### 31574 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 105 / Wednesday, June 1, 2011 / Notices

research in the areas of U.S. marketing, international marketing, cotton production and processing, and textile research and implementation.

The program is administered by the Cotton Board, which has 41 members, 41 alternate members and one consumer advisor. The Cotton Board is composed of representatives of cotton producers and cotton importers, each of whom has an alternate selected by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominations submitted by eligible producer and importer organizations. All members and their alternates serve terms of 3 years. The Cotton Board’s responsibility is to administer the provisions of the Cotton Research and Promotion Order issued pursuant to the Act. These responsibilities include collecting, holding and safeguarding funds; making refunds when refunds are a provision of the Order; contracting with an organization for the development and implementation of programs of research and promotion; reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on proposed programs and budgets; and making funds available for such programs when approved. The objective of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program is to strengthen cotton’s competitive position and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for cotton. The Cotton Board is prohibited from participating in any matters influencing governmental policies or action except recommendations for amendments to the Order.

Amendments to the Act were enacted under subtitle G of title XIX of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–624, 104 stat. 3909, November 28, 1990). These amendments provided for: (1) Importer representation on the Cotton Board; (2) the assessment of imported cotton and cotton products; (3) increasing the amount the Secretary of Agriculture can be reimbursed for conduct of a referendum from $200,000 to $300,000; (4) reimbursing government agencies who assist in administering the collection of assessments on imported cotton and cotton products; and (5) terminating the right of a producer to demand a refund of assessments. The Act Amendments of 1990 were approved by a majority (60 percent) of importers and producers of cotton voting in a referendum conducted July 17–26, 1991, as required by the Act. Results of this referendum were announced in a nationally distributed press release dated August 2, 1991.

The Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendment of 1990, Section 8(c) provides that once every 5 years after the July 1991 referendum, the Secretary of Agriculture is to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed. In such a referendum, producers and importers would determine whether they favor continuation of the amendments to the Order provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990. These amendments to the Order were promulgated in final rules published in the Federal Register on December 10, 1991 (56 FR 64470), corrected at (56 FR 66670).

The results of the most recent review report of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program were issued on March 6, 2007. USDA announced its view (72 FR 9918) not to conduct a referendum regarding the 1991 amendments to the Order. In accordance with Section 8(c)(2) of the Act, USDA provided an opportunity for all eligible persons to request a continuance referendum on the 1991 amendments by making such a request during a sign-up period. During the period of September 3–November 30, 2007, the Department conducted a sign-up period for all eligible persons to request a continuance referendum on the 1990 Act amendments. The results of the sign-up period did not meet the criteria established for a continuance referendum by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act and therefore, a referendum was not conducted.

In 2011, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Secretary of Agriculture will conduct its review of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program Act amendments to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers support continuation of the amendments to the Order, as provided for by the 1990 Act amendments. The Secretary of Agriculture should make a public announcement of the results of the review on September 24, 2011 (60 days after each fifth anniversary date of the referendum). If the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a referendum is needed, the Secretary of Agriculture should conduct the referendum by September 24, 2012 (within 12 months after a public announcement of the determination to conduct the referendum).

If the Secretary determines that a referendum is not warranted, a sign-up period to request such a referendum will be made available to cotton producers and importers. A referendum will be held if requested by 10 percent or more of those voting in the most recent referendum as long as not more than 20 percent are from any one State or importers of cotton. This sign-up period would be announced in the Federal Register . A 60-day comment period is provided for interested persons to provide comments to be used by USDA in its review. All interested persons are invited to submit written

comments.

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2101–2118. Dated: May 24, 2011. Rayne Pegg, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.

[FR Doc. 2011–13500 Filed 5–31–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 3410–02–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Agricultural Marketing Service**

**[Doc. No. AMS–FV–11–0044; FV11–996–1]**

**Peanut Standards Board**

**AGENCY :**  Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

**ACTION :**  Notice; request for nominations.

**SUMMARY :**  The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Peanut Standards Board (Board) for the purpose of advising the Secretary on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The initial Board was appointed by the Secretary and announced on December 5, 2002. USDA seeks nominations for individuals to be considered for selection as Board members for terms of office ending June 30, 2014. Selected nominees would replace three producer and two industry representatives who currently serve on the Board and have terms of office that end June 30, 2011. Also, one individual would fill a currently vacant industry position. The Board consists of 18 members representing producers and the industry.

