Notice of Invitation for Nominations to the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics, 7828-7829 [2015-02945]

Download as PDF Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 7828 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 29 / Thursday, February 12, 2015 / Notices Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– 2024. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: David Hancock, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: R. Renee Picanso, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720–4333. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from David Hancock, NASS—OMB Clearance Officer, at (202) 690–2388 or at ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Agricultural Resources Management Survey and Chemical Use Surveys. OMB Control Number: 0535–0218. Expiration Date of Current Approval: October 31, 2015. Type of Request: Intent to revise and extend a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The Agricultural Resource Management Survey(s) (ARMS) are the primary source of information for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a broad range of issues related to: production practices, costs and returns, pest management, chemical usage, and contractor expenses. Data is collected on both a whole farm level and on selected commodities. ARMS is the only source of information available for objective evaluation of many critical issues related to agriculture and the rural economy, such as: whole farm finance data, including data sufficient to construct estimates of income for farms by: type of operation, loan commodities, income for operator households, credit, structure, and organization; marketing information; and other economic data on input usage, production practices, and crop substitution possibilities. Data from ARMS are used to produce estimates of net farm income by type of commercial producer as required in 7 U.S.C. 7998 as amended and estimates of enterprise production costs as required in 7 U.S.C. 1441(a) as amended. Data from ARMS are also used as weights in the development of the Prices Paid Index, a component of the Parity Index referred to in the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended. These indexes are used to calculate the annual federal grazing fee rates as described in the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:54 Feb 11, 2015 Jkt 235001 and Executive Order 12548 and as promulgated in regulations found at 36 CFR 222.51, as amended. In addition, ARMS is used to produce estimates of sector-wide production expenditures and other components of income that are used in constructing the estimates of income and value-added which are transmitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) for use in constructing economy-wide estimates of Gross Domestic Product. This transmittal of data, prepared using the ARMS, is undertaken to satisfy a 1956 agreement between the Office of Management and Budget and the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce that a single set of estimates be published on farm income. Chemical Use Surveys: Congress has mandated that NASS and ERS build nationally coordinated databases on agricultural chemical use and related farm practices; these databases are the primary vehicles used to produce specified environmental and economic estimates. The surveys will help provide the knowledge and technical means for producers and researchers to address on-farm environmental concerns in a manner that maintains agricultural productivity. In this approval request, there are three significant program changes. First, the Fruit Chemical Use Survey will be reinstated in rotation with the Vegetable Chemical Use Survey. These two surveys will be conducted in alternating years. Second, starting in October 2015, data on Microbial Food Safety Practices used by farmers will be collected on both the Vegetable and Fruit Chemical Use Surveys. Finally, a new annual survey will be added to collect data on the Microbial Food Safety Practices— Packer Survey. Authority: These data will be collected under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 2204(a). Individually identifiable data collected under this authority are governed by section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires USDA to afford strict confidentiality to non-aggregated data provided by respondents. This Notice is submitted in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (at 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. NASS also complies with OMB Implementation Guidance, ‘‘Implementation Guidance for Title V of the E-Government Act, Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (CIPSEA).’’ Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 115, June 15, 2007, p. 33362. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average approximately 45 minutes per survey. Respondents: Farmers, ranchers, farm managers, farm contractors, and farm households. Estimated Number of Respondents: Approximately 90,000 respondents will be sampled each year. Over half of these respondents will be contacted more than one time in a single year. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: Approximately 85,000 hours per year. Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) 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; (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 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, through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, technological or other forms of information technology collection methods. All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record and be summarized in the request for OMB approval. Signed at Washington, DC, January 30, 2015. R. Renee Picanso, Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. 2015–02943 Filed 2–11–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–20–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Invitation for Nominations to the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). ACTION: Solicitation of Nominations to the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, this notice announces an invitation from the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture for nominations to the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. On September 2, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture renewed the Advisory SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 29 / Thursday, February 12, 2015 / Notices Committee charter for a two-year term to expire on September 2, 2016. