Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Activity Changes, 62617-62625 [2020-20523]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 193 (Monday, October 5, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62617-62625]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20523]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 1280

[Document No. AMS-LP-19-0093]
RIN 0581-AC06


Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Activity Changes

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: AMS solicits comments on proposed amendments to the Lamb 
Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order). These amendments 
would require market agencies (e.g. commission merchant, auction 
market, livestock market) in the business of receiving lambs to collect 
and remit on behalf of the producer, feeder, or seedstock producer, the 
``live-weight'' assessment on ovine animals sold and the ``price-per-
head'' assessment owed by the first handler when lambs are sold through 
these channels. Market agencies would remit the full assessment to the 
American Lamb Board (Board) when ovine animals are sold. This proposed 
rule would also make technical amendments to the Order, correcting 
references to assessment rates that were inadvertently not updated 
during the previous amendment to the Order.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 4, 2020. Pursuant to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act, comments on the information collection burden 
must be received by December 4, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be posted online at www.regulations.gov. 
Comments received will be posted without change, including any personal 
information provided. All comments should reference the docket number 
AMS-LP-19-0093, the date of submission, and the page number of this 
issue of the Federal Register. Comments may also be sent to Jason 
Julian, Agricultural Marketing Specialist; Research and Promotion 
Division; Livestock and Poultry Program, AMS, USDA; Room 2610-S, STOP 
0251, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0251; or via 
fax to (202) 720-1125. Comments will be made available for public 
inspection at the above address during regular business hours or via 
the internet at www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Julian, Agricultural Marketing 
Specialist, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock and Poultry 
Program, AMS, USDA; telephone: (202)

[[Page 62618]]

731-2149; fax: (202) 720-1125; or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Proposed Action

    Under the Order, which became effective April 11, 2002, the Board 
administers a nationally coordinated program of research, development, 
advertising, and promotion activities designed to strengthen the 
position of, and to develop and expand the markets for, ovine animals 
and ovine products. The program is financed by producers, feeders, and 
seedstock producers (i.e., producers) who pay an assessment of seven-
tenths of a cent ($0.007) per pound on all live lambs sold. 
Additionally, first handlers, primarily packers, pay $0.42 per head on 
ovine animals purchased for slaughter. No rate changes are being 
proposed.
    The Order currently mandates that assessments be collected from 
producers for the sale of live lambs, and that the assessment be 
forwarded to the subsequent purchaser(s) until remitted by a first 
handler or exporter. That first handler is responsible for submitting 
both the producer's assessment and the first handler's assessment and 
report to the Board. The collection process is known as a ``pass-
through'' assessment. Since the initial Order was established, industry 
markets have evolved; non-traditional first handlers, such as ethnic 
processors (butcher shops) and farmer's market processors now 
participate to a larger degree in the purchasing and processing of lamb 
and lamb products. However, based on information about lamb sales from 
market agencies, the Board believes many non-traditional first handlers 
are not remitting assessments, as required by the Order. The Board, in 
turn, is not capturing all assessments paid by producers and feeders. 
Over the years, Board staff has worked to collect the owed lamb 
assessments from the non-traditional buyers, with limited success.
    On January 23, 2019, the Board approved a motion to request the 
Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) amend the assessment collection 
procedures and update corresponding sections of the Order. Proposed 
revisions to the assessment collection procedures would require market 
agencies to collect the full assessment, including the first handler 
assessment portion, for remittance to the Board. The assessment 
collection change would only impact lambs sold through market agencies. 
Other modes of sale, such as traditional markets (e.g., first handler 
purchases from a producer or feeder, independent of a market agency) 
would continue to use the pass-through collection process. Examples 1 
and 2 below show the current assessment collection processes:
    Example 1--Existing Procedures--Producer sells lambs at market 
agency to a first handler: The producer pays the assessment to the 
market agency who passes the assessment through to the first handler. 
The first handler remits the live-weight (LW) and price-per-head (PH) 
assessments to the Board along with a Remittance Report form. This 
example is depicted in Figure 1. This procedure would stay the same 
under the proposed rule.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.083

    Example 2--Existing Procedures--Producer sells lambs at market 
agency to a feeder. At a later date, the feeder sells the same lambs to 
a first handler (via traditional sales/non-market agency): The producer 
pays the live-weight assessment (LW) to the market agency, who passes 
the assessment through to the feeder. At a later date, the feeder sells 
the same lambs to a first handler, where the LW assessment passes-
through to the first handler, who remits the LW assessment and the PH 
assessment to the Board. This example is depicted in Figure 2.

