Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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), Pamela_Beverly_OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395-5806 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) 720-8681.

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: Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Program.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0198.

Summary of Collection: The authority for Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order is established under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. These programs carry out projects relating to research, consumer information, advertising, producer information, market development, and product research with the goal of maintaining and expanding their existing markets and uses and strengthening their position in the marketplace.

Need and Use of the Information: Various forms will be used to collect information for reporting, background, certification, remittance and nomination and is the minimum information necessary to effectively carry out the requirements of the program. The information is not available from other sources because it relates specifically to individual lamb producers, feeders, seedstock producers, exporters and first handlers.

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

Number of Respondents: 67,486.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Monthly.

Total Burden Hours: 25,118.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Vegetable and Specialty Crops.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0178.

Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 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 Orders and Agreements become effective only after public hearings are held. The marketing order programs provide an opportunity for producers of fresh fruit, vegetables, and specialty crops, in specified production areas to work together to solve marketing problems that cannot be solved individually.

Need and Use of the Information: Various forms are used to collect information necessary to effectively carry out the requirements of the Act and the Order/Agreement. Information collected is used to formulate market policy, track current inventory and statistical data for market development programs, ensure compliance, and verify eligibility, monitor and record grower's information. If information were not collected, it would eliminate data needed to keep the industry and the Secretary abreast of changes at the State and local level.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for profit; Farms; Federal Government; Individuals or households; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 25,121.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion, Quarterly, Biennially, Weekly, Semi-annually, Monthly, Annually and Recordkeeping.

Total Burden Hours: 15,107.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Customer Service Survey for USDA—Donated Food Products.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0182.

Summary of Collection: Each year the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) procures about $700 million dollars of poultry, livestock, fruit, and vegetable products for the school lunch and other domestic feeding programs under authority of 7 CFR 250, Regulations for the Donation of Food for Use in the United States, its territories and possessions and areas under its jurisdiction. To maintain and improve the quality of these products, AMS has sought to make this process more customer-driven and therefore is seeking opinions from the users of these products. AMS will use AMS-11, “Customer Opinion Postcard,” to collect information. Customers that use USDA-procured commodities to prepare and serve meals retrieve these cards from the boxes and use them to rate their perception of product flavor, texture, and appearance as well as overall satisfaction.

Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on the product type, production lot, and identify the location and type of facility in which the product was served. USDA program managers will use survey responses to maintain and improve product quality through the revision of USDA commodity specifications and follow-up action with producers of designated production lots.

Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 8,400.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 700.