[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 49 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12026-12027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5970]


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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. 68, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2003 / 
Notices  

[[Page 12026]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. FV03-932-2 NC]


Notice of Request for Extension 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 a currently 
approved information collection for Olives Grown in California, 
Marketing Order 932.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 12, 2003, to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this notice. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, 
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC 
20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938, or E-mail: [email protected]. 
All comments should reference the docket number and the date and page 
number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available 
for public inspection in the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular 
business hours, or can be viewed at: http:/www.ams.usda.gov/fv/moab.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caroline Thorpe, Marketing Specialist, 
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC 
20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491; Fax: (202) 720-8938.
    Small businesses may request information on this notice by 
contacting Jay Guerber, Regulatory Fairness Representative, Marketing 
Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; 
telephone (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or E-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Olives Grown in California, Marketing Order 932.
    OMB Number: 0581-0142.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2003.
    Type of Request: Extension 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 good quality product and adequate returns to 
producers. Under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 
(Act), as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), marketing order programs are 
established if favored by producers in referenda. The handling of the 
commodity is regulated. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to 
oversee order operations and issue regulations recommended by a 
committee of representatives from each commodity industry.
    The information collection requirements in this request are 
essential to carry out the intent of the Act, to provide the 
respondents the type of service they request, and to administer the 
California olive marketing order program, which has been operating 
since 1965.
    The California olive marketing order authorizes the issuance of 
quality, size, and inspection requirements. The order also has 
authority for research and development projects, including paid 
advertising. Pursuant to section 8e of the Act, import grade and size 
requirements are implemented on olives imported into the United States.
    The order and its rules and regulations authorize the California 
Olive Committee (committee), the agency responsible for local 
administration of the order, to require handlers and producers to 
submit certain information. Much of this information is compiled in 
aggregate and provided to the industry to assist in marketing 
decisions.
    The committee has developed forms as a means for persons to file 
required information with the committee relating to olive supplies, 
shipments, dispositions, and other information necessary to effectively 
carry out the purpose of the Act and the order. California olives are 
shipped year-round and these forms are used accordingly. A USDA form is 
used to allow growers to vote on amendments to or continuance of the 
order.
    Formal rulemaking amendments to the order must be approved in 
referenda conducted by the Secretary. Also, the Secretary may conduct a 
continuance referendum to determine industry support for continuation 
of the order. Handlers are asked to sign an agreement to indicate their 
willingness to abide by the provisions of the order whenever the order 
is amended. These forms are included in this request.
    All the forms under this program require the minimum information 
necessary to effectively carry out the requirements of the order, and 
their use is necessary to fulfill the intent of the Act as expressed in 
the order.
    The information collected would be used only by authorized 
representatives of the USDA, including AMS, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs' regional and headquarter's staff, and authorized employees of 
the committee. Authorized committee 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 .28 hour per response.
    Respondents: California olive handlers and growers.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 691.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 15.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2947 hours.
    The information collection burden would affect both California 
olive growers and handlers. The majority of the collection burden 
consists of Weight and Grade Reports totaling an estimated 2,250 burden 
hours. These reports are filed by handlers, who like growers,

[[Page 12027]]

benefit from improved returns due to more orderly market conditions. 
The rest of this information collection consists of twenty-four forms 
that add a total of 697 estimated burden hours.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of the 
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. 0581-0142 and California Olive 
Marketing Order No. 932, and be sent to Docket Clerk, Fruit and 
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 
0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938; or E-mail: 
[email protected]. All comments received will be available for 
public inspection during regular business hours at the same address and 
will become a matter of public record.
    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.

    Dated: March 7, 2003.
A. J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 03-5970 Filed 3-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P