Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, 11893-11894 [2017-03749]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Notices budgets; and making funds available for such programs when approved. The objective of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program is to strengthen cotton’s competitive position and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for cotton. The Cotton Board is prohibited from participating in any matters influencing governmental policies or action except making recommendations for amendments to the Order. Amendments to the Act were enacted under subtitle G of title XIX of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–624, 104 Stat. 3909, November 28, 1990). These amendments provided for: (1) Importer representation on the Cotton Board; (2) the assessment of imported cotton and cotton products; (3) increasing the amount the Secretary of Agriculture can be reimbursed for conduct of a referendum from $200,000 to $300,000; (4) reimbursing government agencies who assist in administering the collection of assessments on imported cotton and cotton products; and (5) terminating the right of a producer to demand a refund of assessments. The Act Amendments of 1990 were approved by a majority (60 percent) of importers and producers of cotton voting in a referendum conducted July 17–26, 1991, as required by the Act. Results of this referendum were announced in a nationally distributed press release dated August 2, 1991. The Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendment of 1990, Section 8(c)(1) provides that once every 5 years after the July 1991 referendum, the Secretary of Agriculture is to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed. In such a referendum, producers and importers would determine whether they favor continuation of the amendments to the Order provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990. These amendments to the Order were promulgated in final rules published in the Federal Register on December 10, 1991 (56 FR 64470), corrected at 56 FR 66670. The results of the most recent review report of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program were issued on May 29, 2013. USDA announced its view (78 FR 32228) not to conduct a referendum regarding the 1991 amendments to the Order. In accordance with Section 8(c)(2) of the Act, USDA provided an opportunity for all eligible persons to request a continuance referendum on the 1991 amendments by making such a request during a sign-up period. During the period of August 3–August VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:23 Feb 24, 2017 Jkt 241001 14, 2015, the Department conducted a sign-up period for all eligible persons to request a continuance referendum on the 1990 Act amendments. The announced results of the sign-up period (80 FR 76654) did not meet the criteria established for a continuance referendum by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act and therefore, a referendum was not conducted. In 2017, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Secretary of Agriculture will conduct its review of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program Act amendments to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers support continuation of the amendments to the Order, as provided for by the 1990 Act amendments. The Secretary of Agriculture will make a public announcement of the results of the review. Pursuant to the Act, if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a referendum is needed, the Secretary of Agriculture will conduct the referendum within 12 months after a public announcement of the determination to conduct the referendum. If the Secretary determines that a referendum is not warranted, a sign-up period to request such a referendum will be made available to cotton producers and importers. A referendum will be held if requested by 10 percent or more of those voting in the most recent referendum as long as not more than 20 percent are from any one State or importers of cotton. This sign-up period would be announced in the Federal Register. A 60-day comment period is provided for interested persons to provide comments to be used by USDA in its review. All interested persons are invited to submit written comments. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2101–2118. Dated: February 21, 2017. Bruce Summers, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2017–03709 Filed 2–24–17; 8:45 am] 11893 increase in the fiscal year (FY) 2017 specialty sugar tariff-rate quota (TRQ) of 40,000 metric tons raw value (MTRV). DATES: Effective Date: February 27, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Souleymane Diaby, Import Policies and Export Reporting Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., AgStop 1021, Washington, DC 20250–1021; by telephone (202) 720– 2916; by fax (202) 720–0876; or by email to Souleymane.Diaby@fas.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 6, 2016, USDA announced the establishment of the in-quota quantity of the FY 2017 refined sugar TRQ at 162,000 MTRV for which the sucrose content, by weight in the dry state, must have a polarimeter reading of 99.5 degrees or more (81 FR 27390, May 6, 2016). This amount included the minimum level to which the United States is committed under the WTO Uruguay Round Agreements (22,000 MTRV of which 1,656 MTRV is reserved for specialty sugar) and an additional 140,000 MTRV reserved for specialty sugars. Pursuant to Additional U.S. Note 5 to Chapter 17 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and Section 359k of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended, the Secretary today increased the overall FY 2017 refined sugar TRQ by 40,000 MTRV to 202,000 MTRV. The increased amount is reserved for specialty sugar. Entry of this sugar will be permitted beginning March 1, 2017. The sugar entered under this tariff-rate quota is reserved for organic sugar and other specialty sugars not currently produced commercially in the United States or reasonably available from domestic sources. Dated: February 7, 2017. Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. [FR Doc. 2017–03826 Filed 2–24–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–P BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary Increase in Fiscal Year 2017 Specialty Sugar Tariff-Rate Quota Office of the Secretary, USDA. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Office of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (the Secretary) is providing notice of an SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 22, 2017. 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 are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is necessary E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 11894 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 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 burden 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 through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments regarding this information collection received by March 29, 2017 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. 