[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 247 (Thursday, December 24, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 71232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34206]
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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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 1998 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 71232]]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 201
[No. LS-94-012]
RIN 0581-AB55
Amendments to Regulations Under the Federal Seed Act; Extension
of Comment Period on Proposed Rule
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Extension of comment period on proposed rule to amend the
Regulations under the Federal Seed Act (FSA).
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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the
public comment period from December 21, 1998, until February 4, 1999,
on the proposed rule to amend the Regulations under FSA. The proposed
changes would designate seeds of species listed in the Federal Noxious
Weed Act (FNWA) as noxious in interstate commerce, add kinds to the
list of those subject to the FSA, update the seed testing regulations,
update the seed certification regulations, and correct several minor
errors. This proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on
October 20, 1998.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 4, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Dr. Richard C. Payne, Acting Chief, Seed
Regulatory and Testing Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA,
Room 209, Building 306, BARC-E., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2325.
Comments will be available for public inspection during regular
business hours in Room 209, Building 306, BARC-E., Beltsville,
Maryland.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard C. Payne, Acting Chief,
Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS,
Room 209, Building 306, BARC-E., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2325.
Telephone 301/504-9430, FAX 301/504-5454.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose
A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on October
20, 1998 (63 FR 55964). The purpose of the proposed rule is to
designate seeds of species listed in the FNWA as noxious and prohibit
the shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds containing them, to
add two kinds to the list of those subject to FSA, to update the seed
testing regulations, to update the seed certification regulations, and
to correct several minor errors in the regulations.
Reason for Granting the Extension
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), a national trade
organization representing nearly 800 seed companies, that will be
affected by the proposal, has requested a 45-day extension of the
comment period. ASTA had requested the extension to address concerns
raised by ASTA members. Several ASTA committees and the ASTA Board of
Directors will be meeting in late January. The meetings will provide
ASTA an opportunity to consider the proposed regulations and prepare
comments.
After careful consideration of the request submitted to the Agency,
AMS has decided to grant an extension of the comment period for an
additional 45 days or until February 4, 1999. AMS believes this 45-day
extension making a total comment period of 105 days provides a
sufficient period of time for all interested persons to review the
proposed rule and submit comments. Accordingly, AMS is extending the
comment period on the proposed rule until February 4, 1999.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1592.
Dated: December 21, 1998.
Barry L. Carpenter,
Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program.
[FR Doc. 98-34206 Filed 12-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
