part 718 of Title 7 shall be applicable to payments made under 7 CFR Part 1463 to an eligible tobacco producer. However, the payment limitation provisions of part 1400 of Title 7 shall not be applicable to payments made under this part to an eligible tobacco producer. Beneficiary Eligibility: Tobacco quota holders, tobacco producers, and eligible assignees. Credentials/Documentation: Eligible quota holder means only a person who, as of October 22, 2004, has either a fee simple interest or life estate interest in the farm for which FSA established a farm basic marketing quota for the 2004 marketing year. To be eligible for TTPP, quota holders are the owners of a farm with an established 2004 basic marketing quota on their farm as of October 22, 2004, the date the President signed the bill that ends the quota system. Eligible tobacco producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper who shared in the risk of producing tobacco on a farm where tobacco was produced, or considered planted, pursuant to a tobacco poundage quota or acreage allotment assigned to the farm for the 2002, 2003, or 2004 marketing years. For purposes of determining if an eligible tobacco producer has shared in the risk of producing a crop in the 2002, 2003, or 2004 crop years, CCC will consider evidence presented by a producer that includes, but is not limited to: written leases; contracts for the purchase of tobacco; crop insurance documents; or receipts for the purchase of items used in the production of tobacco. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: There is no preapplication coordination related to this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Applicants contact their local county Farm Service Agency Office or U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center for sign-up information. Award Procedure: CCC will make a payment to each eligible producer in an amount equal to 10 percent of the total amount due under a contract entered into except that in the case an application was filed after June 17, 2005, the applicant will receive only the TTPP payments that have not been made as of the date the contract is approved. Deadlines: The sign-up period for the TTPP is March 14, 2005, through June 17, 2005. In order for the contract participant to receive the 2005 TTPP payment, an application to enter into a TTPP contract must be filed no later than June 17, 2005. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 1 to 60 days. Appeals: A person may obtain reconsideration and review of any adverse determinations in accordance with the appeal regulations found at parts 11 and 780 of Title 7. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Eligible tobacco quota holders will receive $7 per pound based upon their Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: The Tobacco Transition Payment Program (TTPP) provides payments to tobacco quota holders and tobacco producers beginning in 2005 and ending in 2014. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: None. Audits: Recipients under this program are subject to audit by the Office of the Regional Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Records: Tobacco quota holders or any other individual or entity receiving payment for TTPP shall maintain and retain financial books and records which will permit verification of all transactions for at least 3 years, following the end of the calendar year in which payment was received. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-351. Obligations: (Direct Payments) FY 05 $938,844,000; FY 06 est $960,261,000; and FY 07 est $952,000,000. Estimated to be $10 billion from FY 2005 through FY 2014. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Program is announced through news media and in letters to agricultural producers in the county. Regulations published in 7 CFR Part 1463, 2005, 2014 Tobacco Transition Program. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Farm Service Agency state offices can inform applicants of county office locations where applicants may sign up. Headquarters Office: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Tobacco Branch, STOP 0514, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0540, Telephone: (202) 720-2715. Web Site Address: www.fsa.usda.gov/tobacco and http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/ttpp05.htm. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: All applicants meeting eligibility requirements may receive assistance subject to the national payment factor. Applications are non-competitive. 10.153 MARKET NEWS FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, 7 U.S.C. 471-473, 473b, 475-476; Tobacco Inspection Act, 7 U.S.C. 511h; Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, 7 U.S.C. 1622k; Tobacco Statistics Act, 7 U.S.C. 501-508; Naval Stores Act, 7 U.S.C. 91-99; Cotton Futures Act, 7 U.S.C. 15b; Peanut Statistics Act, 7 U.S.C. 951-957; Food Security Act of 1985, as amended. OBJECTIVES: To provide timely and accurate information on prices, demand, movement, volume, and quality on all major U.S. agricultural commodities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Dissemination of Technical Information. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The information can be used by anyone as a basis for judging prevailing commodity values. Market news information is disseminated by the news media, as well as by mimeographed reports, bulletin boards, telephone, facsimile machines, data networks, and telegraph. