This report represents the findings of a comprehensive analysis project aimed at evaluating the relative alignment of Organic System Plans (OSPs) with the National Organic Program (NOP) standards. A question item analysis was also conducted as part of the overall data analysis process by examining the structure of individual questions within each OSP and evaluating their alignment to established question-structure best practices in an effort to gauge how accessible individual OSP questions are to the average user.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today issued a Recommended Decision on its website proposing to amend the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs). The Recommended Decision follows a 49-day national hearing held from August 23, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana, where USDA heard testimony and received evidence on 21 proposals from the dairy industry. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that pecan producers and importers voted to continue the American Pecan Promotion Board’s research and promotion program.

In the referendum held May 10 through June 10, 2024, 74.89% of pecan producers and importers voted in favor of continuing the program. This meets the requirement that the majority of those voting were in favor of the program continuing.

Docket Number: AMS-DA-23-0031
Comments Due: September 13, 2024

Summary

This decision proposes to amend the pricing provisions in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).

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Docket Number: AMS-FTPP-21-0046
Comments Due: September 11. 2024

Summary

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the public comment period an additional 15 days regarding proposed revisions to the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, that promote fair and competitive markets in the livestock, meats, poultry, and live poultry markets.

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Docket Number: AMS-SC-21-0039
Effective Date: July 26, 2024

Summary

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pecans in the Shell and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pecans by replacing the current grades with U.S. Extra Fancy, U.S. Fancy, U.S. Choice, and U.S. Standard grades. In addition, AMS is updating terminology, definitions, and defect scoring guides.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pecans in the Shell and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pecans to reflect current industry descriptions and practices.