Notice2024-06001
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 21, 2024
Issuing agencies
Agriculture Department
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 56 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20161-20162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06001]
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Notices
Federal Register
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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,
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 56 / Thursday, March 21, 2024 /
Notices
[[Page 20161]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and approval
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments
are requested regarding: whether the collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility; the
accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality,
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology Comments regarding these
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if
received by April 22, 2024. Written comments and recommendations for
the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days
of the publication of this notice on the following website
<a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular information
collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for
Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Cotton Classing, Testing, and Standards.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0008.
Summary of Collection: The U.S. Cotton Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. 51,
53 and 55, authorizes the USDA to supervise the various activities
directly associated with the classification or grading of cotton,
cotton linters, and cottonseed based on official USDA Standards. The
Cotton and Tobacco Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service
carries out this supervision and is responsible for the maintenance of
the functions to which these forms relate. USDA is the only Federal
agency authorized to establish and promote the use of the official
cotton standards of the U.S. in interstate and foreign commerce and to
supervise the various activities associated with the classification or
grading of cotton, cotton linters, and cottonseed based on official
USDA standards.
Need and Use of the Information: The Agricultural Marketing Service
collects the information using various forms. Form FD-210 (formerly CN-
357) is submitted by owners of cotton to request cotton classification
services. The request contains information for USDA to ascertain proper
ownership of the samples submitted, distribute classification results,
and bill for services. Information about the origin and handling of the
cotton is necessary in order to properly evaluate and classify the
samples.
Form CN-246 is submitted by cotton gins and warehouses seeking to
serve as licensed samplers. The license period is 5 years. Licenses
issued by the USDA, AMS, Cotton and Tobacco Program authorize the
warehouse/gin to draw and submit samples to ensure the proper
application of standards in the classification of cotton and to prevent
deception in their use.
Form CN-383 is a package of forms designated as CN-383-a through
CN-383-k which is submitted by cotton producers, ginners, warehouseman,
cooperatives, manufacturers, merchants, and crushers interested in
acquiring cotton classification standards and round testing services.
Forms CN-383-a,b,c,d,h,i and k are used for ordering cotton
classification standards. Forms CN-383-e,f,g and j are used for
ordering round testing services. For the round testing services,
additional data sheets are produced and provided by USDA for the
purpose of collecting test data. Since the last information collection
renewal, on form 383A, the ranges of values for the cotton were
replaced by Xs due to slight changes that occur in the range of cotton
values as the agency procures cottons and establishes values.
If this information is not collected or collected less frequency,
Federal services could not be provided as authorized by the U.S. Cotton
Standards Act.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 858.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 134.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Vegetable and Specialty Crops.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0178.
Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of
1937 (7 U.S.C. 601-674; Act) was designed to permit regulation of
certain agricultural commodities for the purpose of providing orderly
marketing conditions in interstate commerce and improving returns to
growers. The Orders and Agreements become effective only after public
hearings are held in accordance with formal rulemaking procedures
specified by the Act. The vegetable, and specialty crops marketing
order programs provide an opportunity for producers in specified
production areas to work together to solve marketing problems that
cannot be solved individually.
Need and Use of the Information: Various forms are used to collect
information necessary to effectively carry out the requirements of the
Act and the Order/Agreement. This includes forms covering the selection
process for industry members to serve on a marketing order's committee
or board and ballots used in referenda to amend or continue marketing
orders. Orders and Agreements can authorize the issuance of grade,
size, quality, maturity, inspection requirements, pack and container
requirements, and pooling and volume regulations. Information collected
is used to formulate market policy, track current inventory and
statistical data for market development programs, ensure compliance,
and verify eligibility,
[[Page 20162]]
monitor and record grower's information. If this information were not
collected, it would eliminate data needed to keep the industry and the
Secretary abreast of changes at the State and local level.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for profit; Farms.
Number of Respondents: 14,190.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion, Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 18,438.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: National Organic Program.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0191.
Summary of Collection: The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990
(OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. chapter 94) (Attachment 1), authorized the
Secretary of Agriculture to establish the National Organic Program
(NOP) and accredit certifying agents to certify that farms and
businesses meet national organic standards. Under OFPA, the purpose of
the NOP is to: (1) establish national standards governing the marketing
of certain agricultural products as organically produced products; (2)
assure consumers that organically produced products meet a consistent
standard; and (3) facilitate interstate commerce in fresh and processed
food that is organically produced (7 U.S.C. 6501).
Need and Use of the Information: The information collected is used
by USDA, State program governing State officials, and certifying
agents. The information is used to evaluate compliance with OFPA and
NOP for administering the program, for management decisions and
planning, for establishing the cost of the program and to support any
administrative and regulatory actions in response to non-compliance
with OFPA. Certifying agents will have to submit an application to USDA
to become accredited to certify organic production and handling
operations. Auditors will review the application, perform site
evaluation and submit reports to USDA, who will make a decision to
grant or deny accreditation. Producers, handlers and certifying agents
whose operations are not approved have the right to mediation and
appeal the decision. Reporting and recordkeeping are essential to the
integrity of the organic certification system. If the collection of
information was not conducted, the AMS would not be able to carry out
the intent of Congress as it enforces the OFPA.
Description of Respondents: Farms; Business or other for-profit;
State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 55,285.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually; Recordkeeping.
Total Burden Hours: 3,940,459.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: List of U.S. Manufacturers of Specific CVM-Regulated
Products with Interest in Exporting Covered Products to China.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0339.
Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA)
(7 U.S.C. 1621-1627) as amended directs and authorizes the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide inspection, certification,
and verification services of the quality and condition of agricultural
products which facilitate the marketing of agricultural products. To
provide programs and services, section 203(h) of the AMA (7 U.S.C.
1622(h)) directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to
inspect, certify, and verify agricultural products under such rules and
regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, including assessment and
collection of fees for the cost of service. The regulation in 7 CFR
62--AMS Audit Verification and Accreditation Programs is a collection
of voluntary, audit-based, user-fee funded verification programs that
allow applicants to have program documentation and program processes
assessed by AMS auditor(s) and other USDA officials.
Need and Use of the Information: The information collected is used
only by authorized representatives of USDA (AMS, Livestock and Poultry
Program's QAD auditing staff) and is used to conduct services requested
by respondents. Information collected includes but is not limited to
facility name, address, and identifier, and product. The information
collection requirements in this request are essential to carry out the
intent of the AMA, to provide the respondents the type of service they
request, and to administer the program.
Description of Respondents: Businesses or other for-profits.
Number of Respondents: 450.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 37.
Levi S. Harrell,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-06001 Filed 3-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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