[[Page 62619]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.084

    Under the proposed rule, existing procedures in Example 1 above 
would stay the same and existing procedures in Example 2 above, would 
be replaced as shown in the following three scenarios.
    Example 3--Proposed Procedure--Producer sells lambs at market 
agency to first handler: Under the proposed rule, the market agency 
would collect the LW assessment from the producer and the PH assessment 
from the first handler and would remit both assessments to the Board. 
This example is depicted in Figure 3.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.085

    Example 4--Proposed Procedure--Producer sells lambs at market 
agency to a feeder. At a later date, the feeder brings the same lambs 
to a market agency to sell to a first handler: The producer pays the LW 
assessment to the market agency. The feeder pays the PH assessment to 
the market agency, which would remit both assessments to the Board (LW 
and PH). At a later date, when the feeder sells the same lambs at 
market agency, the feeder pays the LW assessment to the market agency, 
and the first handler pays the PH assessment to the market agency, 
which would remit both assessments to the Board (LW and PH). Since the 
feeder was initially charged the PH assessment (first handler's 
assessment) and then paid the total LW assessment (lambs sold at market 
agency to the first handler), the feeder would be eligible for a refund 
on the original PH assessment (initial first handler's assessment) and 
the difference between the total LW assessment and the producer's LW 
assessment. If the feeder were to exercise this option to recoup the 
two assessments, the feeder would fill out the Lamb Assessment Refund 
form (LP-85) and file with the Board to receive a refund. This example 
is depicted in Figure 4.

[[Page 62620]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.086

     Example 5--Proposed Procedure--Producer sells lambs at an 
auction market to a feeder. At a later date, the feeder sells the lambs 
to a first handler (via traditional market/non-auction market sale): 
The producer would pass-through the
    Example 5--Proposed Procedure--Producer sells lambs at a market 
agency to a feeder. At a later date, the feeder sells the lambs to a 
first handler (via traditional market/non-market agency sale): The 
producer pays the LW assessment to the market agency. Additionally, the 
feeder pays the PH assessment to the market agency, which would remit 
both assessments to the Board (LW and PH). At a later date, when the 
feeder sells the lambs to a first handler (via traditional market/non-
market agency sale), the feeder would pay the LW assessment to the 
first handler, who would remit the LW assessment and the PH assessment 
to the Board. The feeder would be eligible for refunds on the original 
PH assessment paid (first handler assessment) and the difference 
between the total LW assessment and the producer's original LW 
assessment. If the feeder were to exercise this option to recoup the 
two assessments, the feeder would fill out the Lamb Assessment Refund 
form (LP-85) and file with the Board to receive a refund. This example 
is depicted in Figure 5.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05OC20.087

    The amended collection process is estimated to generate 
approximately $500,000 in new revenue, approximately 20 percent of the 
Board's annual budget, based on 2019 production levels. The Board's 
budget is based on the amount of assessments collected on an annual 
basis, voluntary contributions, and revenue derived from the investment 
of funds.
    This proposed rule would also add a definition for market agency. 
Technical corrections to the regulations would remove references to 
obsolete assessment rates. Finally, references to Order administration 
prior to appointment of the Board would be removed.
    The Act provides for the creation of, and amendments to, the Order. 
The Order provides in Sec.  1280.210 that the Board shall have the 
powers and duties to recommend to the Secretary such amendments to the 
Order as the Board considers appropriate.

Proposed Revisions

    The proposed rule would amend Sec.  1280.101 to consolidate 
definitions listed in Sec.  1280.101 through Sec.  1280.129

