[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13147-13148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6489]


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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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 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 51 / Wednesday, March 17, 1999 / 
Notices  

[[Page 13147]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. FV99-981-2 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 to a 
currently approved information collection for Almonds Grown in 
California, Marketing Order 981.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 17, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Tershirra T. Yeager, Program 
Assistant, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, AMS, USDA, room 2525-S., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 
20090-6456; Tel: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-5698, or E-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order 981.
    OMB Number: 0581-0071.
    Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 1999.
    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 Almond 
Board of California (Board) is responsible for locally administering 
the program.
    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 volume control 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, require 
handlers and growers to submit certain information. Much of this 
information is compiled by the Board 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 AMAA 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 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.
    The information collected is used only by authorized 
representatives of the USDA, including AMS, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs' 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 0.40 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: .86.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,638 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. 0581-0071 and the California 
Almond Marketing Order No. 981, and be mailed to Docket Clerk, Fruit 
and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, P.O. Box 96456, Room 2525-S, 
Washington, DC, 20090-6456; Fax: (202) 720-5698; or E-mail: 
[email protected]. 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.


[[Page 13148]]


    Dated: March 11, 1999.
Robert C. Keeney,
Deputy Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Programs.
[FR Doc. 99-6489 Filed 3-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P