[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 84 (Tuesday, April 30, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 19023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10646]



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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 84 / Tuesday, April 30, 1996 / 
Notices  

[[Page 19023]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. FV96-981-1NC]


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 July 1, 1996, to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Kathleen M. Finn, Marketing 
Specialist, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Division, AMS, USDA, room 2530-S., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 
20090-6456; Tel: (202) 720-1509, Fax (202) 720-5698.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order 981.
    OMB Number: 0581-0071.
    Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 1996.
    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 solved 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 Secretary of Agriculture is authorized 
to oversee the orders' operations and issue regulations recommended by 
a committee of representatives from each commodity industry.
    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, which has been operating 
since 1950.
    The California almond marketing order authorizes the issuance of 
quality and market allocation 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 guidelines.
    The order, and rules and regulations issued thereunder, authorize 
the Almond Board of California (Board), the agency responsible for 
local administration of the order, to require handlers and growers to 
submit certain information. Much of this information is compiled 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 Act 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 to 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 Secretary.
    These forms require the minimum information necessary to 
effectively carry out the requirements of the order, and their use is 
necessary to fulfill the intent of the Act as expressed in the order.
    The information collected is used only by authorized 
representatives of the USDA, including AMS, Fruit and Vegetable 
Division 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 0.2549 hours per response.
    Respondents: California almond growers, handlers and accepted users 
of inedible almonds.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,658.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: .7714.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,345 hours.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the functioning of the California almond 
marketing order program and USDA's oversight of that program; (2) the 
accuracy of the collection burden estimate and the validity of 
methodology and assumptions used in estimating the burden on 
respondents; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information requested; and (4) ways to minimize the burden, 
including use of automated or electronic technologies.
    Comments should reference OMB No. 0581-0071 and the California 
Almond Marketing Order No. 981, and be sent to USDA in care of Kathleen 
Finn at the address above. 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: April 23, 1996.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 96-10646 Filed 4-29-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P