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any public or private organization, or individual, including those located in the U.S. Territories, may subscribe to existing market news reports or bulletins pertaining to specific agricultural commodities. Beneficiary Eligibility: Anyone availing themselves of this service. Credentials/Documentation: Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Requests for Market News should be made to the appropriate commodity division of the AMS field office (see Appendix IV of the Catalog for listing of office locations). The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Not applicable. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Salaries and expenses) FY 05 $30,595,000; FY 06 est $30,879,000; and FY 07 est $31,568,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: MB-40, "The Federal- State Market News Services;" MB-41, "Market News Service on Cotton;" MB- 61,"The Market News Service on Fruits, Vegetables, Ornamental and Specialty Crops;" MB-44, "The Market News Service on Grain;" MB-63 "Market News Service on Dairy, MB-60 Market News Service and Poultry Products;" MB-43, "Market News Service for Tobacco and Naval Stores;" Annual Market Statistical Summaries are available for sale only through the AMS commodity divisions. INFORMATION CONTACTS: AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 601, 602, 608a-e, 612, 614, 624, 671-674; Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Public Law 100-203, 7 U.S.C. 4501-4513; Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, 7 U.S.C. 2242a. OBJECTIVES: Marketing Agreements and Orders are designed to stabilize market conditions and improve returns to producers through the establishment of minimum prices, regulating the quality and quantity of commodities sold through commercial channels, and providing market promotion. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Provision of Specialized Services; Advisory Services and Counseling. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The provisions of orders and agreements are designed specifically to meet the marketing and economic problems of the commodity or area covered. For dairy products, the orders establish orderly marketing conditions in the sale of milk by dairy farmers to handlers, whereas fruit, vegetable, nut, and grass seed, are established to regulate the quantity and quality of products sold in commercial channels. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Marketing orders are issued by the Secretary of Agriculture only after a public hearing where milk, fruit and vegetable producers, marketers, and consumers testify, and after farmers vote approval through a referendum. Growers of certain fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops (like nuts, raisins, olives, and hops). Dairy farmers are the primary applicants. Beneficiary Eligibility: The beneficiaries are producers of milk, fruit and vegetable products. Credentials/Documentation: Evidence (usually hearings) required indicating that agreement or order will assist in the orderly marketing of a commodity. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Made in the form of a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture fully documenting the need for an agreement or order. Award Procedure: Decision to establish or not to establish an agreement and order is made by the Secretary of Agriculture after public hearings and referendums are conducted. Deadlines: Not applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Subject to time required to hold public hearings, investigations and to conduct a referendum. Approximately 1 year after start of public hearings. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Duration of agreement and order. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Quarterly and yearly financial and statistical reports are to be made to the applicable AMS commodity division by producers or handlers as provided for by each agreement and order. Audits: Financial and program audits pertaining to marketing agreements and order transactions are made periodically. Records: Financial and statistical records relating to the operation of the agreement and order are to be maintained for 3 years. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-5209-0-2-605. Obligations: (Salaries and expenses) FY 05 $15,800,000; FY 06 est $16,055,000; and FY 07 est $16,425,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: (Marketing's conducted under agreements and orders) fiscal year 2004, $22.4 billion; fiscal year 2005, estimate $23.7 billion; and fiscal year 2006, estimate $24.9 billion. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: AH-421, Compilation of Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act; PA947, Can a Marketing Order Help?; PA-1095, Marketing Agreements and Orders for Fruits and Vegetables; AMS-565, Sources of Milk for Federal Order Markets by State and County; AMS-559, Questions and Answers on Federal Milk Marketing Orders; MB-27, The Federal Milk Marketing Order Program; SB-625, Federal Milk Order Market Statistics, Annual Summary; SB-624, Dairy Market Statistics, Annual Summary; MB-63, Market News Service on Dairy Products; How to Buy Dairy Products, HG-201; How to Buy Cheese, HG-193; How to Buy Butter, HG-148; Diary Products Grading Services, MB-69; Judging and Scoring Milk and Cheese, FB-2259. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-4276. Web Site Address: http://www.ams.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.051, Commodity Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 36.001, Fair Competition Counseling and Investigation of Complaints. