[Federal Register: August 29, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 169)]
[Notices]               
[Page 50926]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29au08-24]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

August 25, 2008.
    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), 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) 720-8958.
    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.

Farm Service Agency

    Title: Report of Acreage.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0004.
    Summary of Collection: 7 U.S.C. 7333(b)(3) specifically requires, 
for crops and commodities covered by the Noninsured Crop Disaster 
Assistance Program (NAP), annual reports of acreage planted and 
prevented from being planted, as required by the Secretary, by the 
designated acreage reporting data for the crop and location as 
established by the Secretary. The report of acreage is conducted on an 
annual basis and is used by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county 
offices to determine eligibility for benefits that are available to 
producers on the farm. Respondents must provide the information each 
year because variables such as previous year experience, weather 
occurrences and projections, market demand, new farming techniques and 
personal preferences affect the amount of land being farmed, the mix of 
crops planted, and the projected harvest. Prior year information is not 
sufficient on its own. Therefore, respondents must supply current data 
on a program year basis by the final reporting date established for 
their country to qualify for NAP assistance.
    Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information 
verbally from the producers during visits to the county offices. FSA 
will collect one or more of the following data elements, as required: 
Crop planted, planting date, crop's intended use, type or variety, 
practice (irrigated or non-irrigated), acres, location of the crop 
(tract and field), and the producer's percent share in the crop along 
with the names of other producers having an interest in the crop. Once 
the information is collected and eligibility established, the 
information is used throughout the crop year to ensure the producer 
remains compliant with program provisions. If information is not 
reported, FSA has no basis to calculate APH, losses could not be 
determined, and information for crop insurance expansion could not be 
provided to RMA.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.
    Number of Respondents: 291,500.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 619,438.

Farm Service Agency

    Title: Offer Forms.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0177.
    Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Trade Development and 
Assistance Act of 1954, as amended, (Title II, Pub. L. 480), Section 
416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended (Section 416(b)), 
and the Food for Progress Act of 1985, as amended (for Food for 
Progress) authorizes International Procurement Division to procure, 
sell, and transport agricultural commodities, and obtain discharge/
delivery survey information. Contractors, vendors, and steamship 
companies submit competitive offers for agricultural commodities and 
services. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will collect information using 
several forms.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information collected will 
enable Kansas City Commodity Office (KCCO) to evaluate offers 
impartially, purchase or sell commodities, and obtain services to meet 
domestic and export program needs. Without the information KCCO could 
not meet program requirements.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 949.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion; 
Quarterly; Weekly; Semi-annually; Monthly; Annually; Other (Bi-weekly & 
Bi-monthly).
    Total Burden Hours: 3,405.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-20060 Filed 8-28-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-05-P