E8-3169. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 14, 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), [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.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Title: Potato Cyst Nematode; Quarantine and Regulations.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0322.

Summary of Collection: Under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701-7772), The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to prohibit or restrict the importation, entry, or movement of plants and plant pests to prevent the introduction of plant pests into the United States or their dissemination within the United States. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) amended the “Domestic Quarantine Notices” in 7 CFR Part 301 by adding a new subpart, “Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN).” PCN is a soil-borne pest and is typically spread by the movement of infested soil, either soil itself or soil adhering to plants, farm equipment, or other articles.

Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information using certificates or limited permits and compliance agreements to prevent the spread of PCN and to ensure that regulated articles can be moved safely from the quarantined area without spreading PCN.

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

Number of Respondents: 400.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 822.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.