[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 67 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16756-16757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-8903]


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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. 62, No. 67 / Tuesday, April 8, 1997 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. FV97-932-1 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 of a 
currently-approved information collection for olives grown in 
California, Marketing Order 932 (7 CFR 932).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 9, 1997 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Terry Vawter, Marketing 
Specialist, California Marketing Field Office, Fruit and Vegetable 
Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 2202 Monterey Street, Suite 102B, Fresno, CA 93721, Tel: 
(209) 487-5901, Fax: (209) 487-5906.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Olives Grown in California, Marketing Order No. 932.
    OMB Number: 0581-0142.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 1997.
    Type of Request: Intent to extend and revise 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 good 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 olive marketing order program.
    The California olive marketing order, which has been operating 
since 1965, authorizes the issuance of grade and size standards, and 
inspection requirements. The order also has authority for research and 
development projects, including paid advertising. Pursuant to section 
608(e)(1) of the AMAA, import grade and condition requirements are 
implemented on olives imported into the United States.
    The order and its rules and regulations authorize the California 
Olive Committee (committee), the agency responsible for local 
administration of the order, to require handlers and producers 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 means for persons to file 
required information with the committee relating to olives supplies, 
shipments, dispositions, and other information necessary to effectively 
carry out the purpose of the Act and the order. California olives are 
shipped year-round and these forms are used accordingly. A USDA form is 
used to allow growers to vote on amendments to or continuance of the 
order.
    Olive producers who are nominated by their peers to serve as 
representatives on the committee must file nomination forms with the 
Secretary. Handler representatives must also file nomination forms with 
the Secretary.
    Since the previous submission, there has been a decrease in the 
number of handlers; and, therefore, the number of recordkeepers. In 
addition, all current handlers have representatives on the committee. 
Handlers are also required to file forms relating to the receipt, 
storage, use, disposition, inventory, and shipments of olives.
    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. Handlers are asked to sign an agreement to indicate their 
willingness to abide by the provisions of the order whenever the order 
is amended. These forms 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 AMAA as expressed in the order, 
and the rules and regulations issued under 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 .28 hours per response.
    Respondents: California olive producers and handlers.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 692.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 19.82.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3,881 hours.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed 
collection of the 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

[[Page 16757]]

automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments should reference OMB No. 0581-0142 and California Olive 
Marketing Order No. 932, and be sent to the USDA in care of Terry 
Vawter, Marketing Specialist, California Marketing Field Office, Fruit 
and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 2202 Monterey Street, Suite 102B, Fresno, CA 93721. 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: April 1, 1997.
Robert C. Keeney,
Director, Fruit and Vegetable Division.
[FR Doc. 97-8903 Filed 4-7-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P