Request for an Extension of and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection, 44606-44607 [E6-12752]

Download as PDF sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 44606 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 151 / Monday, August 7, 2006 / Notices submitted to AMS are tested for factors such as purity and germination at the request of the applicant for the service. In addition, grain samples, submitted at the applicant’s request, by the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration are examined for the presence of certain weed and crop seed. A Federal Seed Analysis Certificate is issued giving the test results. Most of the seed tested under this program is scheduled for export. Many importing countries require a Federal Seed Analysis Certificate on U.S. seed. The only information collected is information needed to provide the service requested by the applicant. This includes information to identify the seed being tested, the seed treatment (if treated with a pesticide), the tests to be performed, and any other appropriate information required by the applicant to be on the Federal Seed Analysis Certificate. The number of seed companies applying for the seed testing service has decreased from 82 to 53 during the past 3 years due to a decrease in the number of companies exporting seed. The total number of samples received for testing has increased. Therefore, the average burden for information collection has increased for seed companies applying for the service. The information in this collection is used only by authorized AMS employees to track, test, and report results to the applicant. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average .25 hours per response. Respondents: Applicants for seed testing service. Estimated Number of Respondents: 53. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 51.4. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 681.0 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) 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; (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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:19 Aug 04, 2006 Jkt 208001 Comments may be sent to Richard C. Payne, Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, LS, AMS, USDA, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054–2193 or by E-mail to richard.payne2@usda.gov. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: August 1, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–12750 Filed 8–4–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket No. LS–06–04] Request for an Extension of and Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: 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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection for Federal Seed Act Labeling and Enforcement. DATES: Comments received by October 6, 2006 will be considered. Additional Information or Comments: Contact Richard C. Payne, Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054–2193; telephone (704) 810–8871, fax (704) 852–4109. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Federal Seed Act Program. OMB Number: 0581–0026. Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2007. Type of Request: Extension and revision of currently approved information collection. Abstract: This information collection and recordkeeping requirements are necessary to conduct the Federal Seed Act (FSA) (7 U.S.C. 1551, et seq.) PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 program with respect to certain testing, labeling, and recordkeeping requirements of agricultural and vegetable seeds in interstate commerce. Regulations under the FSA appear at 7 CFR Part 201. The FSA, Title II, is a truth-in-labeling law that regulates agricultural and vegetable planting seed in interstate commerce. Seed subject to the FSA must be labeled with certain quality information and it requires that information to be truthful. The FSA prohibits the interstate shipment of falsely advertised seed and seed containing noxious-weed seeds that are prohibited from sale in the State into which the seed is being shipped. No unique forms are required for this information collection. The FSA requires seed in interstate commerce to be tested and labeled. Once in a State, seed must comply with the testing and labeling requirements of the State seed law. The same test and labeling required by the FSA nearly always satisfies the State’s testing and labeling requirements. Also the receiving, sales, cleaning, testing, and labeling records required by the FSA, are records that the shipper would normally keep in good business practice. The information obtained under this information collection is the minimum information necessary to effectively carry out the enforcement of the FSA. With the exception of the requirements for entering a new variety into a state seed certification program (set forth separately below), the information collection is entirely recordkeeping rather then reporting. Seed Testing and Labeling Estimate of Burden: Public reporting (recordkeeping) burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 14.38 hours per recordkeeper. Respondents (Record keepers): Interstate shippers and labelers of seed. Estimated Number of Respondents (Record keepers): 2,740. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent (Record keeper): Not Applicable. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents (Record keepers): 39,388 hours. Eligibility for Certification of New Varieties Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information (eligibility for certification of new varieties) is estimated to average 1 hour per response. Respondents: Entities seeking to enter new varieties into State seed certification programs. E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 151 / Monday, August 7, 2006 / Notices Estimated Number of Respondents: 40. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.5. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 100 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) 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; (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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Richard C. Payne, Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, LS, AMS, USDA, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054–2193 or E-mail to richard.payne2@usda.gov. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: August 1, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–12752 Filed 8–4–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–06–315] United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions of the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. At a meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:19 Aug 04, 2006 Jkt 208001 in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash for possible revision. AMS is considering proposed revisions to the U.S. standards that would incorporate grades that describe the quality and size of summer squash currently being marketed. Additionally, definitions would be included for defects not currently in the standards, and the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category would be eliminated from the standards. AMS is seeking comments regarding these changes and any other revisions to the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by October 6, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250–0240; fax (202) 720–8871, e-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash are available either at the above address or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, at the above address or call (202) 720–2185; e-mail Cheri.Emery@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities. AMS makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44607 AMS is considering revisions to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These standards were last revised on January 6, 1984. Background At a meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the Industry. AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash for possible revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed revisions, and any other comments on the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash to better serve the industry. AMS is considering revising the U.S. standards to include a U.S. Fancy grade that would describe the level of quality and size of the summer squash currently being marketed by the industry. AMS is also proposing to add specific definitions for defects that are not defined in the standards, which are currently scored and described using the general definitions for ‘‘damage’’ and ‘‘serious damage’’ depending on whether the defect ‘‘materially’’ or ‘‘seriously detracts from the appearance, or edible or marketing quality of the squash.’’ Definitions for scars, cuts, cracks, dirt, mechanical damage, bruising, scuffing, surface discoloration, pitting, shriveling and mold would be included. Additionally, AMS also would eliminate the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category. This section is being removed in all standards when they are revised. This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other provisions to the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the industry. This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. Should AMS conclude that revisions are needed, it will develop a proposed revised standard that will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR 36. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 151 (Monday, August 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44606-44607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12752]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. LS-06-04]


