Amendments to Regulations Under the Federal Seed Act; Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Rule

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