[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 145 (Thursday, July 29, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41070-41073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19350]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
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Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 145 / Thursday, July 29, 1999 /
Notices
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
July 23, 1999.
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), Washington, DC 20503 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 (202) 720-6746.
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.
Food and Nutrition Service
Title: 7 CFR Part 235, State Administrative Expense Funds.
OMB Control Number: 0584-0067.
Summary of Collection: Because the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
is accountable for State Administrative Expense (SAE) funds by fiscal
year, State Agencies (SAs) are requested to report their SAE budget
information on that basis. If the State budgets coincide with a fiscal
year other than that used by the Federal government, the SA must
convert its State budget figures to amounts to be used during the
applicable Federal fiscal year for this purpose. Under 7 CFR Part 235,
State Administrative Expense Funds, there are five reporting
requirements which necessitate the collection of information. They are
as follows: SAE Plan, Reallocation Report, Coordinated Review Effort
(CRE) Data Base Update, Report of SAE Funds Usage, and Responses to
Sanctions. SAs also must maintain records pertaining to SAE. These
include Ledger Accounts, Source Documents, Documentation of 10 Percent
Transfer Limitation, and Equipment Records. FNS will collect
information using forms FCS-74 and 525.
Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information on
the total SAE cost the SA expects to incur in the course of
administering the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP); the indirect cost
rate used by the SA in charging indirect cost to SAE, together with the
name of the Federal agency that assigned the rate and the date the rate
was assigned; breakdown of the current year's SAE budget between the
amount allocated for the current year and the amount carried over from
the prior year; and the number and types of personnel currently
employed in administering the CNPs. The information is used to
determine whether SA intends to use SAE funds for purposes allowable
under OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State and Local
Governments; does SA's administrative budget provides for sufficient
funding from State sources to meet the Maintenance of Effort
requirement; and is SA's staff adequate to effectively administer the
programs covered by the SA's agreement with FNS.
Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 87.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 20,912.
Rural Housing Service
Title: 7 CFR 3575-A, Community Program Guaranteed Loans.
OMB Control Number: 0575-0137.
Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is
authorized by Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) to make loans to public agencies,
nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes for the development of
essential community facilities primarily serving rural residents. The
Community Facilities Division of the RHS is considered Community
Programs under the 7 CFR, part 3575, subpart A. Implementation of the
Community Programs guaranteed loan program was effected to comply with
the Appropriations Act of 1990 when Congress allocated funds for this
authority. The guaranteed loan program encourages lender participation
and provides specific guidance in the processing and servicing of
guaranteed community facilities loans. RHS will collect information
using several forms.
Need and Use of the Information: RHS will collect information to
determine applicant borrower eligibility, project feasibility, and to
ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and use loan funds for
authorized purposes. Failure to collect proper information could result
in improper determination of eligibility, improper use of funds, and/or
unsound loans.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; State,
Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 125.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly.
Total Burden Hours: 76,977.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Provisions Regulating the Quality of Domestically Produced
Peanuts Handled by Persons Not Subject to the Peanut Marketing
Agreement.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0163.
Summary of Collection: Public Law 101-220, enacted December 12,
1989, amended 608(b) of the Agricultural Agreement Act of 1937 (Act) to
require all peanuts handled by persons who
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have not entered into the Peanut Marketing Agreement (Agreement) to be
subject to the same quality and inspection requirements as are in
effect under the Agreement. The Agreement, a contract between handlers
and the Secretary of Agriculture, requires inspection of peanuts coming
from the farm to a handler (incoming inspection) and inspection of
peanuts sold by the handler in commercial outlets (outgoing)
inspection. Quality requirements include sizing and tolerances for
damage, minor defects, moisture, and foreign material. Aflatoxin
testing is also required. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will
collect information using forms FV-117, Handlers Monthly Report of
Farmers' Stock and FV-117-1, Monthly Report of Dispositions of Peanuts.
Need and use of the Information: AMS will collect information on a
farmers' stock of their own production; a farmer's stock received form
others and from the USDA loan program; the month of which peanuts are
received, the source of the peanuts (farmer's name and address),
whether the peanuts are custom shelled, remilled or blanched, or
crushed for oil, and disposition of residuals. AMS will also collect
information on total inedible peanut inventory yet the end of the month
and total edible processed inventory at the end of the month; the
shipping date of the disposed peanuts, and the location shipped to; lot
number; milled certificate number; aflatoxin certification number;
aflatoxin test results; and allowed a determination of the type of
disposal-remilling or blanching, crushing for oil, animal feed, seed
residuals, or exported. The information will be used for administrative
assessing billing and compliance purposes as well as being input into
the Non-Signer Peanut Program Databases. Without these forms, AMS will
not be able to accurately assess each handler.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 33.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting; Weekly; Monthly.
Total Burden Hours: 264.
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Title: Agricultural Labor Survey.
OMB Control Number: 0535-0109.
Summary of Collection: The 1938 Agricultural Adjustment Act, as
amended in 1948, requires wage rate data for computation of an index
component. This component is used in calculation of parity prices.