Request for an Extension of and Revision to a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget, for an extension for and revision to a currently 
approved information collection for Federal Seed Act Labeling and 
Enforcement.

DATES: Comments received by October 6, 2006 will be considered.
    Additional Information or Comments: Contact Richard C. Payne, 
Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 801 
Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054-2193; 
telephone (704) 810-8871, fax (704) 852-4109.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Federal Seed Act Program.
    OMB Number: 0581-0026.
    Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2007.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: This information collection and recordkeeping 
requirements are necessary to conduct the Federal Seed Act (FSA) (7 
U.S.C. 1551, et seq.) program with respect to certain testing, 
labeling, and recordkeeping requirements of agricultural and vegetable 
seeds in interstate commerce. Regulations under the FSA appear at 7 CFR 
Part 201.
    The FSA, Title II, is a truth-in-labeling law that regulates 
agricultural and vegetable planting seed in interstate commerce. Seed 
subject to the FSA must be labeled with certain quality information and 
it requires that information to be truthful. The FSA prohibits the 
interstate shipment of falsely advertised seed and seed containing 
noxious-weed seeds that are prohibited from sale in the State into 
which the seed is being shipped.
    No unique forms are required for this information collection. The 
FSA requires seed in interstate commerce to be tested and labeled. Once 
in a State, seed must comply with the testing and labeling requirements 
of the State seed law. The same test and labeling required by the FSA 
nearly always satisfies the State's testing and labeling requirements. 
Also the receiving, sales, cleaning, testing, and labeling records 
required by the FSA, are records that the shipper would normally keep 
in good business practice.
    The information obtained under this information collection is the 
minimum information necessary to effectively carry out the enforcement 
of the FSA. With the exception of the requirements for entering a new 
variety into a state seed certification program (set forth separately 
below), the information collection is entirely recordkeeping rather 
then reporting.

Seed Testing and Labeling

    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting (recordkeeping) burden for 
this collection of information is estimated to average 14.38 hours per 
recordkeeper.
    Respondents (Record keepers): Interstate shippers and labelers of 
seed.
    Estimated Number of Respondents (Record keepers): 2,740.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent (Record keeper): Not 
Applicable.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents (Record keepers): 
39,388 hours.

Eligibility for Certification of New Varieties

    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information (eligibility for certification of new varieties) is 
estimated to average 1 hour per response.
    Respondents: Entities seeking to enter new varieties into State 
seed certification programs.

[[Page 44607]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 40.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.5.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 100 hours.
    Comments are invited on: (1) 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; (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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology. Comments may be sent to Richard C. Payne, 
Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, LS, AMS, USDA, 801 Summit 
Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054-2193 or E-mail 
to richard.payne2@usda.gov. All comments received will be available for 
public inspection during regular business hours at the same address.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public 
record.

    Dated: August 1, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-12752 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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