[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 12789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6785]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Docket No. FV97-927-1 NC]


Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

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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 Winter Pears Grown in 
Oregon, Washington, and California, Marketing Order No. 927.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 19, 1997 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Teresa L. Hutchinson, 
Marketing Specialist, Northwest Marketing Field Office, Fruit and 
Vegetable Division, AMS, USDA, 1220 SW Third Avenue, Room 369, 
Portland, OR 97204, Telephone: (503) 326-2055, Fax: (503) 326-7440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Winter Pears Grown in Oregon, Washington, and California, 
Marketing Order 927.
    OMB Number: 0581-0089.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 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 in referendum among producers. The handling of 
the commodity is regulated. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized 
to oversee the order's 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 
winter pear marketing order program, which has been operating since 
1939.
    The winter pear marketing order authorizes the issuance of grade, 
size, quality, inspection, and reporting requirements for any variety 
of winter pear. Currently grade, size, quality, and inspection 
requirements are not being used. The marketing order also provides 
authority to fund projects involving production research, marketing 
research and development, and marketing promotion, including paid 
advertising. The order, and rules and regulations issued thereunder, 
authorize the Winter Pear Control Committee (committee), which is 
responsible for locally administering the program, to require handlers 
and growers to submit certain information. Much of the 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 winter 
pear production and supplies, shipments, inventories, and other 
information needed to effectively carry out the purposes of the AMAA 
and the order. A USDA form is used to allow growers to vote on 
amendments or continuance of the marketing order. In addition, winter 
pear growers and handlers who are nominated by their peers to serve as 
representatives on the committee 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 AMAA 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 0.7546 hours per response.
    Respondents: Winter pear producers and for-profit businesses 
handling fresh winter pears produced in Oregon, Washington, and 
California.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,890.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.4714
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3,570 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. 0581-0089 and the Winter Pear 
Marketing Order No. 927, and be sent to USDA in care of Teresa 
Hutchinson 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: March 12, 1997.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 97-6785 Filed 3-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P