[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 173 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 52759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14819]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 173 / Thursday, September 7, 2006 / 
Notices  

[[Page 52759]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

September 1, 2006.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) 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; (b) the accuracy 
of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) 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 should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or 
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these 
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if 
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the 
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Economic Research Service

    Title: Rapid Consumer Response Survey.
    OMB Control Number: 0536-NEW.
    Summary of Collection: The Economic Research Service (ERS), as the 
lead economic research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has 
the responsibility to conduct economic research supporting the mission 
of the Department. This responsibility includes conducting research and 
providing information to Department officials on economic issues 
related to food safety, nutrition and health (including factors related 
to food choices), consumption patterns at and away from home, food 
prices, food assistance programs, nutrition education, and food 
industry structure. USDA faces many demands for information about 
consumer behavior. To better assess issues of importance to consumers 
and to agriculture, a pilot survey, entitled Rapid Consumer Response 
Module (RCRM), is being proposed that will address topical issues in 
consumer behavior. RCRM will enable the Department to assess consumer 
attitudes and reactions to market developments and such policy events 
as the new dietary guidelines, mercury standards for fish, country of 
origin labeling, price or supply shocks in the food distribution 
system, and food safety incidents.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information collected in the 
RCRM survey will be on consumption, behavior, and consumer reaction to 
and opinions about food safety incidents and diet and health issues. 
The information gained from the RCRM will help researchers formulate 
their hypotheses and provide key indicators on consumers' attitude or 
perception on dietary and safety issues. Without the information ERS is 
not able to conduct the proposed surveys, the agency's ability to have 
access to timely information about consumer behavior and attitude on 
diet and health issues will be greatly hampered.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.
    Number of Respondents: 6,600.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly.
    Total Burden Hours: 3,080.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-14819 Filed 9-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-18-P