Document headings vary by document type but may contain
                    the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document
the number of the CFR title and the number of each part
                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly
                      related to
the agency docket number / agency internal file number
the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in
                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory
                      Actions See the
                    Document Drafting Handbook
                    for more details.
 Department of Agriculture Office of the Secretary 2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV
5 CFR Ch. LXXIII
7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-XXXVIII, XLII
9 CFR Chs. I-III
36 CFR Ch. II
48 CFR Ch. 4
 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
 ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
 SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of the significant and not significant regulatory and deregulatory actions being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 “Regulatory Planning and Review,” 13771 “Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,” 13777 “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,” and 13563 “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.” The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions as well as any regulation consistent with E.O. 13563. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the date shown. USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
                            *www.reginfo.gov.*
                             Because publication in the 
                            **Federal Register**
                             is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important regulatory and deregulatory actions are summarized in a Statement of Regulatory Priorities that is included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the 
                            **Federal Register**
                             that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257. Dated: November 28, 2017. Michael Poe, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
 Agricultural Marketing Service—Proposed Rule Stage
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.139
National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard 
                                    **(Reg Plan Seq No. 1)**
0581-AD54140
NOP: Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices 
                                    **(Reg Plan Seq No. 2)**
0581-AD75References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the 
                                **Federal Register**
                                .
 Agricultural Marketing Service—Final Rule Stage
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.141
NOP; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices
0581-AD44142
Growers' Trust Protection Eligibility and the Clarification of “Written Notifications” as Set Forth in Section 6(b) of the PACA
0581-AD50143
Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order/Referendum Procedures
0581-AD55
 Agricultural Marketing Service—Completed Actions
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.144
Sunset 2017 Amendments to the National List
0581-AD52145
NOP; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices
0581-AD74
 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service—Final Rule Stage
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.146
Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions
0579-AC98147
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts
0579-AD10148
Establishing a Performance Standard for Authorizing the Importation and Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables
0579-AD71( print page 1825)149
Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa Into the Continental United States
0579-AD95150
Animal Welfare; Establishing De Minimis Exemptions From Licensing 
                                    **(Reg Plan Seq No. 5)**
0579-AD99151
VSTA Records and Reports Specific to International Standards for Pharmacovigilance
0579-AE11References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the 
                                **Federal Register**
                                .
 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service—Completed Actions
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.152
Importation of Fresh Pitahaya Fruit From Ecuador Into the Continental United States
0579-AE12153
Importation of Hass Avocados From Colombia
0579-AE29
 Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration—Completed Actions
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.154
Clarification of Scope
0580-AB25155
Unfair Practices and Unreasonable Preference
0580-AB27156
Scope of Sections 202(a) and (b) of the Packers and Stockyards Act
0580-AB28
 Food Safety and Inspection Service—Final Rule Stage
Sequence No.
Title
Regulation
                                     Identifier No.157
Elimination of Trichina Control Regulations and Consolidation of Thermally Processed, Commercially Sterile Regulations
0583-AD59
 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Proposed Rule Stage 139. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard *Regulatory Plan:*
                             This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of the 
                            **Federal Register**
                            . *RIN:*
                             0581-AD54 140. • NOP: Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices *Regulatory Plan:*
                             This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of the 
                            **Federal Register**
                            . *RIN:*
                             0581-AD75 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Final Rule Stage 141. NOP; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Other. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522 *Abstract:*
                             This action would establish standards that support additional practice standards for organic livestock and poultry production. This action would add provisions to the USDA organic regulations to address and clarify livestock and poultry living conditions (for example, outdoor access, housing environment and stocking densities), health care practices (for example physical alterations, administering medical treatment, euthanasia), and animal handling and transport to and during slaughter. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
04/13/16
81 FR 21955Comment Period Extended
06/08/16
81 FR 36810NPRM Comment Period End
07/13/16Final Rule
01/19/17
82 FR 7042Final Rule Effective
05/14/18
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Jennifer Tucker, Associate Deputy Administrator, USDA National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-3252. *RIN:*