[[Page 62621]]

and propose a definition for market agency. Sections 1280.102 through 
1280.129 would be removed. This change would alphabetize and 
consolidate the definitions into one section, simplifying any future 
revisions to the definitions.
    The proposed rule would amend Sec.  1280.217(a) to reflect the 
current assessment rate of seven-tenths of a cent ($.007) per pound of 
live lambs sold. This would correct the reference to an obsolete 
assessment rate. The proposed rule would also incorporate the last 
three sentences from current Sec.  1280.217(e) into Sec.  1280.217(a), 
maintaining the right of the Board to raise or lower the assessment 
rate. Section 1280.217(e) would be removed.
    The proposed rule would amend Sec.  1280.217(c) to reflect the 
current first handler assessment rate and make a conforming change to 
reflect the elimination of Sec.  1280.217(e). Additionally, a reference 
in Sec.  1280.217(c) to the assessment rate in Sec.  1280.217(e) would 
be revised to reference the assessment rate in corrected Sec.  
1280.217(a).
    The proposed rule would amend section Sec.  1280.217(d) to require 
market agencies to collect and remit the producer, seedstock producer, 
feeder, or first handler assessments to the Board. Additionally, Sec.  
1280.217(d), would provide that lamb feeder farms who pay assessments 
twice may request a refund by completing the Lamb Assessment Refund 
Form (Form LP-85) and submitting it to the Board. The proposed rule 
would remove Sec.  1280.217(g), as it is no longer applicable, and make 
conforming changes. Additionally, the proposed rule would redesignate 
Sec.  1280.217(f) as Sec.  1280.217(e); and Sec.  1280.217(h) as Sec.  
1280.217(f).
    The proposed rule would amend Sec.  1280.218 to reference the 
assessment rate established in Sec.  1280.217(a). The proposed rule 
would amend Sec.  1280.218 to change assessment due dates from time of 
export to the 15th day of the month following the month in which the 
lambs were purchased for slaughter and export or live export. This 
aligns with the current process for the collection of assessments 
listed in Sec.  1280.220.
    The proposed rule would amend Sec.  1280.220(a) to provide that 
market agencies, as well as first handlers and exporters, are 
responsible for collecting and remitting assessments to the Board.
    The proposed rule would make a conforming change to Sec.  
1280.402(b) to require market agencies to collect and remit assessments 
to the Board, to reflect the revision in Sec.  1280.217(d).
    The proposed rule would amend Sec.  1280.402(e)(1) by removing, ``. 
. . if a first handler markets lambs or lamb products directly to 
consumers, in order to avoid late payment charges.'' This phrase, which 
is not applicable here, was placed in this section inadvertently and 
should be removed.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules and promoting flexibility. 
This action falls within a category of regulatory actions that the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive Order 
12866 review. Additionally, because this rule does not meet the 
definition of a significant regulatory action, it does not trigger the 
requirements contained in Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum 
titled ``Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the E.O. of January 
30, 2017, titled Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs'' 
(February 2, 2017).

Executive Order 12988

    This proposal has been reviewed under E.O. 12988, Civil Justice 
Reform. It is not intended to have a retroactive effect. Section 524 of 
the Commodity, Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 
Act) (7 U.S.C. 7423) provides that it shall not affect or preempt any 
other Federal or State law authorizing promotion or research relating 
to an agricultural commodity.
    Under section 519 of the 1996 Act (7 U.S.C. 7418), a person subject 
to an order may file a written petition with USDA stating that an 
order, any provision of an order, or any obligation imposed in 
connection with an order, is not established in accordance with the 
law, and request a modification of an order or an exemption from an 
order. Any petition filed challenging an order, any provision of an 
order, or any obligation imposed in connection with an order, shall be 
filed within two years after the effective date of an order, provision, 
or obligation subject to challenge in the petition. The petitioner will 
have the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. Thereafter, USDA 
will issue a ruling on the petition. The Act provides that the district 
court of the United States for any district in which the petitioner 
resides or conducts business shall have the jurisdiction to review a 
final ruling on the petition, if the petitioner files a complaint for 
that purpose not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of 
USDA's final ruling.

Executive Order 13175

    This action has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements 
of E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments. The review reveals that this regulation would not have 
substantial and direct effects on Tribal governments or significant 
Tribal implications.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote 
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services, and for other purposes. As with all Federal promotion 
programs, reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce 
information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector 
agencies.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), AMS has performed an 
initial RFA regarding the impact of the proposed rule on small 
entities. The purpose of RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale 
of businesses subject to such actions in order that small businesses 
will not be unduly burdened.
    Due to a lack of resources and the time it would take to determine 
assessment compliance, the Board recommended a change to the collection 
and remittance process for market agencies. If the proposed rule is 
implemented, the Board would reduce staff travel expenses and time 
spent performing onsite audits to determine assessment compliance. The 
proposal could increase the Board's revenue by approximately $500,000 
per fiscal year, or 20 percent of the Board's annual revenue (based on 
2019 budgetary numbers).
    The proposed rule would not increase the assessment rates under the 
Order. No new economic burden would be placed on producers, feeders, 
seedstock producers, or first handlers for sales that take place 
outside of market agencies, as that process for paying assessments 
would not change.
    The proposed rule would require market agencies to report and 
collect

