[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 33293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12943]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Agricultural Statistics Service


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Conduct an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. 
L. No. 104-13) and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR 
part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the 
intent of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to 
request approval for an information collection, the Census of 
Agriculture Content Test.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 27, 2000 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Rich Allen, Associate 
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4117 South 
Building, Washington, D.C. 20250-2000, (202) 720-4333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Census of Agriculture Content Test.
    Type of Request: Intent to Seek Approval to Conduct an Information 
Collection.
    Abstract: The Census of Agriculture is the leading source of 
statistics about the nation's agricultural production and the only 
source of consistent, comparable data at the county, state, and 
national levels. The Census of Agriculture is required by law under the 
``Census of Agriculture Act of 1997,'' Pub. L. No. 105-113 (7 U.S.C. 
2204(g)).
    The purpose of this voluntary content test is to evaluate a number 
of factors affecting the census program: questionnaire format and 
design, new content items, changes to question location and wording, 
respondent burden, the ability of the respondent to provide the data, 
and selected processing methods. Results will be analyzed in 
preparation for the 2002 Census of Agriculture.
    Minimizing response burden while recognizing the needs for 
agricultural sector data is a consideration when reviewing content 
expansion during 2002 Census questionnaire development. USDA/NASS 
conducted meetings with other USDA and Federal agencies and contacted 
State Departments of Agriculture to gather information about uses and 
justification for county-level data. Recommendations resulting from 
these evaluations are the basis for many of the changes incorporated 
into the content test questionnaires.
    This Census of Agriculture Content Test will be conducted at the 
national level, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. The random sample will be 
mailed questionnaires with nonrespondents receiving a follow-up 
contact. NASS will summarize the data and present the findings to the 
Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information averages 2 minutes per refusal, 5 minutes per screen-out, 
and 90 minutes per positive response.
    Respondents: Farm and ranch operators.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 15,000.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 17,000 hours.
    Copies of this information collection and related instructions can 
be obtained without charge from Ginny McBride, the Agency OMB Clearance 
Officer, at (202) 720-5778.

Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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 may be sent to: Ginny 
McBride, Agency OMB Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4162 South Building, Washington, D.C. 
20250-2000 or [email protected]/nass.
    All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record 
and be summarized in the request for OMB approval.

    Signed at Washington, DC, April 3, 2000.
Rich Allen,
Associate Administrator.
[FR Doc. 00-12943 Filed 5-22-00; 8:45 am]
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