[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 88 (Monday, May 7, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 22997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11429]


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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. 66, No. 88 / Monday, May 7, 2001 / Notices  

[[Page 22997]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[FV-01-332]


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 intention of the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to request an extension for and 
revision to a currently approved information collection in support of 
the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed 
Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products.

DATES: Comments may be submitted on or before July 6, 2001.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact James R. Rodeheaver, 
Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 0247, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0247; fax (202) 690-1527; 
or e-mail ``[email protected]''.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: ``Regulations Governing Inspection 
and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related 
Products--7 CFR 52''.
    OMB Number: 0581-0123.
    Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2001.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et 
seq.) (AMA) directs and authorizes the Department to develop standards 
of quality, grades, grading programs, and services which facilitate 
trading of agricultural products and assure consumers of quality 
products which are graded and identified under USDA programs. To 
provide programs and services, section 203(h) of the AMA directs and 
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to inspect, certify, and 
identify the grade, class, quality, quantity, and condition of 
agricultural products under such rules and regulations as the Secretary 
may prescribe, including assessment and collection of fees for the cost 
of the service. The regulations in 7 CFR part 52 provide a voluntary 
program for grading processed fruits and vegetables and related 
products on the basis of U.S. standards and grades. AMS also provides 
other types of voluntary services under the regulations, e.g., contract 
and specification acceptance services, facility assessment services and 
certifications of quantity and quality. Voluntary grading services are 
available on a resident basis or a lot-fee basis. Respondents may 
request resident service on a continuous basis or on an as-needed 
basis. The service is paid for by the user (user-fee). Because this is 
a voluntary program, respondents need to request or apply for the 
specific service they wish, and in doing so, they provide information. 
Since the AMA requires that the cost of service be assessed and 
collected, information is collected to establish the Agency's cost. The 
information collection requirements in this request are essential to 
carry out the intent of the AMA, to provide the respondents the type of 
service they request, and to administer the program. The information 
collected is used only by authorized representatives of the USDA (AMS, 
Fruit and Vegetable Programs' national staff; regional directors and 
their staffs; Area Officers-in Charge and their staffs; and resident 
Federal graders). The information is used to administer and to conduct 
and carry out the grading services requested by the respondents. The 
Agency is the primary user of the information. Information is needed to 
carry out inspection and grading services to evaluate products as to 
quality for compliance with the respective grade standards or product 
specifications. Affected public may include any partnership, 
association, business trust, corporation, organized group, and State, 
County or Municipal government, and any authorized agent that has a 
financial interest in the commodity involved.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 0.0007 hours per response (33,492 
total hours divided by 48,127 total annual responses).
    Respondents: Applicants who are applying for grading and inspection 
services, and the Qualified Through Verification Program.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,672.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 28.784.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 33,492.
    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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology. Comments may be sent to Mr. James R. 
Rodeheaver, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
0709, South Building, STOP 0247, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-
4693; faxed to (202) 690-1087; or e-mailed to 
[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 become a matter of public 
record.

    Dated: May 1, 2001.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 01-11429 Filed 5-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P