[[Page 62622]]

assessments from producers, feeders, seedstock producers, and first 
handlers and remit to the Board. When a sale takes place at a market 
agency, no new burden would be placed on producers or seedstock 
producers, regardless of size, as they would continue to pay their 
assessments to the market agency. No new burden would be placed on 
first handlers of any size as they would remit assessments to the 
market agency instead of the Board. The proposed rule would place a 
burden on feeder farms who pay assessments twice and would have to seek 
reimbursement for two assessments paid for the same lambs by filling 
out a Lamb Assessment Refund form.
    The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for 
sheep farms is 112410. The Small Business Association (SBA) size 
classification for this industry limits the number of employees for a 
small business to 100 people. Based on industry response, almost all 
lamb farms employ fewer than 100 people; in fact, almost all lamb farms 
employ less than 15 people. The vast majority of lamb farms are 
considered small businesses.
    According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture (AC-17-A-51), there 
were 60,675 farms that sold sheep and lambs. This number includes sheep 
and lambs raised for dairy, wool and meat. This proposed rule focuses 
only on those lambs raised for meat. The census does not break down the 
data to the level of lamb feeder farms. Therefore, AMS has worked with 
industry stakeholders to understand the makeup of the industry. 
According to lamb industry estimates, of those 60,675 farms, 500 farms 
are considered feeder farms that raise lambs for meat. Additionally, 
the lamb industry estimates that of those 500 feeder farms, 
approximately 10 percent, or 50 of those feeder farms, could 
potentially purchase/sell their lambs at market agencies. The remainder 
of the feeder farms sell lambs directly to a first handler. Therefore, 
the number of feeder farms that raise lambs for meat that would be 
financially impacted by the proposal would not be considered 
substantial.
    Under the proposed rule, a lamb feeder farm could potentially pay 
assessments twice in scenarios 4 and 5 described above and would be 
required to fill out a refund form after selling the lambs through a 
market agency to recoup the twice-paid assessment. This paperwork 
burden is described in detail in the Paperwork Reduction Act section of 
this proposed rule. AMS seeks comments on whether the limited data 
available is representative of industry lamb numbers and what 
alternative data sources, if any, are available to further refine this 
analysis.
    The proposed rule would place a new burden on market agencies to 
collect and remit assessments for the sale of lambs. The North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for marketing agencies is 
424520. Firms in the 424-sector classification are defined as large or 
small depending on the number of employees rather than sales values. 
The Small Business Association (SBA) size classification for this 
industry, limits the number of employees for a small business to 100.
    Data on employee numbers for this industry is available from the 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau. The most recent available 
data to determine the size of firms in the industry is from the 2012 
Economic Census. According to the data, the vast majority of the firms 
(666 of 668 total firms) are small businesses. According to industry, 
of the 666 existing firms, approximately 300 market agencies that sell 
lambs would be impacted by this proposed rule. Currently, 50 full-time 
market agencies are voluntarily collecting and remitting producer 
assessments to the Board; however, they are not collecting and 
remitting first handler assessments. Additionally, 250 seasonal market 
agencies are not collecting and remitting either of the assessments to 
the Board.
    The Board provided AMS an estimate that all 50 full-time market 
agencies currently utilize computer software in their information 
collection and billing processes. Therefore, implementation costs would 
consist of upgrades to each respondent's existing computer software 
system and hands-on training to amend the collection and remittance 
process, at an estimated cost of $500.00 per respondent. Additionally, 
the Board has provided an estimate to AMS that a large majority of the 
250 seasonal market agencies currently perform their information 
collection and billing process utilizing computer software programs. 
Due to seasonal sales and low sheep volume sales per respondent, AMS 
anticipates that the seasonal markets would be able to utilize existing 
computer software systems or existing hard-copy tracking procedures for 
the new collection and remittance process. If this proposed rule is 
implemented, the Board would perform educational outreach to the 
seasonal market agencies to educate them on the new collection and 
remittance process. The outreach efforts would consist of mailed 
educational materials and training webinars to limit the burden on 
auction managers to train personnel, which is estimated will cost $5.00 
per respondent. Once the computer software is installed and the 
outreach efforts have been completed, the physical submission of the 
assessments to the Board would be the only burden on market agencies, 
which would be considered a minor burden. AMS has considered the 
economic effect of this action on small entities and has determined 
that this proposed rule, while imposing new administrative burdens on 
market agencies and some feeder farms would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements that are 
imposed by the Order has been approved previously under OMB control 
number 0581-0093. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, subchapter I).
    The existing form (LP-81) would be amended to require data for the 
total lambs sold/slaughtered, to effectively carry out the requirements 
of the program, and its use is necessary to fulfill the intent of the 
Act. The Board would supply such information for data processing 
software and/or technical expertise to train market agency staff on how 
to complete the information collection and remittance process. The lamb 
information collection and remittance form would be simple, easy to 
understand, and would place as small a burden as possible on the person 
required to file the information.
    The timing and frequency of collecting the proposed information are 
intended to meet the needs of the industry while minimizing the amount 
of work necessary to fill out the required reports. In addition, the 
information that would be included on this form is not available from 
other sources because such information relates specifically to 
individual market agencies who are reporting information subject to the 
provisions of the Act. There is no practical method for collecting the 
required information without the use of these forms.
    Information collection requirements that are in this proposal 
include:
    Title: LP-81--Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Board 
Remittance Report form.
    OMB Number: 0581-0093.
    Type of Request: Amended collection.
    Abstract: The information collection requirements are essential to 
carry out this rule.
    The Order authorizes the collection of assessments from lamb 
producers, feeders, seedstock producers, and first

