[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30870-30871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12261]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration


Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces our intention to request a three year 
extension and revision of a currently approved information collection 
in support of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the 
Clear Title program. This approval is required under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act.

DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by August 2, 2004.

ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments on this notice. You may 
submit comments by any of the following methods:
     E-Mail: Send comments via electronic mail to 
[email protected].
     Mail: Send hardcopy written comments to Tess Butler, 
GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1647-S, Washington, DC 
20250-3604.
     Fax: Send comments by facsimile transmission to: (202) 
690-2755.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver comments to: Tess 
Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1647-S, 
Washington, DC 20250-3604.
    Instructions: All comments should make reference to the date and 
page number of this issue of the Federal Register.
    Background Documents: Information collection package and other 
documents relating to this action will be available for public 
inspection in the above office during regular business hours.
    Read Comments: All comments will be available for public inspection 
in the above office during regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27(b)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding the 
information collection activities and the use of the information, 
contact Jaime Adams, at (202) 720-0239 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration (GIPSA) administers the Clear Title program for the 
Secretary of Agriculture. The Clear Title program is authorized by 
Section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985 and requires that States 
implementing central filing system for notification of liens on farm 
products must have such systems certified by the Secretary of 
Agriculture. The regulations implementing the Clear Title program are 
contained in 9 CFR part 205, Clear Title--Protection for Purchasers of 
Farm Products. Nineteen States currently have certified central filing 
systems.
    Title: ``Clear Title'' Regulations to implement section 1324 of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1631).
    OMB Number: 0580-0016.
    Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2004.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The information is needed to carry out the Secretary's 
responsibility for certifying a State's central filing system under 
section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985. Section 1324 of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 enables States to establish central filing systems 
to notify potential buyers, commission merchants, and selling agents of 
security interests (liens) against farm products. The Secretary of 
Agriculture has delegated authority to GIPSA for certifying the 
systems. Nineteen States have certified central filing systems. The 
purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
concerning our information collection.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting and recordkeeping burden for 
this collection of information is estimated to be 4 to 40 hours per 
response (amendments to certified systems require less time, new 
certifications require more time).
    Respondents (Affected Public): States seeking certification of 
central filing systems to notify buyers of farm products of any 
mortgages or liens on the products.

[[Page 30871]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1. (In 1992 and 1993, one State 
per year was certified; currently, one State's recertification request 
is pending. Since 1996, at most one State per year has requested an 
amendment to its certification.)
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 4-40 hours.
    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)) and its implementing regulations (5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1)(i)), we specifically request comments 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 on 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.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for the Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments 
will also become a matter of public record.

    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506 and 5 CFR 1320.8.

Donna Reifschneider,
Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
[FR Doc. 04-12261 Filed 5-28-04; 8:45 am]
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