Micro-Grants for Food Security Program; Request for Emergency Approval of a New Information Collection, 31431-31432 [2020-11222]

Download as PDF 31431 Notices Federal Register Vol. 85, No. 101 Tuesday, May 26, 2020 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Overview of This Information Collection Agricultural Marketing Service [Document No. AMS–TM–20–0043] Micro-Grants for Food Security Program; Request for Emergency Approval of a New Information Collection Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of emergency request. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intention to receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to collect information for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) under its Grants Division. Due to the passing of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115–343) (Farm Bill), AMS Grants Division is implementing this new grant program under section 4206, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ‘‘distribute funds to the agricultural department or agency of each eligible state for the competitive distribution of subgrants to eligible entities for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter.’’ DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 27, 2020 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning this information collection notice. Comments should be submitted online at www.regulations.gov or sent to Nicole Nelson Miller, Acting Grants Division Director, AMS Transportation and Marketing Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0269, Washington, DC 20250–0264, or email Nicole.NelsonMiller@usda.gov. All comments should reference the Doc. No. AMS–TM–20–0043, the date, and the page number of this issue of the Federal SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 May 22, 2020 Jkt 250001 Register. All comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided, online at www.regulations.gov and will be made available for public inspection at the above physical address during regular business hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Nelson Miller at the above physical address, or by email at Nicole.NelsonMiller@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Abstract In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), AMS is seeking approval from the OMB for a new information collection under OMB No. 0581–NEW needed for the implementation of the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). Once approved, the collection will be merged with 0581–0240. MGFSP operates pursuant to the authority of section 4206 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115–343), (7 U.S.C. 7518) (Farm Bill) and is implemented through the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200). The AMS Grants Division requests to collect information from agricultural agencies or departments in eligible states, which include Alaska, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the United States Virgin Islands for this new grant program. MGFSP is intended to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food insecure communities, including through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, in eligible states. The Farm Bill authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10 million for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter. In fiscal year 2020, $5 million was appropriated. Because MGFSP is voluntary, respondents request or apply for this specific non-competitive grant program, and in doing so, they provide information. AMS is the primary user of the information. The information PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 collected is needed to certify that grant participants are complying with applicable program regulations, and the data collected is the minimum information necessary to effectively carry out the requirements of the program. The information collection requirements in this request are essential to carry out the intent of the 7 U.S.C. 7518, to provide the respondents the type of service they request, and to administer this program. The burden of the MGFSP is as follows: Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) Estimate of Burden: 2.65 hours per response. Respondents: Grant applicants, grant recipients. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10. Estimated Total Annual Responses Including Recordkeeping: 120. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 11. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents and Recordkeepers: 318.33 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the new 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 new 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. Obtaining OMB’s approval of this new information collection enables AMS Grants Division to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) to establish application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures, which will enable eligible states to develop appropriate grant applications for the program so that AMS can adequately evaluate these new proposals and E:\FR\FM\26MYN1.SGM 26MYN1 31432 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 101 / Tuesday, May 26, 2020 / Notices obligate the funds as required by the Farm Bill. Bruce Summers, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2020–11222 Filed 5–22–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–ST–20–0050] Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection ‘‘Laboratory Approval Programs.’’ SUMMARY: Comments on this notice must be received by July 27, 2020 to be assured of consideration. Additional Information or Comments: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning this notice by using the electronic process available at https://www.regulations.gov. Written comments may also be submitted to Laboratory Approval and Testing Division, Science and Technology Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0272, Washington, DC 20250–0272; or by facsimile to (202) 720–4631. All comments should reference the docket number AMS–ST–20–0050, the date, and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments will become a matter of public record and will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours and may be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Laboratory Approval Programs. OMB Number: 0581–0251. Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2020. Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 May 22, 2020 Jkt 250001 U.S.C. 1621–1627), AMS’ Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) approves, or accredits, laboratories to perform testing services in support of domestic and international trade. At the request of industry, other Federal agencies, or foreign governments, AMS develops and administers laboratory approval programs (LAPs) to verify that the analysis of food and agricultural products meet country or customerspecified requirements. LAS ensures the testing of products marketed is conducted by qualified and approved laboratories. LAPs requirements include good laboratory, quality assurance and control practices; applicable domestic and international standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025); established methods and accepted equipment; and on-site audits. Laboratories voluntarily participate in the program and pay program fees. Currently, LAS administers four LAPs with 60 participants. The information collection includes customer/business information and quality management system (QMS) documentation essential to examine laboratories for entrance and continual participation in the following programs: (1) Aflatoxin Program—this program approves laboratories to perform aflatoxin testing in support of domestic and/or export trade of almonds, peanuts, and pistachio nuts. (a) Almond. At the request of the Almond Board of California (ABC), AMS administers the program for aflatoxin testing of almonds destined for export to the European Union (EU) through the Pre-Export Certification program of ABC. (b) Peanuts. AMS administers Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for Domestic and Imported Peanuts Marketed in the United States (7 CFR 996 Parts 996.1–996.75). The regulation requires domestically marketed peanuts for human consumption to be analyzed for aflatoxin by a USDA or USDA-approved laboratory. AMS consults with the Peanut Standards Board on program requirements. (c) Pistachio Nuts. AMS administers mandatory domestic and import aflatoxin requirements for pistachio nuts under Pistachios Grown in California, Arizona, and New Mexico (7 CFR part 983) and Specialty Crops, Import Regulations (7 CFR part 999, Section 999.600), respectively. All domestic and import shipments of pistachio nuts intended for human consumption must be tested for aflatoxin contamination. At the request of the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (ACP), laboratories may also participate in the program for pistachio nuts destined for EU through the PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Pistachio Export Aflatoxin Reporting (PEAR) program of ACP. (2) Export Program—this program approves laboratories to perform testing of meat and poultry products offered for export certification by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). LAS collaborates with FSIS, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the meat and poultry industries to administer a flexible and comprehensive program to provide reliable analyses of pesticide residues, environmental contaminants, veterinary drug residues, antibiotic residues, microorganisms, and parasites. (3) Microbiological Testing of Poultry Products for the Federal Purchase Program (FPP)—this program approves laboratories to perform microbiological testing of frozen, cooked, diced chicken procured for the Federal Purchase Program and is limited to the analysis of aerobic plate counts, coliform counts, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, generic Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Listeria monocytogenes. (4) Dairy Program—this program supports the Dairy Grading Branch for laboratories testing butter for quality and grading standards. LAS collaborates with the Dairy Grading Branch and the dairy industry to administer an audit program to provide reliable analysis for the grading of butter. All LAPs follow similar general procedures for application process and evaluations for continual participation. Applicants (laboratories applying to be approved or accredited by AMS) and participants (laboratories approved or accredited under a LAP) are responsible for paying applicable program fees. An applicant or participant may withdraw or voluntarily request suspension at any time and if deemed necessary LAS can suspend or dismiss a participant. The greatest information collection burden is during the application process. The application process can occur when an applicant seeks approval into a program and when a participant seeks to expand their scope of approval. Generally, the application process includes, submission of an application letter and application package, including customer/business information for billing and QMS documentation; and receive an audit by AMS. The customer/business information collected includes business legal name, Federal Tax ID Number, mailing address, billing address, management contacts and accounts payable contact. The burden hours incurred for an applicant to submit application package materials for application or expansion of scope is typically a one-time occurrence and is E:\FR\FM\26MYN1.SGM 26MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 101 (Tuesday, May 26, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31431-31432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-11222]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 101 / Tuesday, May 26, 2020 / 
Notices