[[Page 62623]]

handlers. Under this proposed rule, market agencies would be required 
to collect and remit assessments, while the collection and remittance 
process would remain unchanged for sales independent of market 
agencies. This proposal would require assessment-related records, 
including the Remittance Report form, be retained for at least 2 years 
beyond the fiscal year of their applicability. This is consistent with 
the current recordkeeping requirements of the program. Two-hundred 
fifty of the 300 market agency respondents operate on a seasonal basis. 
It is estimated that these market agencies would complete three 
responses per respondent, as assessments are submitted monthly and a 
typical season consists of 3 months. The additional 50 market agency 
respondents operate on a full-time basis. These market agencies would 
complete an estimated 12 responses per year per respondent, as 
assessments are submitted monthly.
    The design of this form has been carefully reviewed, and every 
effort has been made to minimize any unnecessary recordkeeping costs or 
requirements, including efforts to utilize information already 
submitted under other lamb programs administered by the USDA. The form 
would be available through the Board or USDA. The information 
collection would be used only by authorized Board employees and 
representatives of USDA, including AMS staff.
    The request for approval of the amended information collection is 
as follows:
    (1) Form LP-81, Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Board 
Remittance Report form.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 1 hour per lamb sale or purchase 
via market agency.
    Respondents: Lamb Market Agencies.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 800 (includes 300 new 
respondents--50 monthly and 250 seasonal)
    Estimated Number of Responses per new Respondent per year: 12 
(monthly respondents 12 x 550 = 6,600 responses; and seasonal 
respondents 1 x 250 = 250 responses).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 6,850 hours (includes 
850 new burden hours annually).
    The total annual estimated cost for market agencies in providing 
the information to the Board is $125,150 (Increase in response total 
850 x $18.27 = $15,529.50; grand total is 6,850 x $18.27 = 
$125,149.50). This total has been estimated by multiplying 850 total 
burden hours by $18.27, the estimated wage rate of respondents. AMS 
used the hourly wage of farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquaculture 
animals as obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 
Occupational Employment and Wages, published May 2018. This publication 
can be found at the following website: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm.
    The average hourly wage rate of $13.87 with an additional 31.7 
percent to account for benefits and compensations, for an hourly wage 
of $18.27, was used to calculate annual cost. Costs of benefits and 
compensation guidance were provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics News 
Release issued December 14, 2018.
    To offset startup costs associated with the new collection and 
remittance process, the Board would allocate approximately $500.00 per 
full-time market agency respondent to upgrade their computer software 
programs and to provide staff training for the new collection and 
remittance procedures (50 full-time market agencies x $500.00 = 
$25,000). Additionally, the Board would provide educational training 
materials and would host training webinars with seasonal market agency 
staff on the new collection and remittance process. The Board would 
allocate approximately $5.00 for the educational materials and webinar 
training costs per seasonal market agency respondent (250 seasonal 
market agencies x $5.00 = $1,250.00).
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (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 the burden of the 
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 of other forms 
of information technology.
    The proposed rule also announces that AMS is seeking approval for a 
new information collection and recordkeeping requirement that would be 
imposed under the Order. The new information collection has been 
submitted to OMB for approval.
    The proposed ``Lamb Feeder Checkoff Refund'' form would require the 
minimum information necessary to effectively carry out the requirements 
of the program, and its use is necessary to fulfill the intent of the 
Act. Such information can be supplied without data processing equipment 
or outside technical expertise. In addition, there are no additional 
training requirements for individuals filling out reports and 
requesting a refund from the Board. The form would be simple, easy to 
understand, and place as small a burden as possible on the person 
required to file the information.
