The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold a public meeting to discuss the International Plant Protection Convention draft standard on the plant pest risks associated with living (or genetically) modified organisms.

APHIS is organizing this public meeting in order to provide a forum for the submission of comments from representatives of non-governmental organizations on the format and content of the draft IPPC standard. The IPPC is recognized as the standard-setting body for international phytosanitary (plant health) issues by the World Trade Organization.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the USDA Center at Riverside, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, Md. 20737. Upon entering the building, visitors should inform security personnel and show state-issued photo identification. All bags will be screened. Registration tables will be located outside of conference rooms C and D.

Pre-registration is requested only for those who wish to speak at the meeting. Contact Terri Dunahay, director of international biotechnology policy, biotechnology regulatory services, by fax: (301) 734-8669 or e-mail: terri.g.dunahay@aphis.usda.gov. Speakers are welcome, but not required, to submit written copies of their comments in advance. Based on the number of registered speakers, limits may be imposed on the length of each speaker's presentation. Opportunities will also be available to participate via teleconference; contact Terri Dunahay via e-mail by Friday, Sept. 12, for more information.

Written comments should be submitted in accordance with the guidelines, to Narcy Klag, program director, international standards management, USDA, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1236, phone (301) 734-8469 or e-mail: narcy.g.klag@aphis.usda.gov by Sept. 22.

Notice of the meeting was published in the Aug. 21 Federal Register.