2017-03380. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 15, 2017.

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 are required regarding (1) 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) 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 this information collection received by March 24, 2017 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. 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.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP).

OMB Control Number: 0560—NEW.

Summary of Collection: Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural product who are obtaining or renewing their certification in the National Organic Program (NOP). The information collection requirements in the request are needed to implement a part of the Agriculture Act of 2014 and the Federal Crop Insurance Act which authorizes funds for two organic certification cost-share programs, the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (NOCCSP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA).

Need and Use of the Information: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides cost-share assistance, through FSA county offices and participating state agencies, to organic producers or handlers. The information collected is needed to ensure that organic producers or handlers and State agencies are eligible for funding and comply with applicable program regulations. Without this collection of information, FSA would not be able to provide cost-share assistance to eligible producer or handler and state agencies.

Description of Respondents: Farms: State, Local and Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 12,056.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Semi-annually; Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 57,560.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.