[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 188 (Monday, September 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 50901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25741]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
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statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 188 / Monday, September 29, 1997 / 
Notices

[[Page 50901]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary


National Commission on Small Farms; Meeting

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of Agriculture by Departmental Regulation No. 
1043-43 dated July 9, 1997, established the National Commission on 
Small Farms (Commission) and further identified the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service to provide support to the Commission. The purpose 
of the Commission is to gather and analyze information regarding small 
farms and ranches and recommend to the Secretary of Agriculture a 
national policy and strategy to ensure their continued viability. The 
Commission's next meeting is October 14 and 15, 1997.

PLACE, DATE AND TIME OF MEETING: The Commission's fifth meeting is 
October 14 and 15, 1997, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jamie 
L. Whitten Building, Room 107A, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., 
Washington, D.C. The meeting is open to the public. On each day the 
Commission will meet from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to conduct Commission 
business. The purpose of the meeting is to finalize the Commission's 
findings and recommendations for consideration by the Secretary of 
Agriculture.

ADDRESSES: National Commission on Small Farms, USDA, PO Box 2890, Room 
5237, South Building, Washington, D.C. 20013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Yezak Molen, Director, 
National Commission on Small Farms, at the address above or at (202) 
690-0648 or (202) 690-0673. The fax number is (202) 720-0596.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the Commission is to gather 
and evaluate background information, studies, and data pertinent to 
small farms and ranches, including limited-resource farmers. On the 
basis of the review, the Commission shall analyze all relevant issues 
and make findings, develop strategies, and make recommendations for 
consideration by the Secretary of Agriculture toward a national 
strategy on small farms. The national strategy shall include, but not 
be limited to: changes in existing policies, programs, regulations, 
training, and program delivery and outreach systems; approaches that 
assist beginning farmers and involve the private sectors and 
government, including assurances that the needs of minorities, women, 
and persons with disabilities are addressed; areas where new 
partnerships and collaborations are needed; and other approaches that 
it would deem advisable or which the Secretary of Agriculture or the 
Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service may request the 
Commission to consider.
    The Secretary of Agriculture has determined that the work of the 
Commission is in the public interest and within the duties and 
responsibilities of USDA. Establishment of the Commission also 
implements a recommendation of the USDA Civil Rights Action Report to 
appoint a diverse commission to develop a national policy on small 
farms. Individuals may submit written comments to the contact person 
listed above before or after the meeting.

    Dated: September 24, 1997.
Pearlie S. Reed,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 97-25741 Filed 9-26-97; 8:45 am]
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