[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24134-24137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11232]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
April 29, 1999.
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), Washington, DC 20503 and to
Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington,
D.C. 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) 720-6746.
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.
Economic Research Service
Title: Emergency Food Assistance System Study.
OMB Control Number: 0536-NEW.
Summary of Collection: Many emergency food providers are reporting
increased demand for their services as a result of changes in the
nation's welfare and food assistance safety net under the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and
decreasing ability to meet the additional demands. USDA is coordinating
public and private efforts intended to increase the amount of surplus
food channeled through Emergency Food Assistance System (EFAS)
providers by 33 percent by the year 2000. On November 23, 1996
President Clinton signed an executive memorandum directing all Federal
agencies to join the USDA effort to recover excess food and established
a Federal interagency task force on gleaning and food recovery. USDA,
through the Food and Nutrition Service, administers several food
assistance programs that help low-income households obtain adequate and
nutritious diets. The largest USDA food assistance program, the Food
Stamp Program, is designed to provide food assistance through normal
channels of trade. The EFAS interacts closely with USDA food assistance
programs by serving as a distribution outlet for Emergency Food
Assistance Program (TEFAP) commodities and by providing temporary or
supplemental food assistance to many of the same needy population
served by USDA programs. A study of the Emergency Food Assistance
System is going to be conducted. The study will be conducted in two
phases. Currently, there is no sample frame from which to identify food
banks, food pantries, and emergency kitchens for the study. Information
collected during the first phase of the study will be used to compile
frames of providers to be sampled and contacted for data collection.
Economic Research Service (ERS) will collect information using
questionnaires and telephone interviews to compile frames of providers
to be sampled and contacted for second phased-data collection.
Need And Use Of The Information: ERS will collect information on
providers' operating characteristics, service areas, resource base,
quantity and type of food flowing into the system, number of people
served, and providers' capacity to manage current and future changes in
food demand and resources. Once the information is compiled, the frames
of food banks, food pantries, and emergency kitchens will be used by
the sampling statisticians for the study to select providers for the
interviews. The contact information will be used by the data collection
staff to facilitate advance
[[Page 24135]]
mailings and support the actual study data collection.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; State,
Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 5,479.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 1,374.
Economic Research Service
Title: Report on State Use of Funds to Increase Work Slots for Food
Stamp Recipients.
OMB Control Number: 0536-NEW.
Summary of Collection: The Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) dramatically changed
the system that had provided welfare cash assistance and food stamp
benefits to low-income households since the early 1970s. One of the
consequences of the change in the law has been the strengthening of
work requirements, both for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
(TANF) Program and the Food Stamp Program. The largest change made by
PRWORA in the Food Stamp Program was the imposition of a time limit on
receipt of food stamp benefits for Able Bodies Adults Without
Dependents (ABAWD) who are between the ages of 18 and 50. In order to
take advantage of the expanded funding and comply with the new Food
Stamp Employment and Training (E&T) Program requirements most States
have initiated new approaches to serving ABAWDS in their Food Stamp E&T
programs. This study will provide detailed and comparable information
on State changes to their programs. In addition, despite the
availability of additional funds, many States may still face
considerable challenges in meeting the program requirements and making
the modifications to their programs necessary to best serve food stamp
clients, particularly ABAWDs. The Economic Research Service (ERS) will
use a telephone survey and mail out questionnaire to collect
information from States on the specific successes and challenges they
have faced in utilizing the expanded Balanced Budget Act (BBA) Food
Stamp E&T funds.
Need and Use of the Information: ERS will collect information on
how the States' expenditures, activities, program design, and E&T
participants have changed in response to the availability of new funds
for Food Stamp E&T and the Federal emphasis on serving the unemployed
ABAWD population. The information gathered in the study will have four
primary uses. First, the study will provide and analyze a database of
consistent and comparable information across States both before and
after the enactment of the BBA. Second, FNS will be utilizing the data
from the telephone interviews in the study for another study on the
impact of the time limits on ABAWDs. Third, the database created for
the study may also be used by ERS as a baseline for any future research
regarding the Food Stamp E&T Program, including research that may focus
on the impact of various E&T approaches for Food Stamp Program
participants. One final and important use of the study is that after
release to Congress, the research report will be shared by USDA with
all State food stamp directors so that they may learn from the varying
approaches taken in implementing E&T activities or food stamp
participants.
