E6-3278. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

March 3, 2006.

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.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Fruit and Vegetable Market News Reports.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0006.

Summary of Collection: Section 203(g) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621) directs and authorizes the collection of information and disseminating 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 bring about balance between production and utilization of agriculture products. Market News provides all interested segments of the market chain with market information tends to equalize the competitive position of all market participants. The fruit and vegetable industries, through their organizations, or government agencies present formal requests that the Department of Agriculture issue daily, weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly market news reports on various aspects of the industry.

Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information for the production of Market News reports that are then available to the industry and other interested parties in various formats. Information is provided on a voluntary basis and is gathered through confidential telephone and face-to-face interviews by market reporters.

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

Number of Respondents: 18,174.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Weekly; Monthly.

Total Burden Hours: 119,787.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Specified Commodities Imported into the United States Exempt from Import Requirements, 7 CFR Part 944, 980, and 999.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0167.

Summary of Collection: Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674) provides that when certain domestically produced commodities are regulated under a Federal marketing order; imports of the commodity must meet the same or comparable requirements. Import regulations apply only during those periods when domestic marketing order regulations are in effect. No person may import products for processing or other exempt purposes unless an executed Importers Exempt Commodity Form (FV-6) accompanies the shipment. The Civil Penalty Stipulation Agreement (FV-7) is a “volunteer” form that provides the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with an additional tool to obtain resolution of certain cases without the cost of going to a hearing.

Need and Use of the Information: AMS utilizes the information to ensure that imported goods destined for exempt outlets are given no less favorable treatment than that afforded to domestic goods destined for such exempt outlets. The importers wishing to import commodities will use form FV-6, “Importer's Exempt Commodity”, which requires a minimum amount of information.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 491.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 907.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.