                             0581-AD44 142. Growers' Trust Protection Eligibility and the Clarification of “Written Notifications” as Set Forth in Section 6(B) of the PACA *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Not subject to, not significant. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 499 *Abstract:*
                             The proposed revisions to the regulations would provide greater direction to growers that employ growers' agents on how they may preserve their trust rights under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The proposed revisions would also clarify the definition of written notification and the jurisdiction of the USDA to investigate alleged violations under the PACA. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
12/14/16
81 FR 90255NPRM Comment Period End
02/13/17Comment Period Extended
02/17/17
82 FR 10966Comment Period End
03/15/17Final Action
11/00/17
 
 
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Judith Wey Rudman, Director PACA Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-9404, 
                            *Email: judithw.rudman@ams.usda.gov*. *RIN:*
                             0581-AD50 143. Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order/Referendum Procedures *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Not subject to, not significant. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 7411 to 7425; 7 U.S.C. 7401 *Abstract:*
                             This rule invites comments on a proposed national research and promotion (R&P) program for certified organic products. The proposed program would cover the range of organic products that are certified and sold per the Organic Foods Production Act and its implementing regulations as well as organic products imported into the U.S. under an organic equivalency arrangement. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
01/18/17
82 FR 5438Comment Period End
03/20/17Final Rule
12/00/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Heather Pichelman, Director, Promotion and Economics, Specialty Crops Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC 20250, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-9915. *RIN:*
                             0581-AD55 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Completed Actions 144. Sunset 2017 Amendments to the National List *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Fully or Partially Exempt. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522 *Abstract:*
                             This rule addresses eleven 2017 sunset review recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) following their October 2015 meeting. *Completed:* Reason
Date
FR CiteFinal Rule
07/06/17
82 FR 31241Final Action Effective
08/07/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Miles V. McEvoy, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-3252. *RIN:*
                             0581-AD52 145. NOP; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522 *Abstract:*
                             Because of significant policy and legal issues within the final rule (0581-AD44), the public was asked to comment on which of the following four actions they believed would be best for USDA to take with regard to the disposition of the final rule (0581-AD44). The options were: Let the rule become effective on November 14, 2017;
                        Suspend the rule indefinitely;
                        Delay the effective date of the rule further, beyond the effective date of November 14, 2017; and
                        Withdraw the rule so that USDA would not pursue implementation of the rule. Comments were received on all four options. Based on the content of the comments received and the evaluation those comments generated, this action will determine the disposition of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule published on January 19, 2017. The option chosen was to Delay the effective date of the rule further, beyond the effective date of November 14, 2017. *Completed:* Reason
Date
FR CiteNPRM
05/10/17
82 FR 21742Final Rule; Delay of Effective Date
11/14/17
82 FR 52643
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Jennifer Tucker, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-3252. *RIN:*
                             0581-AD74 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Final Rule Stage 146. Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 2260; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8817; 19 U.S.C. 136; 21 U.S.C. 111; 21 U.S.C. 114a; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 4331 and 4332 *Abstract:*
                             We are revising our regulations regarding the movement of plant pests. We are establishing criteria regarding the movement and environmental release of biological control organisms, and establishing regulations to allow the importation and movement in interstate commerce of certain types of plant pests without restriction by granting exceptions from permitting requirements for those pests. We are also revising our regulations regarding the movement of soil. This action clarifies the factors that would be considered when assessing the risks associated with the movement of certain organisms and facilitates the movement of regulated organisms and articles in a manner that also protects U.S. agriculture. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNotice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
10/20/09
74 FR 53673Notice Comment Period End
11/19/09NPRM
01/19/17
82 FR 6980NPRM Comment Period Extended
02/13/17
82 FR 10444NPRM Comment Period End
04/19/17Final Rule
02/00/18
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Colin Stewart, Assistant Director, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-2237. *RIN:*
                             0579-AC98 147. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701 *Abstract:*
                             This rulemaking amends the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation of live sheep, goats, and 
                            ( print page 1827)
                            wild ruminants and their embryos, semen, products, and byproducts. The scrapie revisions regarding the importation of sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other than immediate slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such animals to those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free flocks. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
07/18/16
81 FR 46619NPRM Comment Period End
09/16/16Final Rule
02/00/18
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Langston Hull, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-3300. *RIN:*
                             0579-AD10 148. Establishing a Performance Standard for Authorizing the Importation and Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136(a) *Abstract:*