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.156 FEDERAL-STATE MARKETING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, Section 204b, 7 U.S.C. 1623(b). OBJECTIVES: To assist in exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the marketing system. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Proposals may deal with barriers, challenges or opportunities manifesting at any stage of the marketing chain including direct, wholesale, and retail. Proposals may involve small, medium or large scale agricultural entities but should potentially benefit multiple producers or agribusinesses. Proprietary proposals that benefit one business or individual will not be considered. Proposals that address issues of importance at the State, regional or national level are appropriate for FSMIP. FSMIP also seeks unique proposals on a smaller scale that may serve as pilot projects or case studies useful as a model for others. Of particular interest are proposals that reflect a collaborative approach between the States, academia, the farm sector and other appropriate entities and stakeholders. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: State Departments of Agriculture, State Agricultural Experiment Stations and other appropriate State agencies. Beneficiary Eligibility: Producers, processors, marketing agencies, and general public. Credentials/Documentation: A grant agreement is entered into between the administering Federal agency and the State agency that submits the application. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Application Procedure: Applicants must submit forms SF424 and SF424A, a narrative description of the proposal, and a supplemental budget. Supporting documents such as letters of support may be submitted. Award Procedure: The requests are reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Agricultural Marketing Service in competition with other applications received. Grantees are notified of the amount awarded by allotment letter. Grant payments are made on a reimbursable basis. Deadlines: Mid-February. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 4-5 months from the application deadline. Appeals: No formal appeal procedure. Renewals: Awards are generally for one year. Additional time to complete the project may be requested. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: States must at least match the request for grant funds. The match consists of cash or a combination of cash and in kind resources. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Payments are made to the States on an as needed, reimbursable basis over the grant period. Advance payments may be requested. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Six month progress reports are required. A final financial status report and final project report are to be submitted to the Staff Officer no later than 90 days after the grant period ends. Field reviews are made by Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program personnel. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052; Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: States must keep all records relating to the grant for 3 years. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2501-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $3,816,000; FY 06 $3,808,530; and FY 07 est $1,300,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $21,000 to $135,000. Average: $51,385. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 2005, 76 proposals were submitted and 26 projects were funded. In fiscal year 2006, 75 proposals were submitted and it is estimated that 25 projects will be funded. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: A request for proposals is announced each fall via agency press release, Federal Register notice, a letter to state departments of agriculture, and the program web site. Additional information about the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program as well as links to final project reports are available at the program web site. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Staff Officer, Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4009-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-2704 Contact: Janise Zygmont. Web Site Address: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: A wide spectrum of marketing projects relating to food and agricultural products: new markets, direct marketing, evaluation of consumer preferences, export opportunities, economic and market analysis, transportation, distribution, labeling, and producer education to improve business and marketing skills. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Project selection is based on several factors: relative need or importance of the problem to be addressed; benefits likely to be derived in relation to the funds requested; level of state and other non-Federal support; potential impact on other states or issues of national importance; measures to be used in evaluating the impact of the project; and unique innovative features of the project. 10.162 INSPECTION GRADING AND STANDARDIZATION (Agricultural Fair Practices Act) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, 7 U.S.C. 1622a- J, 1-n; Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, 7 U.S.C. 473d; Cotton Futures Act, 7 U.S.C. 15b; Cotton Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. 51-65; Naval Stores Act, 7 U.S.C. 9199; Tobacco Inspection Act, 7 U.S.C. 511 i-q; Wool Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. 