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. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Title: Customer Service Survey Project. OMB Control Number: 0579–0334. Summary of Collection: The Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 (7, U.S.C. 8301, et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prevent, control and eliminate domestic diseases such as tuberculosis and brucellosis and to take actions to prevent and to manage foreign animal diseases such as hog cholera, foot-andmouth disease. The Veterinary Services (VS) program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA, carries out this work. This information collection solicits the beliefs and opinions of persons who use VS services and products. The survey is required to solicit information from the general public who utilize the business services and animal programs VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:23 Feb 24, 2017 Jkt 241001 administered by the USDA, APHIS, and VS. Need and Use of the Information: The data collected from the survey will provide the local Area Office Manager with a general view of the public’s perception of customer service and indicate problems which can be addressed locally. The survey will also provide feedback from the public on recommendations to improve upon customer service and provide a vehicle in which questions can be asked about VS to educate the public. Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms; Individuals or households; Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 15,050. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 760. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–03749 Filed 2–24–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 21, 2017. 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 are requested regarding (1) 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden 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 through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments regarding this information collection received by March 29, 2017 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 their comments to OMB via email to: OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. 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. Foreign Agricultural Service Title: Certificate for Quota Eligibility (CQE). OMB Control Number: 0551–0014. Summary of Collection: Imports of raw cane sugar are subject to a tariff-rate import quota (TRQ) that is allocated on a country-by-country basis to foreign countries or areas. A U.S. certificate for quota eligibility (CQE) issued by USDA and authenticated by a certifying authority in the foreign country permits entry of raw cane sugar under the TRQ. U.S. Note 5 (a)(i) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United State requires the Secretary to establish a TRQ for raw-cane sugar (entered under HTS 1701.12.10 and 1701.14.10) during each fiscal year with a minimum TRQ amount of 1,117,195 metric tons, raw value. In Addition 5 (b)(1) authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to allocate the raw-cane sugar tariff-rate quota among supplying countries. CQEs are issued to the 40 countries that receive TRQ allocations to export sugar to the United State. The CQE is completed by the certifying authority in the foreign country that certifies that the sugar being exported to the United States was produced in the foreign country that has the TRQ allocation. The Foreign Agriculture will collect information using form FAS–961. Need and Use of the Information: FAS will collect the following information: (1) Country of origin or area of the eligible raw cane sugar; (2) quota period; (3) quantity of raw cane sugar to be exported; (4) details of the shipment (shipper, vessel, port of loading); and (5) additional details if available at the time of shipment (consignee, address of consignee, expected date of departure, expected date of arrival in the U.S., expected port of arrival). The information will help determine if the quantity to be imported is eligible to be entered under the TRQ. Without the CQEs, USDA/FAS and CBP could not E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11893-11894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03749]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 22, 2017.
    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 
are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is 
necessary

[[Page 11894]]

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 burden 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 through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    Comments regarding this information collection received by March 
29, 2017 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: 
Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office 
Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are 
encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: 
OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental 
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-
8958.
    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.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

    Title: Customer Service Survey Project.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0334.
    Summary of Collection: The Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 (7, 
U.S.C. 8301, et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture to prevent, control and eliminate domestic diseases such 
as tuberculosis and brucellosis and to take actions to prevent and to 
manage foreign animal diseases such as hog cholera, foot-and-mouth 
disease. The Veterinary Services (VS) program of the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA, carries out this work. This 
information collection solicits the beliefs and opinions of persons who 
use VS services and products. The survey is required to solicit 
information from the general public who utilize the business services 
and animal programs administered by the USDA, APHIS, and VS.
    Need and Use of the Information: The data collected from the survey 
will provide the local Area Office Manager with a general view of the 
public's perception of customer service and indicate problems which can 
be addressed locally. The survey will also provide feedback from the 
public on recommendations to improve upon customer service and provide 
a vehicle in which questions can be asked about VS to educate the 
public.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms; 
Individuals or households; Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local or 
Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 15,050.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 760.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-03749 Filed 2-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.