[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 10 (Friday, January 14, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2645-2646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-703]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    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) 720-8681.
    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.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Value-Added Producer Grants.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0039.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 
an agency within the USDA Rural Development mission area will 
administer the Value-Added Producer Grants Program. The Program is 
authorized by the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-
224) as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171). The objective of this program is to 
encourage producers of agricultural commodities and products of 
agricultural commodities to further refine these products increasing 
their value to end users of the product. These grants will be used for 
two purposes: (1) To fund feasibility studies, marketing and business 
plans, and similar development activities; (2) to use the grant as part 
of the venture's working capital fund. Grants are awarded either for 
planning purposes such as conducting a feasibility study or

[[Page 2646]]

developing a business plan or for working capital expenses such as 
inventory, utilities, and salaries.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will use the information 
collected to determine (1) Eligibility; (2) the specific purpose for 
which the funds will be utilized; (3) time frames or dates by which 
activities are to be accomplished; (4) feasibility of the project; (5) 
applicants' experience in managing similar activities; and (6) the 
effectiveness and innovation used to address critical issues vital to 
value-added ventures development and sustainability. Without this 
information, there would be no basis on which to award funds.
    Description of Respondents: Farms; Business or other for-profit; 
Not-for-profit institutions; Individuals.
    Number of Respondents: 535.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion; 
Monthly; Semi-annually; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 59,500.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-703 Filed 1-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P