415b-d; Egg Products Inspection Act, Public Law 91-597, 21 U.S.C. 1031-1056; Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983, 7 U.S.C. 45014513; Tobacco Statistics Act, 7 U.S.C. 501-508; Food Security Act of 1985, as amended. OBJECTIVES: To develop and apply standards of quality and condition for agricultural commodities; to participate and assist in the development of international agricultural standards; and to conduct quarterly inspections of egg handlers and hatcheries. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Provision of Specialized Services. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: USDA grades are used by the owners of agricultural commodities and by dealers in these commodities to Hatcheries and shell egg handlers, except for producer-packers with an annual production from 3,000 hens or less packing for the retail consumer are required to be checked quarterly to determine the disposition of certain undergrade eggs. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any owner of or dealer in agricultural commodities who (a) has a financial interest in the commodity to be graded and (b) is located within the United States and its Territories. All hatcheries and shell egg handlers having an annual production from 3,000 or more hens who pack for the retail consumer and are located within the U.S. or its Territories. Beneficiary Eligibility: Buyers and sellers of agricultural commodities. Shell egg handlers having an annual production from 3,000 or more hens who pack for the retail consumer and are located in the U.S. or its Territories. Credentials/Documentation: None. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Request for grading of a commodity must be submitted to local AMS grading office in writing. Eligible hatcheries apply for registration by contacting: Chief, Poultry Grading Branch, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Award Procedure: Eligible hatcheries and shell egg handlers must complete registration forms. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: In cases in which applicants do not agree with the grade given, they may appeal for a review of the grade to the local AMS office. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: None. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations; nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: None. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2500-0-1-352; 12-8015-0-7-352. Obligations: FY 05 $190,082,000; FY 06 est $193,742,000; and FY 07 est $193,238,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Number of bales of cotton classed in (thousands) fiscal year 2004, 18,306; fiscal year 2005, estimate 20,193; and fiscal year 2006 estimate, 17,726. Number of tobacco auction markets inspected fiscal year 2004, 100; fiscal year 2005, estimate 80; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 0. Pounds of imported and domestic tobacco inspected in (millions) fiscal year 2004, 1,246; fiscal year 2005, estimate 466; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 60. Pounds of poultry products graded (in millions) fiscal year 2004, 12,623; fiscal year 2005, 12,886; and fiscal year 2006, 13,102. Pounds of meat graded or accepted (in millions) fiscal year 2004, 39,745; fiscal year 2005, estimate 40,000; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 40,500. Shell eggs grading (mil. dz.) fiscal year 2004, 2,620; fiscal year 2005, estimate 2,690; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 2,750. Processed fruit and vegetable grading (mil. lbs.) fiscal year 2004, 20,131; fiscal year 2005, estimate 20,250; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 20,500. Fresh fruit and vegetable grading (mil. lbs.) fiscal year 2004, 76,000; fiscal year 2005, estimate 72,200; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 70,000. Livestock grading (mil. lbs.) fiscal year 2004, 40; fiscal year 2005, estimate 40; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 40. Dairy products grading (mil. lbs.) fiscal year 2004, 1,600; fiscal year 2005, estimate 1,560; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 1,570. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 26-32, 41-70, 160- 171, 205; AH-533, "USDA Standards for Food and Farm Products;" Marketing Bulletin No. 37, "The Story of Cotton;" "Annual Report on Tobacco Statistics, AH-566, The Classification of Cotton;" Misc. Pub. No. 867, "Tobacco in the U.S.;" quarterly report-"Tobacco Stocks Reports as of Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1;" MS-82, "Cotton Testing Service;" AMS-180 MB-41, "Market News Service on Cotton; " MB-43, 7 CFR 2851, 2852, 2853, 2855, 2856, 2858, 2870, 28171; AH-341, "USDA Standards for Food and Farm Products." AH-31, "Poultry Grading Manual." AH-75, "Egg Grading Manual." Egg and Egg Products Inspection Regulations (7 CFR Part 2859); POB-FL-33, Tobacco Market Review for Flue-cured; POB-LA-34, Tobacco Market Review for Burley; POB-LA-33, Tobacco Market Review for Fire and Dark Air. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Local Agricultural Marketing Service inspection, grading, and classing offices are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-4276. Contact: Dr. Ken Clayton. Web Site Address: http://www.ams.