[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43225-43226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21330]


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 Notices
                                                 Federal Register
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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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 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 21, 1996 / 
Notices  

[[Page 43225]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. FV96-989-2NC]


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 of a 
currently approved information collection for Raisins Produced from 
Grapes Grown in California, Marketing Order No. 989.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by October 21, 1996 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Valerie L. Emmer, Marketing 
Specialist, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Division, AMS, USDA, room 2530-S., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 
20090-6456; Tel: (202) 205-2829, Fax (202) 720-5698.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Raisins Produced from Grapes Grown in California, Marketing 
Order No. 989.
    OMB Number: 0581-0083.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 1997.
    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 by producers in referenda. The handling of the 
commodity is regulated. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to 
oversee order 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 raisin marketing order program, which has been operating 
since 1949.
    The California raisin marketing order authorizes the issuance of 
grade and condition standards, inspection requirements, and volume 
regulations through a producer reserve pool. The producer reserve pool 
raisins are sold through the export incentive and merchandising 
programs, government purchases of raisins, sales pursuant to the order, 
and a raisin diversion program. Regulatory provisions apply to raisins 
shipped both within and out of the production area to any market, 
except those specifically exempt. This order also has authority for 
market research and development projects, including paid advertising. 
Pursuant to Section 608(e)(1) of the AMAA, import grade and condition 
requirements are implemented on raisins imported into the United 
States.
    The order, and rules and regulations issued thereunder, authorize 
the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible 
for local administration of the order, to require handlers and 
processors to submit certain information. In addition, raisin producers 
who voluntarily apply to participate in a raisin diversion program are 
required to submit certain information. Under the AMAA, importers are 
also required to submit certain information. Much of this information 
is compiled in aggregate and provided to the industry to assist in 
marketing decisions.
    The Committee has developed forms as a convenience to persons who 
are required to file information with the Committee relating to raisin 
inventories, acquisition of standard raisins, shipments, dispositions, 
and other information needed to carry out the purposes of the Act and 
the Order. Since shipments of raisins continue year-round, these forms 
are utilized throughout the crop year. A USDA form is used to allow 
producers to vote on amendments to or continuance of the marketing 
order. In addition, raisin producers and handlers who are nominated by 
their peers to serve as representatives on the Committee must file 
nomination forms with the Secretary.
    Formal rulemaking amendments to the order must be approved in 
referenda conducted by the Secretary. Also, the Secretary may conduct a 
continuance referendum to determine industry support for continuation 
of the order. Such referenda ballots are included in this request.
    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 Committee. Authorized Committee 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 0.14715 hours per response.
    Respondents: California raisin producers, handlers, processors, and 
importers.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,084.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 14.095.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2584 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

[[Page 43226]]

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. 0581-0083 and the California 
Raisin Marketing Order No. 989, and be sent to USDA in care of Valerie 
L. Emmer 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 become a matter of public 
record.

    Dated: August 16, 1996.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 96-21330 Filed 8-20-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P