In the February 17, 2017, Federal Register (see here, here, and here), USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service ("AMS") extended the comment period for three proposed rules: (i) a proposed rule that would remove 11 substances from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for use in organic production and handling; (ii) a proposed rule amending the Country of Origin Labeling ("COOL") regulations; and (iii) a proposed rule amending Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act ("PACA") regulations to clarify how growers and other principals may preserve their PACA trust rights and to provide guidance on the type of notification required to initiate USDA's investigations of alleged PACA violations. Comments are now due April 19, 2017, April 13, 2017, and March 15, 2017, respectively. AMS also extended the comment period for an interim rule on amendments to the inspection requirements for fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, and other products to add an option for electronic inspection application submissions. Comments are now due March 23, 2017. In addition, in the February 27, 2017, Federal Register, (see here and here), AMS extended the comment period for: (i) a proposed rule to, among other things, conduct a referendum to determine whether the issuance of a proposed Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order is favored by certified organic producers, certified organic handlers, and importers of certified organic products; and (ii) a proposed rule on the establishment of an industry-funded research, promotion, and information program for certified organic products. Comments are now due April 19, 2017, for both proposed rules.
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