E8-13546. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 11, 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.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: 7 CFR part 54—Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards) and 7 CFR part 62—Quality Systems Verification Programs (QSVP).

OMB Control Number: 0581-0124.

Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide consumers with voluntary Federal meat grading and certification services that facilitate the marketing of meat and meat products. This is accomplished by providing meat and meat products that are uniform in quality. The Meat Grading and Certification (MGC) Branch provides these services under the authority of 7 CFR part 54—Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards). The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will collect information using forms LS-313 and LS-315.

The Quality Systems Verification Programs are a collection of voluntary, audit-based, user-fee programs that allow applicants to have program documentation and program processes assessed by AMS auditors and other USDA officials. The QSVP are user-fees based on the approved hourly rate established under 7 CFR part 62.

Need and Use of the Information: The information AMS collects on LS-313, “Application for Service,” and LS-315, “Application for Commitment Grading or Certification Service” will enable the Agency to identify the responsible authorities in establishments requesting services and to initiate billing and collection accounts. A signed LS-313 or LS-315 form serves as a legal agreement between USDA users of the services, assures payment for services provided, and constitutes authorization for any employee of AMS to enter the establishment for the purpose of performing official functions under the regulations. Without a properly signed and approved form, AMS officials would not have the authority to enter the premises to provide grading and/or certification services.

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

Number of Respondents: 311.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 1,352.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.