Agriculture Department publishes rule on April 2

The US Agriculture Department published a four page rule on April 2, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.

The rule is focused on Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Establishment of Procedures To Allow the Grading or Packing of Sweet Cherries Outside the Production Area.

The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.

Notices are required documents detailing rules and regulations being proposed by each federal department. This allows the public to see what issues legislators and federal departments are focusing on.

Any person or organization can comment on the proposed rules. Departments and agencies must then address “significant issues raised in comments and discuss any changes made,” the Federal Register says.

Notices published by the Agriculture Department on April 2

Title
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Increased Assessment Rates; Withdrawal of a Proposed Rule
Importation of Cooked Meat and Meat Products
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2002-03 Crop Natural (Sun-Dried) Seedless and Zante Currant Raisins
Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Establishment of Procedures To Allow the Grading or Packing of Sweet Cherries Outside the Production Area
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for Field Testing West Nile Virus Vaccine