[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 67 (Monday, April 8, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 16715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-8428]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 67 / Monday, April 8, 2002 / 
Notices  

[[Page 16715]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agricultural Service


Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Foreign Agricultural Service's (FAS) intention to 
request an extension and revision for a currently approved information 
collection process based on re-estimates in support of various Export 
Services.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 7, 2002 to be 
assured of consideration.
    Requests for Comments: Send comments regarding (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 automated electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology. Comments should be sent to, and copies of Export Service 
registration forms, surveys and qualification criteria may be obtained 
from: Dan Berman, Director, Ag Export Services Division, Commodity and 
Marketing Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Stop 1052, Washington, DC 
20250-1052. All written comments received will be available for public 
inspection at the above address during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 
5:00 p.m. Phone (202) 720-6343, Fax: (202) 690-0193.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Export Services.
    OMB Number 0551-0031 (List of Commodities by Firm Available for 
Exporting--U.S. Supplier List) and Number 0551-0024 (Buyer Alert 
Program). These will be combined into OMB number 0551-0031 if this 
request is approved.
    Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2002.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection, with change to combine 0551-0031 and 0551-0024.
    Abstract: The major objective of Exporter Services is to expand 
U.S. agricultural exports by helping U.S. companies to sell their 
products outside the United States. These services are offered to both 
new and experienced exporters. Companies wanting to export can 
participate in the following programs: ``The Buyer Alert'' service is a 
proven way for U.S. companies to inform foreign buyers about their 
products; ``Trade Leads'' provide U.S. exporters with sales 
opportunities generated by overseas offices of FAS and contains 
information about the buyer, products they are seeking, and general 
terms of the purchase; the ``U.S. Suppliers' List'' service is an on-
line searchable database of over 5,000 U.S. exporters and their 
products, used by FAS to help facilitate connecting potential buyers 
with U.S. suppliers; and the ``Foreign Buyer List'' service is 
available to U.S. companies to learn about 20,000 buyers in more than 
25 countries who specialize in the import and distribution of U.S. 
products in their country. Each year a certain number of Trade Shows 
are selected in the best prospective markets to host a U.S.A. pavilion 
where U.S. companies can promote their products to buyers. The latest 
technology makes it possible to integrate an on-line virtual trade show 
with these export services. The Exporter Assistance section of the FAS 
web site http://www.fas.usda.gov/, a one-stop-shop for either the 
experienced or novice exporter offers information about exporting and 
easy access to register for these services. Customer service surveys 
and evaluations are anticipated in order to improve the effectiveness 
of these services. The information is necessary to manage, plan, and 
evaluate the effectiveness of these services, which are intended to 
help U.S. companies to market and sell their products in overseas 
markets. Authority for these activities falls under 7 U.S.C. 1761 and 
is voluntary for U.S. companies to participate. A small fee is charged 
for some of the services. Estimate of Burden: The burden to U.S. 
exporters is estimated to average 0.25 hours per response.
    Respondents: U.S. agricultural exporters of food, farm, and forest 
products.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 7500 per annum.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 4 per annum.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 7,500 hours per 
annum.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Kimberly 
A. Chisley, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at (202) 
720-2568.
    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.

    Signed at Washington, D.C. on April 2, 2002.
A. Ellen Terpstra,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.
[FR Doc. 02-8428 Filed 4-5-02; 8:45 am]
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