05-12777. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 23, 2005.

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.

National Agricultural Statistics Service

Title: Conservation Effects Assessment Project.

OMB Control Number: 0535-0245.

Summary of Collection: The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) primary function is to prepare and issue official State and national estimates of crop and livestock production, disposition and prices. The goal of this information collection is to obtain land management information that will assist the Natural Resources Conservation Service in assessing environmental benefits associated with implementation of various conservation programs and installation of associated conservation practices. The authority for these data collection activities is granted under U.S. Code title 7, section 2204.

Need and Use of the Information: The survey will utilize personal interviews to administer a questionnaire that is designed to obtain from farm operators field-specific data associated with selected National Resources Inventory sub-sample units in the contiguous 48 States. Data collected in this survey will be used in conjunction with previously collected data on soils, climate, and cropping history. The assessment will be used to report progress annually on Farm Bill implementation to Congress and the general public.

Description of Respondents: Farms.

Number of Respondents: 7,489.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: annually.

Total Burden Hours: 7,114.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.