03-30327. Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces our intention to request a three year extension and revision of a currently approved information collection in support of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the Packers and Stockyards Act. This approval is required under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

DATES:

We will consider comments that we receive by February 6, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments via electronic mail to [e-mail]. Send hardcopy written comments to Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1647-S, Washington, DC 20250-3604, or fax to [phone]. All comments should make reference to the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register, and will be available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27(b)).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) administers and enforces the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended and supplemented (7 U.S.C. 181-229) (P&S Act). The P&S Act prohibits unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent practices by livestock market agencies, dealers, stockyard owners, meat packers, swine contractors, and live poultry dealers in the livestock, poultry, and meatpacking industries.

Title: Packers and Stockyards Programs Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements.

OMB Number: 0580-0015.

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2004.

Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection.

Abstract: The P&S Act and the regulations under the P&S Act authorize the collection of information for the purpose of enforcing the P&S Act and regulations and to conduct studies as requested by Congress. The information is needed for GIPSA to carry out its responsibilities under the P&S Act. The information is necessary to monitor and examine financial, competitive, and trade practices in the livestock, meat packing, and poultry industries. The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public concerning our information collection.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8.5 hours per response.

Respondents (Affected Public): Livestock auction markets, livestock dealers, packer buyers, meat packers, and live poultry dealers.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,950.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.3.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 304,106 hours.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Tess Butler; see ADDRESSES section for contact information.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) and its implementing regulations (5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(i)), we specifically request comments on:

(a) Whether the proposed 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d) Ways to minimize the burden on 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.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for the Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506 and 5 CFR 1320.8.

Donna Reifschneider,

Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.