Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-School Food Purchase Study-III, 78287-78288 [E8-30351]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices proposed revision and any other comments regarding revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots to better serve the industry. The current standard only applies to topped carrots of orange, orange red or orange scarlet color. AMS would revise the color requirement to allow topped carrots of any color characteristic of the variety to be graded using the standard. In addition, AMS would amend the similar varietal characteristic requirement to allow mixed colors and/ or types of carrots when designated as a mixed or specialty pack. AMS would also eliminate the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category. AMS is removing this section in all standards as 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 due to current marketing practices. This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots. Should AMS proceed with the revisions, it will develop the proposed revised standards that will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR part 36. Dated: December 16, 2008. James E. Link, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E8–30279 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request—School Food Purchase Study—III mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed collection of data for the School Food Purchase Study-III. This is a request for reinstatement with changes of a previously approved OMB package (OMB #0584–0471, expiration data 6/ 30/98). It is the third in a series of studies designed to provide statistically valid national estimates of the types, amounts, and costs of food acquisitions (both purchased foods and USDA VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 donated commodities) made by public school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program (OMB #0584–006, expiration date 3/31/2009). This proposed collection is in response to a Congressional mandate in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 20, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on (a) Whether the proposed data collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has 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 that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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: Steven Carlson, Director, Office of Research and Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Steven Carlson at 703–305–2576 or via e-mail to Steve.Carlson@fns.usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at Room 1014, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will also be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection forms and instructions should be directed to Steven Carlson on 703–305– 2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: The School Food Purchase Study—III. OMB Number: OMB #0584–0471. Expiration Date: 6/30/98. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78287 Type of Request: Reinstatement with changes of a previously approved OMB package. Abstract: In response to the Congressional mandate in Section 4307 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110–246, (Farm Bill), this study will provide statistically valid national estimates of the types, amounts, and costs of food acquired by local public school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program (OMB # 0584–0012, expiration date 3/31/2009). The study is restricted to public school districts to allow for direct comparisons of results to the previous school food purchase study (School Year 1996–97). For example, the study will examine the changes in the mix of foods acquired by public schools since the School Year 1996–97. In addition, the study will furnish the opportunity for schools to describe their food purchase practices so that information associated with food buying efficiency can be provided to other schools. A nationally representative sample of approximately 400 School Food Authorities (SFAs) will be scientifically selected and divided into four subsamples of about 100 SFAs each. Each subgroup of 100 SFAs will provide source documents (vendor summaries, invoices, etc.) containing complete food purchase information for all food acquisitions made during a three-month period representing a specific quarter of the school year. The quarterly sample design insures that data is collected across the entire school year and restricts the burden on any one school district to only three months of data collection. SFA food service directors will be asked to describe school food purchase practices and school food service operations. This allows for the examination of relationships between food purchasing practices and costs of foods to schools. This study will be augmented by the collection of food purchase data and food purchase practice information from a purposive sample of approximately 18 SFAs in areas outside the contiguous United States (Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico) to examine food costs and procurement procedures in these areas compared to those found in the contiguous United States. Affected Public: School Food Authorities. Estimated Number of Respondents: Approximately 418 SFA directors, 400 SFA directors within the contiguous United States and 18 SFA directors from areas outside the contiguous United States. E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 78288 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Notices Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 418. Hours per Response: 13. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 5,434 hours. Dated: December 16, 2008. E. Enrique Gomez, Acting Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. E8–30351 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Forest Resource Coordinating Committee Office of the Secretary, USDA. Notice of intent to establish the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee and call for nominations. AGENCY: ACTION: The Secretary of Agriculture intends to establish the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee (Committee) pursuant to Section 8005 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246) passed into law as an amendment to the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 on June 18, 2008. The Forest Resource Coordinating Committee is being established to coordinate non-industrial private forestry activities within the Department of Agriculture and with the private sector. As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, charters for Federal advisory committees must be renewed every two years. The Committee is soliciting nominations to fill eight vacancies with staggered terms up to three years. The public is invited to submit nominations for membership on the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee. SUMMARY: DATES: All nominations must be received in writing by January 6, 2009. Nominations must contain a completed application packet that includes the nominee’s name, resume, and completed form AD–755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information). Send application to James Melonas, Forest Service, USDA, Cooperative Forestry, Room 4SE, 201 14th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, by express mail or overnight courier service. Nominations sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the following address: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, State & Private mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Dec 19, 2008 Jkt 217001 Forestry, Mail Stop 1123, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1123. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ted Beauvais, Cooperative Forestry, State and Private Forestry, telephone (202) 205–1190, fax (202) 205–1271, e-mail: tbeauvais@fs.fed.us, or James Melonas, Cooperative Forestry, State and Private Forestry, telephone (202) 205–1382, fax (202) 205–1271, e-mail: jmelonas@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. II), notice is hereby given that the Secretary of Agriculture intends to establish the charter of the Forest Resource Coordinating Committee (Committee). The purpose of the Committee is to provide direction and coordination of actions within the Department of Agriculture, and coordination with State agencies and the private sector, to effectively address the national priorities for private forest conservation, with specific focus on owners of nonindustrial private forest land as described in Section 8005 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246): 1. Conserving and managing working forest landscapes for multiple values and uses; 2. Protecting forests from threats, including catastrophic wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, snow or ice storms, flooding, drought, invasive species, insect or disease outbreak, or development, and restoring appropriate forest types in response to such threats; and 3. Enhancing public benefits from private forests, including air and water quality, soil conservation, biological diversity, carbon storage, forest products, forestry-related jobs, production of renewable energy, wildlife, wildlife corridors and wildlife habitat, and recreation. The Committee is being established in accordance with Section 8005 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246). The Secretary has determined that the work of the Committee is in the public interest and relevant to the duties of the Department of Agriculture. The Committee will meet on an annual basis and its primary duties will include: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1. Provide direction and coordination of actions within the Department of Agriculture, and coordination with State agencies and private sector, to effectively address the national priorities, with specific focus on nonindustrial private forest land; 2. Clarify individual responsibilities of each agency represented on the Committee concerning the national priorities with specific focus on nonindustrial private forest land; 3. Provide advice on the allocation of funds, including the competitive funds set-aside for Competitive Allocation of Funds Innovation Projects (Sections 8007 and 8008 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub L. 110–246)); and 4. Assist the Secretary in developing and reviewing the report to Congress required by Section 8001(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246). Advisory Committee Organization The Committee structure agreed to by the Secretary follows: (a) Chief of the Forest Service; (b) Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service; (c) Administrator of the Farm Service Agency; (d) Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (e) Three State foresters or equivalent State officials from geographically diverse regions of the United States; (f) A representative of a State fish and wildlife agency; (g) A representative from the Department of Interior; and (h) A representative from the Department of Defense. Vacancies Representatives below will be appointed by the Secretary to 3-year terms, although initial appointments shall have staggered terms. Vacancies will be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. The representatives are as follows: (a) An owner of non-industrial private forest land; (b) A forest industry representative; (c) A conservation organization representative; (d) A land-grant university or college representative; (e) A private forestry consultant; (f) A representative from a State Technical Committee; (g) A representative of an Indian Tribe; and (h) A representative from a Conservation District. The Committee Chair will be the Chief of the Forest Service, in E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 246 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78287-78288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30351]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request--School Food Purchase Study--III