**DATES :**  Written nominations must be received on or before June 13, 2011.

**ADDRESSES :**  Nominations should be sent to Dawana J. Clark, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, Unit 155, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737: Telephone: (301) 734–5247; Fax: (301) 734–5275; E-mail: Dawana.Clark@ams.usda.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  Section 1308 of the 2002 Farm Bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and consult with the Board for the purpose of advising the Secretary regarding the establishment of quality and handling standards for all domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the United States.


### 31575 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 105 / Wednesday, June 1, 2011 / Notices

The 2002 Farm Bill provides that the Board’s makeup will include three producers and three peanut industry representatives from States specified in each of the following producing regions: Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, and Florida); Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico); and Virginia/Carolina (Virginia and North Carolina).

The term ‘‘peanut industry representatives ’’ includes, but is not limited to, representatives of shellers, manufacturers, buying points, and marketing associations and marketing cooperatives. The 2002 Farm Bill exempted the appointment of the Board from the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

USDA invites individuals, organizations, and groups affiliated with the categories listed above to nominate individuals for membership on the Board. Nominees sought by this action would fill two positions in the Southeast region; two positions in the Southwest region; and two positions in the Virginia/North Carolina region, one of which is currently vacant.

Nominees should complete a Peanut Standards Board Background Information form and submit it to Mrs. Clark at the address provided in the

‘‘Addresses ’’ section above. Copies of this form may be obtained at the Internet site http://www.ams.usda.gov/ PeanutStandardsBoard, or from Mrs. Clark. USDA seeks a diverse group of members representing the peanut industry.

Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to the Board in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the recommendations of the Board have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups within the peanut industry, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated abilities to represent minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and limited resource agriculture producers.

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7958.
Dated: May 24, 2011. Rayne Pegg, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.

[FR Doc. 2011–13499 Filed 5–31–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE** 

**Agricultural Marketing Service**

**[Document Number AMS: AMS–FV–08– 0076]** 

**United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions** 

**AGENCY :**  Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

**ACTION :**  Notice and request for

comments.

**SUMMARY :**  The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on its proposal to create new United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions. USDA has received additional industry comments from several discussion drafts. The grade standards would provide a common language for trade, a means of measuring value in the marketing of frozen onions, and provide guidance in the effective utilization of frozen onions.

**DATES :**  Comments must be submitted on or before August 1, 2011.

**ADDRESSES :**  Written comments may be submitted to: Myron Betts, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250; or by fax (202) 690–1527; or via Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov. Comments should reference the date and page of this issue of the Federal Register

.

Please be advised that the identity of the individual or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet via http://www.regulations.gov

or http://www.ams.usda.gov/ processedinspection . Any comments received, regarding these proposed standards also will be posted on these sites.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Contact Myron Betts, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 0709, So. Building; STOP 0247, Washington, DC 20250. Phone (202) 720–5021; Fax: (202) 690–1527. Copies of the proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions are available on the Internet at http:// www.ams.usda.gov/processedinspection

or http://www.regulations.gov

. **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices. ’’

AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. Those United States standards for grades of processed fruits and vegetables no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs at http:// www.ams.usda.gov/ processedinspection

.

AMS is proposing to establish the U.S. Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions using the procedures that appear in part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background

AMS received a petition from American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), requesting the development of new standards for frozen onions. The petitioners represent almost all of the processors of frozen onions in the United States. The petition provided information on style, sample size, and product description to develop the standards.

AMS developed the grade standards for frozen onions to incorporate comments from AFFI members, published notices on the proposed grade standards in order to receive comments from interested parties (see 66 FR 21116, 68 FR 11801, 68 FR 27010) as appropriate and circulated several discussion drafts between April 2007 and June 2010. AMS received and evaluated samples of various styles of frozen onions to collect information on how to ascertain the grade of frozen onions. Comments from the trade association’s members were used to further develop the proposed standards. The comments referenced the style of whole onions and questioned the specific size ranges for whole peeled onions and the total allowance for peel in whole onions. Also the comments suggested that stem material, sprout material, and root material be included as major defects in the ‘‘ core material ’’ defect category.

In addition, AMS met with members of AFFI at their annual meeting in February 2007 to discuss the comments. AFFI suggested that dark green units with dark green stripes across 50 percent or more of the onion units would be considered a defect and under the style of whole onion units greater than 3 ⁄ 8 inch (10mm) or less than 3 ⁄ 4