    The timing and frequency of collecting information are intended to 
meet the needs of the industry while minimizing the amount of work 
necessary to fill out the required reports. In addition, the 
information to be included on this form is not available from other 
sources because such information relates specifically to individual 
market agencies who are subject to the provisions of the Act. 
Therefore, there is no practical method for collecting the required 
information without the use of these forms.
    Information collection requirements that are included in this 
proposal include:
    Title: LP-85--Lamb Assessment Refund Form.
    OMB Number: 0581-NEW.
    Type of Request: New collection.
    Abstract: The information collection requirements are essential to 
carry out this proposed rule.
    The Order authorizes the collection of assessments from lamb 
producers, feeders, seedstock producers, and first handlers. Under this 
proposed rule, market agencies would be required to collect and remit 
assessments for the purchase and sale of lambs, while the collection 
and remittance process would remain unchanged when sales occur 
independent of market agencies. This proposal would require assessment-
related records to be retained for at least two years beyond the fiscal 
year of their applicability. This is consistent with the current 
recordkeeping requirements of the program. According to the 2017 Census 
of Agriculture (AC-17-A-51), there were 60,675 farms that sold lambs. 
The census does not breakdown the data to the level of feeder farms. 
Therefore, AMS has worked with industry to understand the makeup of the 
industry. Of those farms, the lamb industry estimated that 500 are 
considered feeder farms. Additionally, the lamb industry estimates that 
of those 500 feeder farms, approximately 10 percent, or 50, of those 
feeder farms purchase or sell lambs at market agencies. The estimated 
time for each respondent to complete the Lamb Feeder Checkoff Refund 
Form is 15 minutes. The estimated total hours for all respondents to 
complete the form is 90 hours (i.e., 50 respondents

[[Page 62624]]

multiplied by 15 minutes to complete the form per respondent multiplied 
by 12 forms being filled out per year, per respondent). The estimated 
total cost of requesting a refund from the Board, for all respondents, 
would be $1,644.30. The total cost has been estimated by multiplying 
the total hours for respondents to complete the form (90 hours) by 
$18.27, which is what AMS used for the hourly wage of farmworkers, 
farm, ranch, and aquaculture animals, as obtained from the U.S. Bureau 
of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, published May 
2018. This publication can be found at the following website: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm.
    Based on the average hourly wage rate of $13.87 with an additional 
31.7 percent to account for benefits and compensations, for an hourly 
wage of $18.27 was used to calculate annual cost. Costs of benefits and 
compensation guidance was provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics News 
Release issued December 14, 2018.
    The design of this form has been carefully reviewed, and every 
effort has been made to minimize any unnecessary recordkeeping costs or 
requirements, including efforts to utilize information already 
submitted under other lamb program administered by the USDA. The form 
would be available through the Board or USDA. The information 
collection would be used only by authorized Board employees and 
representatives of USDA, including AMS staff.
    The request for approval of the new information collection is as 
follows:
    (2) Form LP-85, Lamb Feeder Checkoff Refund Form.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 15 minutes per lamb purchase/sale 
by a feeder at a market agency.
    Respondents: Feeder farms who sell lambs at market agencies.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent per year: 12.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 90 hours.
    Total Cost: $1,644.30.
    Comments: The period to submit comments on both the revised and the 
new information collection burden is 60 days. Comments are invited on: 
(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 the burden of the 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 of other forms of information technology.
    A 60-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to 
respond to the proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1280

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Agricultural 
research, Meat and meat products, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, AMS proposes to amend 7 
CFR part 1280 as follows:

PART 1280--LAMB PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER

0
1. The authority citation for Part 1280 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 7411-7425 and 7 U.S.C. 7401.