Description of Respondents: Federal Government; State, Local or
Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 51.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 472
Food and Nutrition Service
Title: Food Stamp mail issuance Report
OMB Control Number: 0584-0015.
Summary of Collection: Sections 7 (a) and (b) of the Food Stamp Act
of 1977 require that coupons be issued only to households which have
been duly certified as eligible to participate in the Food Stamp
Program (FSP), and that coupons shall be used by eligible housheds
households only to purchase food in retail food stores which have been
approved for participation in the FSP at prices prevailing in such
stores. Section 7(d) of the Act authorizes the Secretary to develop
procedures for determining and monitoring the level of coupon
inventories held by issuance agents to ensure that these inventories
are at proper levels. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), on behalf
of the Secretary, requires each coupon issuer to submit quarterly a
written report of the issuer's operations during the periods. The FNS
will collect information using FNS Form-259, Food Stamp Mail Issuance
Report.
Need and use of the Information: FNS will collect information to
establish the issuance and accountability systems which ensures that
only certified eligible households receive benefits; that coupons are
accepted, stored, and protected after delivery to receiving points
within the state; that program benefits are timely distributed in the
correct amount; and that coupon issuance and reconciliation activities
are properly conducted and accurately reported to FNS. The State agency
is responsible, regardless of any agreements to the contrary, for
ensuring that assigned duties are carried out in accordance with FSP
regulations. In addition, the State agency is strictly liable to FNS
for all losses of coupons, even if those issuance, security, or
accountability duties are the responsibility of another party.
Description of Respondents: Federal Government; State, Local or
Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 1,026.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly.
Total Burden Hours: 342.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Title: Recordkeeping requirements for Certified Application of
Federally Restricted Use Pesticides (7 CFR Part 110).
OMB Control Number: 0581-0164.
Summary of Collection: The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade (FACT) Act of 1990 (Subtitle H, Sec. 1491) mandates the Secretary
of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ``shall require certified
applicators of (federally) restricted use pesticides to maintain
records comparable to records maintained by commercial applicators in
each State.'' In addition, the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Administrator of EPA are required under Section 1491(f) of the FACT Act
to survey the records and develop and maintain a data base so the
Secretary and the Administrator of EPA can prepare and publish annual
pesticide use reports, copies of which must be transmitted to Congress.
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is charged with administering the
Federal Pesticide Recordkeeping Program. AMS requires certified private
applicators of federally restrict house pesticides to maintain records
of all restricted use pesticide applications for a period of two years.
AMS will collect information using form STD-8 Pesticide for
Recordkeeping Inspection.
Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on
the brand or product name and the EPA registration number of the
federally restricted use pesticide that was applied; the total amount
of the federally restricted use pesticide applied; the location, the
size of the area treated, and the crop, commodity, stored product or
site to which a restricted use pesticide was applied; the month, day,
and year on which the restricted use pesticide application occurred;
and the name and certification number of the certified applicator who
applied or who supervised the application of the
[[Page 24136]]
restricted use pesticide. In order to properly administer the pesticide
recordkeeping program, AMS needs to monitor and determine to what
extent private applicators are complying with the program's
requirements and identify the reasons for non or partial compliance.
AMS has the responsibility to assure records are being kept to provide
information to be utilized by licensed health care professionals for
possible medical treatment. In addition, the statute requires USDA to
submit annual reports to Congress pertaining to the use of restricted
use pesticides in agricultural production.
Description of Respondents: Farm; Federal Government; State, Local
or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 1,018,651.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 1,782,614.
Forest Service
Title: Stewardship Incentive Program.
OMB Control Number: 0596-0120.
Summary of Collection: The Forest Service (FS) in cooperation with
the Farm Service Agency, State forestry agencies, and other agencies
and organizations, provides eligible landowners cost-share incentives
and technical assistance through the Stewardship Incentive Program.
This assistance helps owners of non-industrial private forest land to
provide sound, multidisciplinary stewardship to their lands. The
program encourages landowners to consider the best, long-term use of
the Nation's land and water resources. The Stewardship Incentive
Program is authorized in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 (Pub. L. 95-313, 92 Stat. 365 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 2101 (note),
2101-2114, 16 U.S.C. 1606 (note), 16 U.S.C. 1606). FSA, on behalf of
FS, will collect information using forms SIP-36, Assignment of Payment,
SIP-211, Power of Attorney, SIP211-1, Power of Attorney for Husband and
Wife, and SIP-502, Payment Limitation Review.
