USDA Bans Sneaky Farm Gear to Halt Foot-and-Mouth Menace
Published Date: 2/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a paperwork rule about stopping foot-and-mouth disease by banning certain farm equipment imports. Farmers, businesses, and anyone involved in importing farm gear should pay attention because this could change what’s allowed and how info is collected. Comments are open until March 31, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in—no extra costs are mentioned, but your input helps keep things smooth and safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Steam-cleaning certificate for used farm gear
If you export used farm equipment from regions with foot-and-mouth disease, you must provide a certification signed by an authorized official of the exporting region’s national animal health service stating the equipment was steam-cleaned free of exposed dirt before export. APHIS inspects such equipment under 9 CFR 94.1(c) to ensure compliance. Comments on this information collection are due March 31, 2025 (OMB Control Number 0579-0195).
Imports could be halted without this paperwork
APHIS states that if it could not collect the required certification information, it would be forced to stop the importation of used farm equipment from FMD-affected regions, which could financially impact exporters and importers. The agency estimates 77 respondents and a total of 78 burden hours for this information collection.
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Key Dates
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The Department of Agriculture wants your thoughts on a form they use to check if groups can handle federal money for farming research and education. They’re asking for comments by March 31, 2025, to make sure the form is clear, useful, and not too much work. If you’re involved in agricultural grants or research, this affects you and could speed up how funds get managed.
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The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on its paperwork rules for long-term conservation contracts. Farmers and landowners who join these programs get help to protect their land but must follow certain rules. Comments are open until March 31, 2025, and the goal is to make the process easier and clearer without adding extra hassle or costs.