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.163 MARKET PROTECTION AND PROMOTION FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, 7 U.S.C. 1621- 1627, 7 U.S.C. 21012119; Egg Research and Consumer Information Act, 7 U.S.C. 2701-2718; Export Apple and Pear Act, 7 U.S.C. 581-590; Export Grape and Plum Act, 7 U.S.C. 591-599; Federal Seed Act, 7 U.S.C. 1551- 1611; National Wool Act of 1954, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1787; Plant Variety Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 2321-2331, 2351-2357, 2371-2372, 2401-2404, 24212427, 2441-2443, 2461-2463, 2481-2486, 2501-2504, 2531-2532, 25412545, 2561-2569, 2581-2583; 7 U.S.C. 4301-4319; Cotton Research and Promotion Act, 7 U.S.C. 2101-2118; Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983, 7 U.S.C. 5111; Agricultural Fair Practices Act, 7 U.S.C. 23012306; Capper Volstead Act, 7 U.S.C 291-292; Potato Research and Promotion Act, 7 U.S.C. 2611-2627; Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 2901-2911; Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 1612-1631; Dairy Research and Promotion Act, 7 U.S.C. 4501-4513, 4532; Watermelon Research and Promotion Act, 7 U.S.C. 4901-4916; Honey Research Promotion and Consumer Information Act, 7 U.S.C. 4601-4612; Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. 6301-6311; Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. 6101-6112; Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. 64016417; Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. 6501-6522; Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Act of 1993, 7 U.S.C. 6801-6814; Popcorn Promotion Research, and Consumer Information Act, 7 U.S.C. 7481-7491; National Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act, 7 U.S.C. 7461-7473. OBJECTIVES: The Federal Seed Program prevents mislabeled seed from moving in interstate commerce by providing for random sampling of seeds to insure accurate labeling of seed characteristics. The Plant Variety Protection Program offers legal protection to developers of new varieties of plants which reproduce by providing the equivalent of a patent to the plant's developer. The Research and Promotion Programs provide for the collection of an assessment for each commodity covered by statutes to enable the commodity industries to carry out research and promotion activities. It is the responsibility of the Agricultural Marketing Service to assure responsible use of these assessments in meeting the research and promotion objective. The Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act authorized the establishment of a National dairy promotion research and nutrition education program. To eliminate deceptive, unfair and fraudulent trade practices in the processing and marketing of food and agricultural products; provide assistance to those striving to achieve this objective. The Pesticide Data Program works with participating States to collect and analyze data on pesticide use and residue levels for selected commodities in the nation's food supply. This program provides statistically based data to Federal agencies for use in making policy decisions for regulatory and educational purposes. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Provision of Specialized Services; Advisory Services and Counseling; Training. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Assistance provided to assure fair and open marketing distribution system for agricultural products. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any State government, public and private organization and institution, business and industry, or individual may apply for technical assistance or service. State, trade associations, and universities may be eligible for cooperative agreements. Beneficiary Eligibility: Any State government, public and private organization and institution, business and industry, or individual may apply for technical assistance or service. Credentials/Documentation: As provided for in applicable Acts as referred to in the Authorization Section above. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Procedures vary as provided for in applicable Acts. Contact appropriate area offices as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: As provided for in applicable Acts. Renewals: As provided for in applicable Acts. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: As provided for in applicable Acts. Audits: As provided for in applicable Acts. Records: As provided for in applicable Acts. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Provision of Specialized Services) FY 05 $31,651,000; FY 06 est $29,791,000; and FY 07 est $37,923,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Seed samples tested: Fiscal year 2004, 1,855; fiscal year 2005, estimate 2,000; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 2,000. Plant variety certificates of protection issued: Fiscal year 2004, 421; fiscal year 2005, estimate 325; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 325. Pesticide data samples collected: Fiscal year 2004, 12,573; fiscal year 2005, estimate 11,000; and fiscal year 2006, estimate 11,000. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: PA-655 "Export Fruit Acts-Questions & Answers," AMS-592, Facts About Naming and Labeling Varieties of Seed," "The Plant Variety Protection Act," requirements under the Federal Seed Act for Labeling treated Seed," 7 CFR 33-35, 101- 151,201-202; PA-1005, "Farmers Rights Under the Agricultural Fair Practices Act." INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Regional and local offices are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. Web Site Address: http://www.ams.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.155, Marketing Agreements and Orders; 36.001, Fair Competition Counseling and Investigation of Complaints. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.164 WHOLESALE FARMERS AND ALTERNATIVE MARKET DEVELOPMENT |