                             This rulemaking will amend our regulations governing the importations of fruits and vegetables by broadening our existing performance standard to provide for consideration of all new fruits and vegetables for importation into the United States using a notice-based process. Rather than authorizing new imports through proposed and final rules and specifying import conditions in the regulations, the notice-based process uses 
                            **Federal Register**
                             notices to make risk analyses available to the public for review and comment, with authorized commodities and their conditions of entry subsequently being listed on the internet. It also will remove the region- or commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements currently found in these regulations. Likewise, we are proposing an equivalent revision of the performance standard in our regulations governing the interstate movements of fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and the removal of commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements from those regulations. This action will allow for the consideration of requests to authorize the importation or interstate movement of new fruits and vegetables in a manner that enables a more flexible and responsive regulatory approach to evolving pest situations in both the United States and exporting countries. It will not, however, alter the science-based process in which the risk associated with importation or interstate movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated or the manner in which risks associated with the importation or interstate movement of a fruit or vegetable are mitigated. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
09/09/14
79 FR 53346NPRM Comment Period End
11/10/14NPRM Comment Period Reopened
12/04/14
79 FR 71973NPRM Comment Period End
01/09/15NPRM Comment Period Reopened
02/06/15
80 FR 6665NPRM Comment Period End
03/10/15Final Rule
12/00/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Nicole Russo, Assistant Director, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-2159. *RIN:*
                             0579-AD71 149. • Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa Into the Continental United States *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a *Abstract:*
                             This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach. This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit, including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant pests into the United States. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
08/28/14
79 FR 51273NPRM Comment Period End
10/27/14Final Action
06/00/18
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Marc Phillips, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-2114. *RIN:*
                             0579-AD95 150. Animal Welfare; Establishing De Minimis Exemptions From Licensing *Regulatory Plan:*
                             This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of the 
                            **Federal Register**
                            . *RIN:*
                             0579-AD99 151. • VSTA Records and Reports Specific to International Standards for Pharmacovigilance *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Not subject to, not significant. *Legal Authority:*21 U.S.C. 151 to 159 *Abstract:*
                             This rulemaking will amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act regulations concerning records and reports. This change requires veterinary biologics licensees and permittees to record and submit reports concerning adverse events associated with the use of biological products they produce or distribute. The information that must be included in the adverse event reports submitted to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will be provided in separate guidance documents. These records and reports will help ensure that APHIS can provide complete and accurate information to consumers regarding adverse reactions or other problems associated with the use of licensed biological products. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
09/04/15
80 FR 53475( print page 1828)NPRM Comment Period End
11/03/15Final Rule
12/00/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Donna L. Malloy, Operational Support Section, Center for Veterinary Biologics, Policy, Evaluation, and Licensing, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 148, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-3426. *RIN:*
                             0579-AE11 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Completed Actions 152. Importation of Fresh Pitahaya Fruit From Ecuador Into the Continental United States *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a *Abstract:*
                             This rulemaking amends the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of fresh pitahaya fruit into the continental United States from Ecuador. As a condition of entry, the fruit will have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes requirements for fruit fly trapping, pre-harvest inspections, approved production sites, and packinghouse procedures designed to exclude quarantine pests. The fruit will also be required to be imported in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of Ecuador stating that the consignment was produced and prepared for export in accordance with the requirements of the systems approach. This action allows for the importation of fresh pitahaya fruit from Ecuador while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant pests into the United States. *Completed:* Reason
Date
FR CiteFinal Rule
06/20/17
82 FR 27967Final Rule Effective
07/20/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Claudia Ferguson, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-2352. *RIN:*
                             0579-AE12. 153. • Importation of Hass Avocados From Colombia *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a *Abstract:*
                             This rulemaking amends the regulations to allow the importation of fresh Hass avocado fruit from Colombia into the continental United States. As a condition of entry, fresh Hass avocado fruit from Colombia will have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes orchard and packinghouse requirements and port of entry inspection. The fruit will also be required to be imported in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of Colombia with an additional declaration stating that the fruit has been produced in accordance with the requirements. This action allows for the importation of fresh Hass avocado fruit from Colombia while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant pests into the continental United States. *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
10/27/16
81 FR 74722NPRM Comment Period End
03/20/17NPRM Comment Period Reopened
01/17/17
82 FR 4798NPRM Comment Period Extended
02/10/17
82 FR 10312Final Rule
08/15/17
82 FR 38591Final Rule Effective