General authority for these data collection activities is granted under
U.S. Code Title 7, Section 2204. Agricultural labor statistics are an
integral part of National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
primary function of collecting, processing, and disseminating current
state, regional, and national agricultural statistics. Comprehensive
and reliable agricultural labor data are also needed by the Department
of Labor in the administration of that H-2A program (non-immigrants who
enter the United States for temporary or seasonal agricultural labor)
and for setting Advance Effect Wage Rates. The Agricultural Labor
Survey is the only timely and reliable sources of information on the
size of the farm worker population. NASS will collect information using
survey.
Need and Use of the Information NASS will collect information on
wage rate estimates and the year-to-year changes in these rates and how
change in wage rates help measure the changes in costs of production of
major farm commodities. NASS will also collect information on data to
measure the availability of national farm workers. The information is
used by farm worker organizations to help set wage rates and negotiate
labor contracts as well as determine the need for additional workers
and help ensure federal assistance for farm worker assistance programs
supported with government funding.
Description of Respondents: Farm.
Number of Respondents: 12,425.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting; Quarterly.
Total Burden Hours: 10,608.
Farm Service Agency
Title: Tobacco Marketing Quota Referenda Ballot--7 CFR 717.
OMB Control Number: 0560-0182.
Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as
amended, (1938 Act) requires the proclamation of national marketing
quotas for tobacco and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct
referenda to determine whether producers favor or oppose marketing
quotas. Section 312 of the 1938 Act requires the Secretary of
Agriculture to proclaim national marketing quotas for tobacco and to
conduct a referendum of the farmers who are engaged in the production
of the crop of tobacco harvested immediately prior to the referendum to
determine whether such farmers are in favor of, or opposed to, national
marketing quotas for the next succeeding marketing years. The Farm
Service Agency (FSA) will collect information using voting ballots.
Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information to
determine whether marketing quotas will be in effect for certain kinds
of tobacco and voters eligibility. Without conducting a referendum, the
Secretary would be unable to administer statutory requirements
regarding tobacco marketing quotas. If no referendum were held and
approved by eligible voters, tobacco producers would not have the
benefits of a marketing quota and thereby a price support program.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Farms.
Number of Respondents: 51,666.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (every 3 yr).
Total Burden Hours: 4,300.
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Title: Mid-To Upper Level Management and Sales/Field Representative
Compensation.
OMB Control Number: 0570-NEW.
Summary of Collection: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
provides technical assistance, research, and education to all types of
agricultural cooperatives. RBS has been mandated the responsibility to
acquire and disseminate information pertaining to cooperatives under
the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926; 7 U.S.C. 451-457, and Public Law
No. 450. Section 3(b). RBS receives an increasing number of inquiries
from cooperatives, farm organizations (NCFC, University extension
agents, etc.), and other interested clientele asking for updated data
on employee compensation and comparable salary information for various
job categories; with an added interest for cooperative directors'
compensation. The changing agricultural markets, services, and new
farming techniques/technology available to cooperatives requires them
to closely examine better methods to identify, attract, and retain the
employment of competent, productive employees. To attract competent
employees, salaries and benefits must be comparable to the skills they
bring to the job and what other industries can offer them. RBS will
collect information using a study.
Need and use of the Information: RBS will collect information to do
a comparison of their present salary/benefits base; to evaluate
perspective employees' educational and/or work experience and
backgrounds in order to formulate an adequate benefit/compensation
package. The information will be used by cooperative managers to set
their cooperative's salary levels, used as a recruiting tool for new
employees, used to analyze the cost effectiveness of their own employee
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expenses, use for management planning-staffing costs for future
activities, and to reevaluate their salary/benefits base in case of
mergers and reorganizations. If the study is not undertaken, the salary
and compensation structures adopted by many cooperatives will continue
to be diverted from that necessary to attract and hold the quality and
type of employees crucial to their ongoing economic success.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business
or other for-profit; Farms; Individuals or households; Federal
Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 300.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 300.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Handling of Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos
Grown in Florida.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0094.
Summary of Collection: Mrketing Order No. 905 (7 CFR Part 905),
covering handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos
grown in Florida, is authorized under the Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 601-674). The Act authorizes the
regulation of certain agricultural commodities for the purpose of
providing orderly marketing conditions in interstate commerce and to
improve returns to growers. Regulatory provisions apply to varieties of
citrus fruit grown in Florida shipped out of the production area to any
market, except those specifically exempt. The Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) will collect information using several forms.
Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on
the issuance of grade, size, quality, maturity, pack container,
inspection, and reporting requirements. The Order is administered by an
18-member Florida Citrus Administrative Committee. The Committee has
developed forms as a convenience to persons who are required to file
information with the Committee relating to Florida Citrus fruit
production, shipments, inspection and export. This information is
needed to effectively carry out the administration of the program.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms.
Number of Respondents: 1,729.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion;
Weekly; Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 334.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Livestock & Meat Market News.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0154.
Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7
U.S.C. 1621), Section 203(q), directs and authorizes the collection and
dissemination 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 to bring about a balance between production and utilization.
