2017-21843. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 5, 2017.

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 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.

Comments regarding this information collection received by November 13, 2017 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. 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. 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.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Title: Annual Survey of Farmer Cooperatives.

OMB Control Number: 0570-0007.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBS) was mandated the responsibility to acquire and disseminate information pertaining to agricultural cooperatives under the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926: 7 U.S.C. 451-457 and Public Law 450. The primary objective of RBS is to promote understanding, use and development of the cooperative form of business as a viable option for enhancing the income of agricultural producers and other rural residents. The annual survey collects basic statistics on cooperative business volume, net income, members, financial status, employees, and other selected information to support RBS' objective and role. RBS will use a variety of forms to collect information.

Need and Use of the Information: RBS uses the information collected to summarize for program planning, evaluation service work and cooperative analysis and education. The information collected and published in the annual report on farmer cooperatives supports and enhances most of the major functions of RBS. By not collecting this information, the RBS would have difficulties in carrying out its policy on farmer cooperatives.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 1,175.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 1,160.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Title: Repowering Assistance Program, 7 CFR 4288-A.

OMB Control Number: 0570-0066.

Summary of Collection: The Repowering Assistance Program is authorized under section 9004 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246). The objective of this program is to provide financial incentives to bio-refineries in existence on the date of the enactment of the 2008 Farm Bill; to replace the use of fossil fuels used to produce heat or power at their facilities by installing new systems that use renewable biomass, or to produce new energy from renewable biomass.

Need and Use of the Information: Information gathered under this collection will be used to determine the eligibility of bio-refineries to participate in the program. The Agency will determine the amount of payments to be made to a bio-refinery under this program with consideration given to: (1) The quantity of fossil fuel a renewable biomass system is replacing; (2) the percentage reduction in fossil fuel used by the bio-refinery that will result from the installation of the renewable biomass system; and (3) the cost-effectiveness of the renewable biomass system. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determinations of eligibility and improper payments.

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

Number of Respondents: 6.

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

Total Burden Hours: 462.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.