[Federal Register: January 18, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 13)]
[Notices]
[Page 2624-2625]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18ja02-17]
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Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
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[[Page 2624]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. FV02-981-1 NC]
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently
Approved Information Collection
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing
Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for and revision to a
currently approved information collection for Almonds Grown in
California, Marketing Order 981.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by March 19, 2002.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Valerie L. Emmer-Scott,
Marketing Specialist, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop
0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Tel: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-
8938, or e-mail: moab.docketclerk@usda.gov.
Small businesses may request information on this notice by
contacting Jay Guerber, Regulatory Fairness Representative, Marketing
Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237;
telephone (202) 720-2491; Fax (202) 720-8938, or e-mail:
Jay.Guerber@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order 981.
OMB Number: 0581-0071.
Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2002.
Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved
information collection.
Abstract: Marketing order programs provide an opportunity for
producers of fresh fruits, vegetables and specialty crops, in a
specified production area, to work together to solve marketing problems
that cannot be resolved individually. Order regulations help ensure
adequate supplies of high quality product and adequate returns to
producers. Under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937
(AMAA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), marketing order programs are
established if favored in referendum among producers. The handling of
the commodity is regulated. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is
authorized to oversee the order's operations and issue regulations
recommended by a committee of representatives from each commodity
industry. The Almond Board of California (Board) is responsible for
locally administering the program.
The information collection requirements in this request are
essential to carry out the intent of the AMAA, to provide the
respondents the type of service they request, and to administer the
California almond marketing order program (7 CFR part 981), which has
been operating since 1950.
The California almond marketing order authorizes the issuance of
quality and volume control regulations, as well as inspection
requirements. Regulatory provisions apply to almonds shipped within and
outside of the production area, except those specifically exempt. The
order also has authority for production and marketing research and
development projects, including paid advertising. Handlers who
advertise may receive credit for their advertising expenses according
to specific requirements.
The order, and rules and regulations issued thereunder, require
handlers and growers to submit certain information. Much of this
information is compiled by the Board in aggregate and provided to the
industry to assist in marketing decisions.
The Board has developed forms as a means for persons to file
required information with the Board relating to almond supplies,
shipments, dispositions, and other information needed to effectively
carry out the purpose of the AMAA and order. As shipments of California
almonds are normally year-round, these forms are utilized accordingly.
A USDA form is used to allow growers to vote on amendments or
continuance of the marketing order. In addition, almond growers and
handlers who are nominated by their peers to serve as representatives
on the Board must file nomination forms with the USDA.
The information collected is used only by authorized
representatives of the USDA, including AMS, Fruit and Vegetable
Programs' regional and headquarter's staff, and authorized employees of
the Board. Authorized Board employees and the industry are the primary
users of the information and AMS is the secondary user.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 0.33 hours per response.
Respondents: California almond growers, handlers and accepted users
of inedible almonds.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,150.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.04.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,445 hours.
Comments are invited on: (1) 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; (2) 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; (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 should reference OMB No. 0581-0071 and the California
Almond Marketing Order No. 981, and be mailed to Docket Clerk, Fruit
and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop
0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Tel: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-
8938; Fax:
[[Page 2625]]
(202) 720-8938; or e-mail: moab.docketclerk@usda.gov. All comments
received will be available for public inspection during regular
business hours at the same address.
All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of
public record.
Dated: January 14, 2002.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 02-1289 Filed 1-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-M