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the scope, timing, content, etc., of the periodic censuses and surveys of agriculture, other related surveys, and the types of information to obtain from respondents concerning agriculture. The Committee also prepares recommendations regarding the content of agriculture reports and presents the views and needs for data of major suppliers and users of agriculture statistics. The nomination period for interested candidates will close February 27, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit nominations by any of the following methods: • Email: Scan the completed form and email to: HQSDOD@nass.usda.gov. • eFax: (855) 593–5473. • Mail: Nominations should be mailed to Hubert Hamer, Executive Director, Agricultural Statistics Board, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 5431 South Building, Washington, DC 20250– 2010. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: Hubert Hamer, Executive Director, Agricultural Statistics Board, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 5431 South Building, Washington, DC 20250– 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hubert Hamer, Executive Director, Agricultural Statistics Board, National Agricultural Statistics Service, (202) 720–3896. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each person nominated to serve on the committee is required to submit the following form: AD–755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information, OMB Number 0505–0001), available on the Internet at https:// www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_AD_ 755_Master_2012.pdf. This form may also be requested by telephone, fax, or email using the information above. Completed forms may be faxed to the number above, mailed, or completed and emailed directly from the Internet site. NASS is seeking additional nominations to fill vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. The original invitation for nominations ran from September 18, 2014 to October 24, 2014. Applications submitted during this time frame will be considered along with additional Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:54 Feb 11, 2015 Jkt 235001 nominations received through this announcement. For more information on the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics, see the NASS Web site at https:// www.nass.usda.gov. At the top of the homepage, click on the tab titled ‘‘About NASS‘‘. The ‘‘Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics’’ button is along the right column. The Committee draws on the experience and expertise of its members to form a collective judgment concerning agriculture data collected and the statistics issued by NASS. This input is vital to keep current with shifting data needs in the rapidly changing agricultural environment and keeps NASS informed of emerging issues in the agriculture community that can affect agricultural statistics activities. The Committee, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, consists of 20 members representing a broad range of disciplines and interests, including, but not limited to, producers, representatives of national farm organizations, agricultural economists, rural sociologists, farm policy analysts, educators, State agriculture representatives, and agriculture-related business and marketing experts. Members serve staggered 2-year terms, with terms for half of the Committee members expiring in any given year. Nominations are being sought for 6 open Committee seats. Members can serve up to 3 terms for a total of 6 consecutive years. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be elected by members to serve a 1-year term. Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in all membership appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership will include to the extent possible, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent the needs of all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, and persons with disabilities. The duties of the Committee are solely advisory. The Committee will make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture with regards to the agricultural statistics programs of NASS, and such other matters as it may deem advisable, or which the Secretary of Agriculture; Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; or the Administrator of NASS may request. The Committee will meet at least annually. All meetings are open to the public. Committee members are reimbursed for official travel expenses only. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7829 Send questions, comments, and requests for additional information to the email address, fax number, or address listed above. Signed at Washington, DC, January 30, 2015. Joseph T. Reilly, Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service. [FR Doc. 2015–02945 Filed 2–11–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–20–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Grant and Loan Application Deadlines Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of Solicitation of Applications. AGENCY: ACTION: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its Revolving Fund Program (RFP) application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. The RFP is authorized under section 306(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Con Act), 7 U.S.C. 1926 (a)(2)(B). Under the RFP, qualified private, non-profit organizations may receive RFP grant funds to establish a lending program for eligible entities. Eligible entities for the revolving loan fund will be the same entities eligible, under paragraph 1 or 2 of Section 306(a) of the Con Act, 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(1) or (b)(2), to obtain a loan, loan guarantee, or grant from the RUS Water, Waste Disposal and Wastewater loan and grant programs. This year administrative discretion points may be awarded for work plans that: Direct loans to the smallest communities with the lowest incomes emphasizing areas where according to the American Community Survey data by census tracts show that at least 20 percent of the population is living in poverty. This emphasis will support Rural Development’s goal of providing 20 percent of its funding by 2016 to these areas of need; Direct loans to areas that lack running water, flush toilets, and modern sewage disposal systems, and areas which have open sewers and high rates of disease caused by poor sanitation, in particular, colonias or Substantially Underserved Trust Areas; and Direct loans that emphasize energy and water efficient components to reduce costs and increase sustainability of rural systems. RUS will publish on its Web site at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWPrevolvingfund.html the amount of SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7828-7829]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02945]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Agricultural Statistics Service


