeals Open APHIS Dockets’’ link to locate this
■ 2. In part 983, § 983.141 is added to
shall be in writing. When requested by document.
Subpart-Rules and Regulations to read as the Secretary, the Committee, or its duly • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:
follows: authorized agents, shall forward a file Please send four copies of your
with all pertinent information related to comment (an original and three copies)
§ 983.141 Procedures for exempting any handler appeal. The Secretary shall to Docket No. 04–068–1, Regulatory
handlers from minimum quality testing. inform the handler and all interested Analysis and Development, PPD,
(a) Exemption procedures. The persons of the Secretary’s decision. APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700 River Road
Committee, or its duly authorized (2) If handlers do not file an appeal or Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238.
agents, shall notify all handlers each if their appeal is denied by the Please state your comment refers to
year of the opportunity to apply to be Secretary, they shall present all Docket No. 04–068–1.
exempted from minimum quality testing remaining lots of pistachios in inventory • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
and handlers shall submit such requests for minimum quality testing before http://www.regulations.gov and follow
on forms furnished by the Committee. moving the pistachios into the channels the instructions for locating this docket
The deadline for submission shall be of commerce. and submitting comments.

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