0
2. Revise Sec.  1280.101 to read as follows:


Sec.  1280.101   Definitions.

    Act means the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 
1996 (7 U.S.C. 7411-7425; Pub. L. 104-127; 110 Stat. 1029, as amended), 
or any amendments thereto.
    Board means the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Board 
established pursuant to Sec.  1280.201.
    Certified organization means any organization which has been 
certified by the Secretary pursuant to this part as being eligible to 
submit nominations for membership on the Board.
    Conflict of interest means a situation in which a member or 
employee of a Board has a direct or indirect financial interest in a 
person that performs a service for, or enters into a contract with, a 
Board for anything of economic value.
    Department means the United States Department of Agriculture.
    Exporter means any person who exports domestic live lambs from the 
United States.
    Feeder means any person who acquires ownership of lambs and feeds 
such lambs in the U.S. until they reach slaughter weight.
    First handler means the packer or other person who buys or takes 
possession of lambs from a producer or feeder for slaughter, including 
custom slaughter. If a producer or feeder markets lamb products 
directly to consumers, the producer or feeder shall be considered to be 
a first handler with respect to such lambs produced by the producer or 
feeder.
    Fiscal period and marketing year mean the 12 month period ending on 
December 31 or such other consecutive 12 month period as shall be 
recommended by the Board and approved by the Secretary.
    Information means information and programs that are designed to 
increase efficiency in producing lambs, to maintain and expand existing 
markets, and to develop new markets, marketing strategies, increased 
market efficiency, and activities that are designed to enhance the 
image of lamb and lamb products on a national or international basis. 
These include:
    (a) Consumer information, which means any action taken to provide 
information to, and broaden the understanding of, the general public 
regarding the consumption, use, and nutritional attributes of lamb and 
lamb products; and
    (b) Industry information, which means information and programs that 
will lead to the development of new markets, new marketing strategies, 
or increased efficiency for the lamb industry, and activities to 
enhance the image of lamb.
    Lamb means ovine animals of any age, including ewes and rams.
    Lamb products means products produced in whole or in part from 
lamb, including pelts, and excluding wool and wool products.
    Market agency means commission merchant, auction market, or 
livestock market in the business of receiving lambs or lamb products 
for sale or purchase on commission for or on behalf of a producer, 
feeder, seedstock producer, or first handler.
    Order means an Order issued by the Secretary under Sec.  514 of the 
Act that provides for a program of generic promotion, research, and 
information regarding agricultural commodities authorized under the 
Act.
    Part means the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order and 
all rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Act and the Order. The 
Order shall be a subpart of the Part.
    Person means any individual, group of individuals, partnership, 
corporation, association, cooperative, or any other legal entity.
    Producer means any person who owns and produces lambs in the United 
States for sale.

[[Page 62625]]

    Producer information means activities designed to provide 
producers, feeders, and first handlers with information relating to 
production or marketing efficiencies, development of new markets, 
program activities, or other information that would facilitate an 
increase in the demand for lamb or lamb products.
    Promotion means any action, including paid advertising and the 
dissemination of culinary and nutritional information and public 
relations with emphasis on new marketing strategies, to present a 
favorable image of U.S. lamb products to the public for the purpose of 
improving the competitive position of U.S. lamb and lamb products in 
the marketplace and to stimulate sales.
    Referendum means a referendum to be conducted by the Secretary 
pursuant to the Act whereby producers, feeders, first handlers, and 
exporters shall be given the opportunity to vote to determine whether 
the continuance of this subpart is favored by a majority of eligible 
persons voting and a majority of volume voting.
    Research means any type of test, study, or analysis designed to 
advance the image, desirability, use, marketability, production, 
product development, or quality of lamb or lamb products.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States 
or any other officer or employee of the Department to whom authority 
has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be 
delegated, to act in the Secretary's stead.
    Seedstock producer means any lamb producer in the U.S. who engages 
in the production and sale of breeding replacement lambs or semen or 
embryos.
    State means each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.
    Suspend means to issue a rule under Sec.  553 of title 5, U.S.C., 
to temporarily prevent the operation of an Order or part thereof during 
a particular period of time specified in the rule.
    Terminate means to issue a rule under Sec.  553 of title 5, U.S.C., 
to cancel permanently the operation of an Order or part thereof 
beginning on a date certain specified in the rule.
    Unit means each State, group of States, or class designation 
(producers, feeders, first handlers, or seedstock producers) that is 
represented on the Board.
    United States means collectively the 50 States and the District of 
Columbia.
    Wool means fiber from the fleece of a lamb.
    Wool products mean products produced, in whole or in part, from 
wool and products containing wool fiber, excluding pelts.