Notice of Invitation for Nominations to the Advisory Committee on 
Agriculture Statistics

AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

ACTION: Solicitation of Nominations to the Advisory Committee on 
Agriculture Statistics.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. App. 2, this notice announces an invitation from the Office of 
the Secretary of Agriculture for nominations to the Advisory Committee 
on Agriculture Statistics.
    On September 2, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture renewed the 
Advisory

[[Page 7829]]

Committee charter for a two-year term to expire on September 2, 2016. 
The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture 
on the scope, timing, content, etc., of the periodic censuses and 
surveys of agriculture, other related surveys, and the types of 
information to obtain from respondents concerning agriculture. The 
Committee also prepares recommendations regarding the content of 
agriculture reports and presents the views and needs for data of major 
suppliers and users of agriculture statistics.

DATES: The nomination period for interested candidates will close 
February 27, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit nominations by any of the following methods:
     Email: Scan the completed form and email to: 
HQSDOD@nass.usda.gov.
     eFax: (855) 593-5473.
     Mail: Nominations should be mailed to Hubert Hamer, 
Executive Director, Agricultural Statistics Board, National 
Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Room 5431 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250-2010.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: Hubert Hamer, 
Executive Director, Agricultural Statistics Board, National 
Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Room 5431 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250-2010.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hubert Hamer, Executive Director, 
Agricultural Statistics Board, National Agricultural Statistics 
Service, (202) 720-3896.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each person nominated to serve on the 
committee is required to submit the following form: AD-755 (Advisory 
Committee Membership Background Information, OMB Number 0505-0001), 
available on the Internet at https://www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_AD_755_Master_2012.pdf. This form may also be requested by 
telephone, fax, or email using the information above. Completed forms 
may be faxed to the number above, mailed, or completed and emailed 
directly from the Internet site. NASS is seeking additional nominations 
to fill vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. 
The original invitation for nominations ran from September 18, 2014 to 
October 24, 2014. Applications submitted during this time frame will be 
considered along with additional nominations received through this 
announcement.
    For more information on the Advisory Committee on Agriculture 
Statistics, see the NASS Web site at https://www.nass.usda.gov. At the 
top of the homepage, click on the tab titled ``About NASS``. The 
``Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics'' button is along the 
right column.
    The Committee draws on the experience and expertise of its members 
to form a collective judgment concerning agriculture data collected and 
the statistics issued by NASS. This input is vital to keep current with 
shifting data needs in the rapidly changing agricultural environment 
and keeps NASS informed of emerging issues in the agriculture community 
that can affect agricultural statistics activities.
    The Committee, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, consists 
of 20 members representing a broad range of disciplines and interests, 
including, but not limited to, producers, representatives of national 
farm organizations, agricultural economists, rural sociologists, farm 
policy analysts, educators, State agriculture representatives, and 
agriculture-related business and marketing experts.
    Members serve staggered 2-year terms, with terms for half of the 
Committee members expiring in any given year. Nominations are being 
sought for 6 open Committee seats. Members can serve up to 3 terms for 
a total of 6 consecutive years. The Chairperson of the Committee shall 
be elected by members to serve a 1-year term.
    Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be 
followed in all membership appointments to the Committee. To ensure 
that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the 
needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership will include to 
the extent possible, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
the needs of all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, and persons 
with disabilities.
    The duties of the Committee are solely advisory. The Committee will 
make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture with regards to 
the agricultural statistics programs of NASS, and such other matters as 
it may deem advisable, or which the Secretary of Agriculture; Under 
Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; or the Administrator 
of NASS may request. The Committee will meet at least annually. All 
meetings are open to the public. Committee members are reimbursed for 
official travel expenses only.
    Send questions, comments, and requests for additional information 
to the email address, fax number, or address listed above.

    Signed at Washington, DC, January 30, 2015.
Joseph T. Reilly,
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02945 Filed 2-11-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-20-P
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