09/14/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             David B. Lamb, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, IRM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, 
                            *Phone:*
                             301 851-2103. *RIN:*
                             0579-AE29 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Completed Actions 154. Clarification of Scope *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Regulatory. *Legal Authority:*Pub. L. 110-246; 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c *Abstract:*
                             On December 20, 2016, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) published an interim final rule on the subject matter that was set to become effective on February 21, 2017. GIPSA published a notice in the 
                            **Federal Register**
                             that extended the comment period of the interim final rule until March 24, 2017, and delayed its effective date until April 22, 2017. GIPSA sought additional comments through a new proposed rule on possible actions the Department may take that will result in delayed full implementation of the rule. GIPSA published a notice delaying the effective date of the interim final rule for an additional 180 days, until October 19, 2017. *Completed:* Reason
Date
FR CiteNotice
04/12/17
82 FR 17531Interim Final Rule Effective
10/19/17Withdrawn
10/18/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Raymond Dexter Thomas, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-6529, 
                            *Fax:*
                             202 690-2173, 
                            *Email: r.dexter.thomas@usda.gov.* *RIN:*
                             0580-AB25 155. Unfair Practices and Unreasonable Preference *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Regulatory. *Legal Authority:*Pub. L. 110-246; 7 U.S.C. 181-229c *Abstract:*
                             Title XI of the 2008 Farm Bill required the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a number of regulations under the P&S Act. Among these instructions, the 2008 Farm Bill directed the Secretary to identify criteria to be considered in determining whether an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage has occurred in violation of the P&S Act. In June of 2010, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) published a proposed rule addressing this statutory requirement along with several other rules required by the 2008 Farm Bill. Proposed 201.211 to the regulations under the P&S Act would 
                            ( print page 1829)
                            have established criteria that the Secretary may consider in determining if conduct would violate section 202(b) of the P&S Act (undue or unreasonable preference or advantage). While many commenters provided examples of similarly situated poultry growers and livestock producers receiving different treatment, other commenters were concerned about the impacts of the provision on marketing arrangements and other beneficial contractual agreements. Beginning with the FY 2012 appropriations act, USDA was precluded from working on certain proposed regulatory provisions related to the P&S Act, including criteria in this proposal regarding undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages. Consequently, GIPSA did not finalize this rule in 2011. The prohibitions are not included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. This rulemaking is necessary to fulfill statutory requirements. Section 201.210 will illustrate by way of examples types of conduct GIPSA would consider unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive. *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Raymond Dexter Thomas, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-6529, 
                            *Fax:*
                             202 690-2173, 
                            *Email: r.dexter.thomas@usda.gov.* *RIN:*
                             0580-AB27 156. Scope of Sections 202(A) and (B) of the Packers and Stockyards Act *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*Pub. L. 110-246; 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c *Abstract:*
                             Through this action, GIPSA sought additional comments on possible actions the Department may take on 0580-AB25. *Completed:* Reason
Date
FR CiteNPRM
04/12/17
82 FR 17594Final Action; Withdrawal
10/18/17
82 FR 48594
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact*: Raymond Dexter Thomas, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-6529, 
                            *Fax:*
                             202 690-2173, 
                            *Email: r.dexter.thomas@usda.gov.* *RIN:*
                             0580-AB28 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Final Rule Stage 157. Elimination of Trichina Control Regulations and Consolidation of Thermally Processed, Commercially Sterile Regulations *E.O. 13771 Designation:*
                             Deregulatory. *Legal Authority:*21 U.S.C. 601 
                            *et seq.;*21 U.S.C. 451 
                            *et seq.* *Abstract:*
                             The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to eliminate the requirements for both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) pork and pork products to be treated to destroy trichina (Trichinella spiralis) because the regulations are inconsistent with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, and these prescriptive regulations are no longer necessary. If this supplemental proposed rule is finalized, FSIS will end its Trichinella Approved Laboratory Program (TALP program) for the evaluation and approval of non-Federal laboratories that use the pooled sample digestion technique to analyze samples for the presence of trichina. FSIS also proposed to consolidate the regulations on thermally processed, commercially sterile meat and poultry products (
                            *i.e.,*
                             canned food products containing meat or poultry). *Timetable:* Action
Date
FR CiteNPRM
03/28/16
81 FR 17337NPRM Comment Period End
06/27/16Final Rule
12/00/17
 *Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required:*
                             Yes. *Agency Contact:*
                             Matthew Michael, Director, Issuances Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Policy and Program Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700, 
                            *Phone:*
                             202 720-0345, 
                            *Fax:*
                             202 690-0486, 
                            *Email: matthew.michael@fsis.usda.gov.* *RIN:*
                             0583-AD59


BILLING CODE 3410-02-P BILLING CODE 3410-34-P BILLING CODE 3410-EN-P [FR Doc. 2017-28205 Filed 1-11-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P