[[Page 31431]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Document No. AMS-TM-20-0043]


Micro-Grants for Food Security Program; Request for Emergency 
Approval of a New Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of emergency request.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention 
to receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 
collect information for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program 
(MGFSP) under its Grants Division. Due to the passing of the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-343) (Farm Bill), AMS 
Grants Division is implementing this new grant program under section 
4206, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ``distribute funds 
to the agricultural department or agency of each eligible state for the 
competitive distribution of subgrants to eligible entities for fiscal 
year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter.''

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 27, 2020 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning 
this information collection notice. Comments should be submitted online 
at www.regulations.gov or sent to Nicole Nelson Miller, Acting Grants 
Division Director, AMS Transportation and Marketing Program, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0269, Washington, DC 20250-0264, or email 
[email protected]. All comments should reference the Doc. 
No. AMS-TM-20-0043, the date, and the page number of this issue of the 
Federal Register. All comments received will be posted without change, 
including any personal information provided, online at 
www.regulations.gov and will be made available for public inspection at 
the above physical address during regular business hours.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Nelson Miller at the above 
physical address, or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Overview of This Information Collection

Abstract

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), AMS is seeking approval from the OMB for a new information 
collection under OMB No. 0581-NEW needed for the implementation of the 
Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). Once approved, the 
collection will be merged with 0581-0240.
    MGFSP operates pursuant to the authority of section 4206 of the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-343), (7 U.S.C. 7518) 
(Farm Bill) and is implemented through the Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal 
Awards (2 CFR 200). The AMS Grants Division requests to collect 
information from agricultural agencies or departments in eligible 
states, which include Alaska, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the United States Virgin 
Islands for this new grant program.
    MGFSP is intended to increase the quantity and quality of locally 
grown food in food insecure communities, including through small-scale 
gardening, herding, and livestock operations, in eligible states. The 
Farm Bill authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10 million 
for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter. In fiscal year 
2020, $5 million was appropriated.
    Because MGFSP is voluntary, respondents request or apply for this 
specific non-competitive grant program, and in doing so, they provide 
information. AMS is the primary user of the information. The 
information collected is needed to certify that grant participants are 
complying with applicable program regulations, and the data collected 
is the minimum information necessary to effectively carry out the 
requirements of the program. The information collection requirements in 
this request are essential to carry out the intent of the 7 U.S.C. 
7518, to provide the respondents the type of service they request, and 
to administer this program. The burden of the MGFSP is as follows:

Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP)

    Estimate of Burden: 2.65 hours per response.
    Respondents: Grant applicants, grant recipients.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses Including Recordkeeping: 120.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 11.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents and Recordkeepers: 
318.33 hours.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the new 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 
new 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.
    Obtaining OMB's approval of this new information collection enables 
AMS Grants Division to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) to 
establish application requirements, the review and approval process, 
and grant administration procedures, which will enable eligible states 
to develop appropriate grant applications for the program so that AMS 
can adequately evaluate these new proposals and

[[Page 31432]]

obligate the funds as required by the Farm Bill.

Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-11222 Filed 5-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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