Livestock and Meat Market News provides a timely exchange of accurate
and unbiased information on current marketing conditions (supply,
demand, prices, trends, movement, and other information) affecting
trade in livestock, meats, grain, and wool. Administered by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), this
nationwide market news program is conducted in cooperation with 30
state departments of agriculture. AMS will collect information using
market reports.
Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on
price, supply, and movement of livestock, meat carcasses, meat and pork
cuts, and meat byproducts. The information collected is used by several
agencies, agricultural universities and colleges to keep appraised of
the current market conditions and movement of livestock and meat in the
United States and also to determine available supplies and current
pricing.
Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government;
Farm; Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 450.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (Daily).
Total Burden Hours: 7,020.
Rural Utilities Service
Title: 7 CFR Part 1724, Electric Engineering Architectural Services
and Design Policies.
OMB Control Number: 0272-NEW.
Summary of Collection: The Rural Electrification Act (RE Act) of
1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., as amended provides authorities for the
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for carrying out its obligations and
responsibilities. RUS is a credit agency of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. It makes loans (direct and guaranteed) to finance
electric, telecommunications, and water and waste water facilities in
rural areas. RUS's electric program is a leader in lending to upgrade,
expand, maintain, and replace the vast rural American electric
infrastructure. As a condition of a loan or loan guarantee under the RE
Act, borrowers are normally required to enter into RUS loan agreements,
whereby the borrowers agree to use RUS standard forms of contracts for
construction, procurement, engineering services and architectural
services financed in whole or in part by the RUS loan. RUS will collect
information using RUS Forms 211, 220, and 236.
Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information on
detailed contractual obligations and services to be provided and
performed relating to construction, project design, construction
management, compensation, and related information. The information is
used by RUS electric borrowers, their engineering and architectural
contractors, and RUS. The information is used to comply with the RUS
standard loan contract and RUS regulations.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 75.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 153.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Cranberries Grown in the States of MA, RI, CT, NJ, WI, MN,
OR, WA, and Long Island in the State of NY--Marketing Order No. 929.
OMB Control Number: 0581-0103.
Summary of Collection: Marketing Order No. 929 (7 CFR Part 929),
regulates the handling of cranberries grown in 10 states and emanates
from enabling legislation (the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of
1937, Secs. 1-19, 48 Stat. 31, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 601-674). The act
was designed to permit regulation of certain agricultural commodities
for the purpose of providing orderly marketing conditions in interstate
commerce and improving returns to growers. The objective of the
marketing agreement and order is to correlate the supply of cranberries
available for sale in the various trade channels with the demand in
those outlets. The Agricultural Marketing Service will collect
information using forms FV-53, -259, -260, and -263.
Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information from
the form on cranberry production, shipments, inspection, and export.
The Cranberry Marketing Committee, which represents growers and locally
administers the order are responsible for keeping information on
individual handlers' inventories and receipt confidential. Information
gathered by the committee would only be reported in the aggregate,
along with other
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pertinent cranberry data. If information was not collected, data needed
to keep the cranberry industry and the Secretary abreast of changes at
the State and local level would not be available
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; farms.
Number of Respondents: 1,306.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; reporting: quarterly;
annually.
Total Burden Hours: 874.
Food and Nutrition Service
Title: Food Stamp Program--Store Applications.
OMB Control Number: 0584-0008.
Summary of Collection: The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is designed to
promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well being of
the Nation's population by raising levels of nutrition among low-income
households. Section 2 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended states
in part, that a Food Stamp Program is herein authorized which will
permit low-income households to obtain a more nutritious diet through
normal channels of trade by increasing food purchasing power for all
eligible households who apply for participation. Section 9(a) of the
Act requires that regulations provide for an application to be
submitted by retailers and wholesalers to request approval for
authorization to accept and redeem food coupons. The need to collect
information is established under the Act to determine the eligibility
of retail food stores, wholesale food concerns, and food service
organizations applying for authorization to accept and redeem food
stamp benefits, to monitor these firms for continued eligibility, to
sanction stores for non-compliance with the Act, and for program
management. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will collect
information using forms FNS-252, Food Stamp Application for Store,
FN252-R, Food Stamp Program Application for Stores--Reauthorization,
and FNS 252-2, Application to Participate in the Food Stamp Program for
Communal Dining Facility/Others.
Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information to
determine a firm's eligibility for participation in the Food Stamp
Program, program administration, compliance monitoring and
investigations, and for sanctioning stores found to be violating the
program. FNS is also responsible for requiring updates to application
information and reviewing that information to determine whether or not
the retail food store, wholesale food concern, or food service
organization continues to meet eligibility requirements. Owners
Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) and Social Security Numbers (SSN)
may be disclosed to and used by Federal agencies or instrumentalities
that otherwise gave access to EINs and SSNs. FNS and other Federal
Government agencies examine such information during compliance review,
audit review, special studies or evaluation efforts.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions; Farms; Federal Government.
Number of Respondents: 68,770.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 15,777.
Nancy B. Sternberg,
Departmental Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-19350 Filed 7-28-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-M
