[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 28, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46055-46056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11601]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 103 / Tuesday, May 28, 2024 / 
Notices  

[[Page 46055]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-LP-24-0011]


Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intent to 
request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an 
extension of and revision to the currently approved information 
collection used in support of the voluntary grading and certification 
of meat, meat products, shell eggs, poultry products, rabbit products, 
and Audit Verification and Accreditation Programs (OMB 0581-0128).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 29, 2024 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning 
this notice online using the electronic process available at https://www.regulations.gov. Written comments may be submitted to: Quality 
Assessment Division; Livestock and Poultry Program; Agricultural 
Marketing Service, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258; 
Washington, DC 20250-0258. All comments should reference the docket 
number: AMS-LP-24-0011, the date of submission, and the page number of 
this issue of the Federal Register. All comments submitted in response 
to this notice will be posted without change, including any personal 
information provided, at https://www.regulations.gov/, and become a 
matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Degenhart, Quality Assessment 
Division; Telephone (202) 322-9826, or Email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Regulations for Voluntary Grading, Certification, and 
Standards--7 CFR 54, 56, 62, and 70.
    OMB Number: 0581-0128.
    Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2024.
    Type of Request: Request for extension of and revision of a 
currently approved information collection.
    Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-
1627), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act,'' directs and authorizes 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and improve 
standards of quality, grades, grading programs, and certification 
services which facilitate the marketing of agricultural products. To 
provide programs and services, section 203(h) of the Act (7 U.S.C. 
1622(h)) directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to 
inspect, certify, and identify the class, quality, quantity, and 
condition of agricultural products under such rules and regulations as 
the Secretary may prescribe, including assessment and collection of 
fees for the cost of service. The regulations in 7 CFR parts 54, 56, 
and 70 provide a voluntary program for grading, certification and 
standards of meats, prepared meats, meat products, shell eggs, poultry 
products, and rabbit products. The regulation in 7 CFR part 62--AMS 
Audit Verification and Accreditation Programs (AVAAP) provides for a 
collection of voluntary, audit-based, user-fee funded programs that 
allow applicants to have program documentation and program processes 
assessed by AMS auditor(s) and other USDA officials.
    AMS is committed to improving services through collaborative 
efforts with respondents. In this renewal, AMS is including estimates 
relating to key enhancements to ensure USDA grading is delivered with 
consistency, accuracy and improve data sharing. AMS also plans to 
combine forms LP-109 and LP-109A to eliminate duplicate information 
from respondents.
    AMS also provides other types of voluntary services under these 
regulations, including contract and specification acceptance services 
and verification of product, processing, further processing, 
temperature, and quantity. Because this is a voluntary program, 
respondents request or apply for the specific service they wish, and in 
doing so, they provide information. The information collected is used 
only by authorized representatives of USDA (AMS, Livestock and Poultry 
Program's national and field staff, which includes state agencies) and 
is used to conduct services requested by respondents. Information 
collected includes but is not limited to: total received volume in 
pounds or cases, volume in pounds of graded, daily total of grades 
assigned (e.g., by carcass), grading camera images and associated data, 
processed and reprocessed products, case volume of graded product, 
applicant's name, billing and facility address, scheduled hours, and 
requests for approval of commodity specifications, camera approvals, 
and chemical compounds. AMS is the primary user of the information with 
some information collected to be returned to respective respondents.
    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 
program.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 0.147 hours per response.
    Respondents: Livestock, meat, poultry, shell egg industries, or 
other agricultural enterprises; state or local governments; or other 
businesses or organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,483.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 55.71.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 82,615.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 12,167.95 hours.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of AMS, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of AMS' 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

[[Page 46056]]

collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including 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 OMB approval. All responses will become a matter of public 
record, including any personal information provided.

Melissa Bailey,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-11601 Filed 5-24-24; 8:45 am]
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