96-3589. Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 33 (Friday, February 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 6232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3589]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to establish a Federal Advisory Committee.

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SUMMARY: In response to the need for advice on concentration and 
vertical integration in the agricultural sector, the Secretary of 
Agriculture has decided to establish an advisory committee on 
agricultural concentration. The purpose of the committee is to provide 
advice regarding whether agricultural concentration exists and if so, 
the causes and effects of such concentration. Further, the committee is 
to provide advice related to the need for new legislation.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This notice is effective February 16, 1996.

NOTICE OF MEETING: The first meeting of this Committee will be Tuesday, 
February 27, 1996, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Room 104-A of the 
USDA Administration Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, D.C. The Committee will address business and organizational 
issues dealing with the committee, including approval for a second 
meeting time and place in March, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Claffey, Assistant Deputy 
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 3064-S, 14th and 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-1400, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given that the Department of 
Agriculture intends to establish the Advisory Committee on Agricultural 
Concentration. The purpose of the committee is to make findings and 
recommendations regarding the need for modification of laws to address 
any identified concentration or vertical integration in the 
agricultural sector, regarding the adequacy of price discovery or 
reporting in the livestock and poultry industries, regarding any 
necessary modification to departmental programs in order to address 
concentration, and regarding actions to take to ensure adequate rail 
car availability throughout the year.
    The committee will consist of 21 members including: a Chairperson; 
two Vice Chairpersons; eight representatives of producers from the 
cattle, hog, lamb, poultry, and grain sectors; two representatives of 
packers and processors from the livestock, poultry, and grain sectors; 
two representatives of shippers, handlers, and transporters consisting 
of one each from grain elevator and railroad sectors; one 
representative of the retailing sector; two individuals with expertise 
in economics, competition, and/or finance; and three representatives of 
State government.
    The committee is in the public interest in connection with the 
duties and responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture. 
Concentration in the agricultural sector is receiving increased 
attention in terms of its effect throughout the entire food industry.
    All appointments to the committee will be made by the Secretary. 
Equal opportunity practices in line with Department policies will be 
followed in all appointments.

    Dated: February 12, 1996.
Wardell C. Townsend,
Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 96-3589 Filed 2-14-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P