[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 188 (Monday, September 29, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 50901] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-25741] ======================================================================== Notices Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 188 / Monday, September 29, 1997 / Notices [[Page 50901]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary National Commission on Small Farms; Meeting AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Secretary of Agriculture by Departmental Regulation No. 1043-43 dated July 9, 1997, established the National Commission on Small Farms (Commission) and further identified the Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide support to the Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to gather and analyze information regarding small farms and ranches and recommend to the Secretary of Agriculture a national policy and strategy to ensure their continued viability. The Commission's next meeting is October 14 and 15, 1997. PLACE, DATE AND TIME OF MEETING: The Commission's fifth meeting is October 14 and 15, 1997, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 107A, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. The meeting is open to the public. On each day the Commission will meet from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to conduct Commission business. The purpose of the meeting is to finalize the Commission's findings and recommendations for consideration by the Secretary of Agriculture. ADDRESSES: National Commission on Small Farms, USDA, PO Box 2890, Room 5237, South Building, Washington, D.C. 20013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Yezak Molen, Director, National Commission on Small Farms, at the address above or at (202) 690-0648 or (202) 690-0673. The fax number is (202) 720-0596. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the Commission is to gather and evaluate background information, studies, and data pertinent to small farms and ranches, including limited-resource farmers. On the basis of the review, the Commission shall analyze all relevant issues and make findings, develop strategies, and make recommendations for consideration by the Secretary of Agriculture toward a national strategy on small farms. The national strategy shall include, but not be limited to: changes in existing policies, programs, regulations, training, and program delivery and outreach systems; approaches that assist beginning farmers and involve the private sectors and government, including assurances that the needs of minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are addressed; areas where new partnerships and collaborations are needed; and other approaches that it would deem advisable or which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service may request the Commission to consider. The Secretary of Agriculture has determined that the work of the Commission is in the public interest and within the duties and responsibilities of USDA. Establishment of the Commission also implements a recommendation of the USDA Civil Rights Action Report to appoint a diverse commission to develop a national policy on small farms. Individuals may submit written comments to the contact person listed above before or after the meeting. Dated: September 24, 1997. Pearlie S. Reed, Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration. [FR Doc. 97-25741 Filed 9-26-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-16-P