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on the proposed collection of data for the School Food Purchase Study-
III. This is a request for reinstatement with changes of a previously 
approved OMB package (OMB 0584-0471, expiration data 6/30/98). 
It is the third in a series of studies designed to provide 
statistically valid national estimates of the types, amounts, and costs 
of food acquisitions (both purchased foods and USDA donated 
commodities) made by public school districts participating in the 
National School Lunch Program (OMB 0584-006, expiration date 
3/31/2009). This proposed collection is in response to a Congressional 
mandate in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 20, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on (a) Whether the proposed data 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information has 
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 that were used; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (d) 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: Steven Carlson, Director, Office of 
Research and Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 
Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014, Alexandria, VA 
22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of 
Steven Carlson at 703-305-2576 or via e-mail to 
Steve.Carlson@fns.usda.gov.
    Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments electronically.
    All written comments will be open for public inspection at the 
office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours 
(8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at Room 1014, 3101 Park 
Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will 
also be a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection forms and instructions should be 
directed to Steven Carlson on 703-305-2017.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: The School Food Purchase Study--III.
    OMB Number: OMB 0584-0471.
    Expiration Date: 6/30/98.
    Type of Request: Reinstatement with changes of a previously 
approved OMB package.
    Abstract: In response to the Congressional mandate in Section 4307 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-246, 
(Farm Bill), this study will provide statistically valid national 
estimates of the types, amounts, and costs of food acquired by local 
public school districts participating in the National School Lunch 
Program and School Breakfast Program (OMB  0584-0012, 
expiration date 3/31/2009). The study is restricted to public school 
districts to allow for direct comparisons of results to the previous 
school food purchase study (School Year 1996-97). For example, the 
study will examine the changes in the mix of foods acquired by public 
schools since the School Year 1996-97. In addition, the study will 
furnish the opportunity for schools to describe their food purchase 
practices so that information associated with food buying efficiency 
can be provided to other schools.
    A nationally representative sample of approximately 400 School Food 
Authorities (SFAs) will be scientifically selected and divided into 
four subsamples of about 100 SFAs each. Each subgroup of 100 SFAs will 
provide source documents (vendor summaries, invoices, etc.) containing 
complete food purchase information for all food acquisitions made 
during a three-month period representing a specific quarter of the 
school year. The quarterly sample design insures that data is collected 
across the entire school year and restricts the burden on any one 
school district to only three months of data collection. SFA food 
service directors will be asked to describe school food purchase 
practices and school food service operations. This allows for the 
examination of relationships between food purchasing practices and 
costs of foods to schools.
    This study will be augmented by the collection of food purchase 
data and food purchase practice information from a purposive sample of 
approximately 18 SFAs in areas outside the contiguous United States 
(Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico) to examine food costs and procurement 
procedures in these areas compared to those found in the contiguous 
United States.
    Affected Public: School Food Authorities.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: Approximately 418 SFA directors, 
400 SFA directors within the contiguous United States and 18 SFA 
directors from areas outside the contiguous United States.

[[Page 78288]]

    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 418.
    Hours per Response: 13.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 5,434 hours.

    Dated: December 16, 2008.
E. Enrique Gomez,
Acting Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-30351 Filed 12-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

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