73 FR 159 pgs. 47876-47878 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

August 12, 2008.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) 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 should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8681.

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: Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program; Request for Referendum.

OMB Control Number: 0581-NEW.

Summary of Collection: The Request for Referendum is a result of a settlement of a lawsuit entered into February 28, 2001, between U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Michigan Pork Producers Association, In., et al. , USDA agreed to conduct a request for referendum to determine whether 15 percent of eligible pork producers and importers want a referendum on the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order-more commonly known as the Pork Checkoff. The Pork Checkoff is authorized by the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985 (Act). The Act authorizes the collection of assessments from pork producers and importers of hogs, pigs, pork, and pork products.

Need and Use of the Information: The Agricultural Marketing Service will collect the request for referendum information using form LS-54-1 and Customs Form 7501 and any other needed supporting documentation. Producers must submit completed form LS 54-1 and supporting documentation including sales receipts, feed and veterinary bills to the appropriate county FSA office as proof of eligibility. Importers must submit completed form LS 54-1, Customs Form 7501 and any other supporting documentation as needed, that demonstrates the importation of hogs, pigs, pork, or pork products as proof of eligibility. Information collected will be used by the USDA to determine whether pork producers and importers want a referendum on the Order.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 7,500.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: One time.

Total Burden Hours: 1,500.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Grain News Reports and Molasses Market News.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0005.

Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621) Section 203(g), directs and authorizes the collection and dissemination of marketing information including adequate outlook information, on a market area basis, for the purpose of anticipating and meeting consumer requirements aiding in the maintenance of farm income and to bring about a balance between production and utilization. Livestock and Grain News provides a timely exchange of accurate and unbiased information on current marketing conditions (supply, demand, prices, trends, movement, and other information) affecting trade in livestock, meats, grain, and wool. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), this nationwide market news program is conducted in cooperation with approximately 30 State departments of agriculture. The up-to-the-minute reports collected and disseminated by professional market reporters are intended to provide both buyers and sellers with the information necessary for making intelligent, informed marketing decisions, thus putting everyone in the marketing system in an equal bargaining position. AMS will collect information using market news reports.

Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on various aspects of the grain and feed industry in determining available supplies and current pricing. Industry traders use market news information to make marketing decisions on when and where to buy and sell. In addition, the reports are used by other Government agencies to evaluate market conditions and calculate price levels used for the Farmer-owned Reserve Program. The reports must be collected and disseminated by an impartial third party. Since the Government is a large holder of grain, some type of system would have to be established to monitor the collection and reporting data.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Individuals or households; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 202.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Weekly; Monthly.

Total Burden Hours: 129.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Plan for Estimating Daily Livestock Slaughter Under Federal Inspection.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0050.

Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621) Section 203(g), directs and authorizes the collection and dissemination of marketing information including adequate outlook information, on a market area basis, for the purpose of anticipating and meeting consumer requirements aiding in the maintenance of farm income and to bring about a balance between production and utilization. Livestock and Grain News provides a timely exchange of accurate and unbiased information on current marketing conditions (supply, demand, prices, trends, movement, and other information) affecting trade in livestock, meats, grain, and wool. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), this nationwide market news program is conducted in cooperation with approximately 30 State departments of agriculture. The up-to-the-minute reports collected and disseminated by professional market reporters are intended to provide both buyers and sellers with the information necessary for making intelligent, informed marketing decisions, thus putting everyone in the marketing system in an equal bargaining position.

Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on estimation of the current day's slaughter at their plant(s) and the actual slaughter of the previous day. The report is used to make market outlook projections and maintain statistical data. The information must be collected and disseminated by an impartial third party. Since the government is a large purchaser of meat, a system to monitor the collection and reporting of data is needed. Collecting this information less frequently would hinder the timely use of this data.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Individuals or households; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 72.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting; Weekly; Other: Daily.

Total Burden Hours: 623.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. E8-18927 Filed 8-14-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P