[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 242 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78463-78464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31956]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


Notice of Request for Reinstatement of a Previously Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, this notice 
announces the Commodity Credit Corporation's (CCC) intention to request 
a reinstatement of a previously approved information collection under 
the Sugar Program. The Sugar Program is authorized by Section 156 of 
the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (the 
1996 Act) and implemented by regulations issued by CCC. Paragraph 
156(h)(1) of the 1996 Act requires cane sugar refiners, sugar beet 
processors, and sugarcane processors to ``furnish the Secretary, on a 
monthly basis, such information as the Secretary may require to 
administer sugar programs, including the quantity of purchases of 
sugarcane, sugar beets, and sugar, and production, importation, 
distribution, and stock levels of sugar.''

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 13, 2001 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Thomas W. Bickerton, 
Economic Policy Analysis Staff (EPAS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), STOP 0516, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW, Washington, DC 20250-0516; e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Sugar Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0138.
    Type of Request: Reinstatement of a previously approved collection.
    Abstract: The information which will be collected under OMB control 
number 0560-0138 will allow CCC to effectively administer the Sugar 
Program authorized and mandated by Section 156 of the 1996 Act. The 
1996 Act requires USDA to collect and publish, on a monthly basis, 
information as the Secretary may require to administer sugar programs, 
including sales of sugarcane, sugar beets, and sugar, and production, 
importation, distribution, and stock levels of sugar. This legal 
requirement to publish monthly data could not be satisfied with less 
frequent collections.
    FSA uses these data to estimate supply and use for the monthly 
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report; publish the 
monthly Sweetener Market Data report; establish regional sugar loan 
rates; make appropriate adjustments in loan rates for raw and beet 
sugar for differences in grade, type, quality, and other factors; and 
estimate the impact of alternative sugar policy options on the sugar 
market. Also, these data help USDA determine the adequacy of the amount 
of sugars, syrups, and molasses permitted to be imported.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this information 
collection is estimated to average 0.5554 hours per response.
    Respondents: Cane sugar refiners, sugar beet processors, and 
sugarcane processors.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 51.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 17.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 18,698 hours.
    Proposed topics for comments include, but are not limited to: (1) 
whether the 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 burden including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information collected; and (4) ways to minimize the 
burden of the collection on those who are to respond, including the use 
of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of informational 
technology. Comments regarding this information collection requirement 
should be

[[Page 78464]]

directed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of 
Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20503, or to Thomas W. Bickerton; EPAS, FSA, USDA, STOP 
0516, Room 3734-South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0516; e-mail [email protected]. 
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.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on December 7, 2000.
Keith Kelly,
Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 00-31956 Filed 12-14-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P