2010-28137. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 3, 2010.

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), [e-mail] or fax [phone] 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 [phone].

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.

Foreign Agricultural Service

Title: Export Sales of U.S. Agricultural Commodities.

OMB Control Number: 0551-0007.

Summary of Collection: The export sales reporting system provides commodity market participants with information about commodity export commitments, and is one means by which USDA seeks to insure fairness and soundness in commodity marketing. U.S. exports are required to report to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) information on: (1) The quantity of a reportable commodity to be sold to a foreign buyer; (2) the country of destination; and (3) the marketing year of shipment. The authority to collect this information is found at 7 CFR Part 20 and the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5712).

Need and Use of the Information: The collected information is needed because it provides up-to-date market data for making rational export policy decisions to prevent market disruptions. FAS reports the information to the public so that all market participants can be aware of such sales and can evaluate the effects of exports on supply and demand estimates of production, prices, and sales. If the information is not collected, the Department would not be in compliance with the statutes and not fulfilling the objectives of the export sales reporting program.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 340.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly; Weekly.

Total Burden Hours: 42,947.

Foreign Agricultural Service

Title: CCC's Facility Guarantee Program (FGP).

OMB Control Number: 0551-0032.

Summary of Collection: Under the authority of 7 CFR part 1493, subpart C, the Facility Guarantee Program (FGP) offers credit guarantees to facilitate the financing of U.S. manufactured goods and services to improve or establish agriculture infrastructure in emerging markets. Sales under FGP are considered normal commercial sales. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will collect information in a letter format via mail or facsimile.

Need and Use of the Information: FAS will collect information to determine eligibility for FGP benefits and to ensure CCC that all participants have a business office in the U.S. and are not debarred or suspended from participating in government programs. FAS will use the application to determine a project's eligibility for FGP coverage and to determine the impact on U.S. agricultural trade. The information requested will provide CCC with adequate information to meet statutory requirements. If the information were not collected CCC would be unable to determine if export sales under the FGP would be eligible for coverage or if coverage conformed to program requirements.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 5.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting; On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 329.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.