Need and Use of the Information: FSA, in conjunction with the FS,
will collect information to identify (1) the Stewardship Incentive
Program assignment of payment; (2) IRS income reporting requirements
for participants; and (3) the participants' delegated Power of
Attorney. State forestry agencies and FSA work cooperatively with the
FS to administer the Stewardship Incentive Program.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; farms;
business or other for-profit; not-for-profit institutions.
Number of Respondents: 32,500.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; annually.
Total Burden Hours: 74,250.
Food and Nutrition Service
Title: Consumer Research for Dietary Guidelines 2000.
OMB Control Number: 0584-NEW.
Summary of Collection: Under Subtitle D of the National Agriculture
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3171-
3175), the Secretary of Agriculture is required to develop and
implement a national food and human nutrition research and extension
program, including the development of techniques to assist consumers in
selecting food that supplies a nutritionally adequate diet. Pursuant to
7 CFR 2.19(a)(3), the Secretary of Agriculture has delegated authority
to the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) for, among
other things, developing materials to aid the public in selecting food
for good nutrition; co-ordinating nutrition education promotion and
professional education projects with the Department; and consulting
with the Federal and State agencies, the Congress, universities, and
other public and private organizations and the general public regarding
food consumption and dietary adequacy. CNPP is interested in conducting
a consumer research study with focus groups of adults to gauge the use
and effectiveness of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and to test
the communication effectiveness and usefulness of prototype Dietary
Guidelines-based nutrition promotion materials. CNPP will collect
information using a study of focus groups and prototype testing
sessions.
Need and Use of the Information: CNPP will collect information to
expand the knowledge base concerning how to translate the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans 2000 recommendations and message and delivery
of the information through nutrition promotion products and materials
to improve the diets of all Americans age 2 and older. Also, to better
understand consumers' wants and needs, and to discover potential
motivations for dietary change. The information will be used by the
CNPP to develop a communications plan outline that addresses how best
to utilize products developed to effectively reach the target audience.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.
Number of Respondents: 225.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; other (one time).
Total Burden Hours: 900.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Title: Application for Inspection and Certification of Animal
Byproducts.
OMB Control Number: 0579-0008.
Summary of Collection: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture has been
delegated the authority (7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624) to establish and
implement a system for verifying that the importation and commercial
distribution of certain animal byproducts have been processed according
to the conditions and requirements of the importing country. The laws
and regulations that govern the importation and commercial distribution
of certain animal byproducts in some foreign countries may require the
U.S. exporter to furnish certificates that have been issued or endorsed
by APHIS Veterinary Services. These certificates attest to the class
and quality of these products, and also attest to the procedures used
to process these products for exportation to the receiving country.
APHIS will collect information using VS Form 16-24, ``Application for
Inspection & Certification of Animal Byproducts.''
Need And Use of The Information: APHIS collects information from
applicants requesting that APHIS monitor the processing of the product.
After monitoring the processing technique, APHIS certifies that the
product was processed according to the conditions and requirements of
the importing country. A copy of the form then accompanies the
shipment. Without this certification, the importing country would not
accept the product, and the applicant would be unable to conduct
business with that country.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 20.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 10.
Rural Housing Service
Title: 7 CFR Part 3565, ``Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program''
and Supporting Handbook.
OMB Control Number: 0575-0174.
Summary of Collection: On March 28, 1996, President Clinton signed
the ``Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996.'' One of the
provisions of the Act was the authorization of the section 538
Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP), adding the program to
the Housing Act of 1949. The purpose of the GRRHP is to increase the
supply of affordable rural rental housing
[[Page 24137]]
through the use of loan guarantees that encourage partnerships between
the Rural Housing Service (RHS), private lenders and public agencies.
RUS will approve qualified lenders to participate and will monitor
lender performance to ensure program requirements are met. RHS will
collect information from lenders on the eligibility cost, benefits,
feasibility, and financial performance of the proposed project.
Need And Use of The Information: RHS will collect information from
lenders to manage, plan, evaluate, and account for Government
resources. The GRRHP regulation and handbook will provide lenders and
Agency staff with guidance on the origination and servicing of GRRHP
loans and the approval of qualified lenders. The information is
collected by RHS so that it may evaluate the lender's request and make
the determination that the interests of the government are protected.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; not-for-
profit institutions.
Number of Respondents: 50.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting Quarterly; monthly; annually.
Total Burden Hours: 2,466.
Nancy B. Sternberg,
Departmental Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-11232 Filed 5-4-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-M