Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Revise and Extend an Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the intent of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to revise and extend a currently approved information collection, the Milk and Milk Products Surveys.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received by May 20, 2004 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be mailed to Ginny McBride, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250 or sent electronically to gmcbride@nass.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Carol House, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-4333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Milk and Milk Products Surveys.

OMB Control Number: 0535-0020.

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2004.

Type of Request: Intent to Seek Approval to Revise and Extend an Information Collection.

Abstract: The primary objective of the National Agricultural Statistics Service is to prepare and issue state and national estimates of crop and livestock production. The Milk and Milk Products Surveys obtain basic agricultural statistics on milk production and manufactured dairy products from farmers and processing plants throughout the nation. Data are gathered for milk production, dairy products, evaporated and condensed milk, manufactured dry milk, and manufactured whey products. Milk production and manufactured dairy products statistics are used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help administer programs and by the dairy industry in planning, pricing, and projecting supplies of milk and milk products.

These data will be collected under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 2204(a). Individually identifiable data collected under this authority are governed by Section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires USDA to afford strict confidentiality to non-aggregated data provided by respondents.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8 minutes per response.

Respondents: Farms and businesses.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 25,400.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 11,800 hours.

Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from Ginny McBride, the Agency Clearance Officer, at (202) 720-5778.

Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (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. Comments may be sent to: Ginny McBride, Agency Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336A South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-2009 or gmcbride@nass.usda.gov.

All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record and be summarized in the request for OMB approval.