2016-12991. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

May 26, 2016.

The Department of Agriculture will submit the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 on or after the date of publication of this notice. Comments are requested 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 should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC; New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503. 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.

Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by July 5, 2016. 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: Almonds Grown in California (7 CFR part 981).

OMB Control Number: 0581-0242.

Summary of Collection: Marketing Order No. 981 (7 CFR part 981) regulates the handling of almonds grown in California and emanates from the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, (Act) Secs. 1-19, 48 Stat. 31, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674) to provide the respondents the type of service they request, and to administer the California almond marketing order program. The board has developed forms as a means for persons to file required information with the board relating to the treatment of almonds to reduce the potential for Salmonella bacteria prior to shipment.

Need and Use of the Information: Almond handlers are required to submit annual treatment plans to the board and inspection agency to ensure such plans are complete and auditable regarding how they plan to treat their almonds to reduce the potential for Salmonella. The plan will be approved by the Board and must address specific parameters for the handler to ship almonds. The Board also gathers information from entities interested in being almond process authorities that validate technologies, to accept and further process untreated almonds and entities interested in being auditors. The information collected would be used only by authorized representatives of USDA, including the Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs' regional and headquarters' staff, and authorized employees and agents of the board.

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

Number of Respondents: 175.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Annually; On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 4,200.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.