The Food Safety and Inspection Service revised export requirements and plant lists for the following countries for July 6-12:

The Agricultural Marketing Service issued a proposed rule to amend the United States Standards for Grades of Almonds in the Shell by shifting the basis from count to weight in the standards for determining the percentage of internal defects in an inspection sample of almonds in the shell. In addition to simplifying the grading process, AMS said, the weight basis would yield a more accurate percentage of internal defects. For example, due to its lower weight relative to a fully formed kernel, a shriveled kernel has a smaller impact on the percentage of internal defects when the sample is weighed rather than counted, AMS said. Comments on the proposal are due by Aug. 15.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued several notices set to be published in the July 13 Federal Register,on 2 recently announced determinations of nonregulated status for certain genetically engineered products, as well as 9 petitions for nonregulated status and 3 petitions for nonregulated status and attached APHIS risk assessments.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued emails July 11 announcing changes to some Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

On July 11 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:

On July 10 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:

On July 9 the Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports:

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued emails July 9 announcing changes to some Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to amend the Soybean Promotion and Research Order at 7 CFR 1220 to add a third United Soybean Board member from Mississippi, which would increase the total number of board members to 70 from 69. AMS said it is proposing this change to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the board was last reapportioned in 2009. The change would be effective for the 2013 appointment process. Comments on the proposed rule are due by Sept. 10.

The Agricultural Marketing Service is asking certified producer and importer organizations to nominate candidates to serve on the Cotton Board. AMS is seeking nominees to fill eight member and eight alternate member positions for vacancies in Arizona, Georgia, Texas, and for importers with terms ending December 31, 2015, it said. In addition, a member vacancy in Alabama with a term ending December 31, 2013, will be filled due to a resignation. Members and alternates members, as well as the consumer advisor, serve staggered 3-year terms with no term limits, AMS said.