Sec. Sec.  1280.102 through 1280.129   [Removed and Reserved]

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3. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec.  1280.102 through 1280.129.
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4. Amend Sec.  1280.217 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a), (c), and (d);
0
b. Removing paragraphs (e) and (g); and
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c. Redesignating paragraphs (f) and (h) as paragraphs (e) and (f), 
respectively.
    The revisions to read as follows:


Sec.  1280.217   Lamb purchases.

    (a) Except as prescribed by regulations approved by the Secretary, 
each first handler or exporter making payment to a producer, seedstock 
producer, or feeder for lambs purchased from such producer, seedstock 
producer, or feeder shall collect an assessment from the producer, 
seedstock producer, or feeder. Each producer, seedstock producer, or 
feeder shall pay such assessment to the first handler or exporter, at 
the rate of seven-tenths of a cent ($.007) per pound of live lambs 
sold. The rate of assessment may be raised or lowered no more than 
twenty-hundredths of a cent ($0.002) in any one year. The Board may 
recommend any change in the assessment rate to the Department. Prior to 
a change in the assessment rate, the Department will provide notice by 
publishing in the Federal Register any proposed changes with interested 
parties allowed to provide comment.
    (b) * * *
    (c) Each person processing or causing to be processed lambs or lamb 
products of that person's own production and marketing such lambs or 
lamb products, shall pay an assessment on such lambs or lamb products 
on the live weight of the lamb at the time of slaughter at the rate 
established in paragraph (a) of this section. In addition, pursuant to 
Sec.  1280.108, such an individual is considered a first handler and is 
required by Sec.  1280.219 to pay an additional assessment of $0.42 per 
head. As the first handler, the individual must remit the total amount 
of assessments to the Board.
    (d) A market agency shall collect an assessment from the producer, 
seedstock producer, feeder, or first handler and remit the collected 
assessment to the Board. Any person who pays more than one assessment 
on the same lamb may be eligible for a refund by submitting a request 
on a form provided by the Board.
    (e) The collection of assessments pursuant to Sec.  1280.217, Sec.  
1280.218, and Sec.  1280.219 shall begin with respect to lambs 
purchased, or lambs or lamb products marketed on or after the effective 
date established by the Secretary and shall continue until terminated 
or suspended by the Secretary.
    (f) Payment remitted pursuant to this subpart shall be in the form 
of a negotiable instrument made payable to the Board. Such remittances 
and the reports specified in Sec.  1280.223 and Sec.  1280.225 shall be 
mailed to the location designated by the Board.
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5. Revise Sec.  1280.218 to read as follows:


Sec.  1280.218   Exporter.

    Each person exporting live lambs or lamb products, including an 
exporter directly exporting his or her own lambs or lamb products, 
shall remit to the Board an assessment at the rate established in Sec.  
1280.217(a) by the 15th day of the month following the month in which 
the live lambs were purchased for slaughter and export or live export.
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6. In Sec.  1280.220, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1280.220   Collections.

    (a) Each first handler, market agency, and exporter responsible for 
the collection of assessments under this subpart shall remit 
assessments to the Board by the 15th day of the month following the 
month in which the lambs were purchased for slaughter or export.
* * * * *
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7. In Sec.  1280.402, revise paragraphs (b) and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  1280.402   Assessments.

    (a) * * *
    (b) Market Agency. A market agency will be required to collect an 
assessment from the producer, feeder, seedstock producer or first 
handler and remit the collected assessment to the Board.
    (c) * * *
    (d) * * *
    (e) Remittance of assessments. (1) Assessments shall be remitted to 
the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program, c/o the 
Secretary at USDA, 23029 Network Place, Chicago, Illinois 60673-1230, 
with a ``Monthly Remittance Report'' form not later than the 15th day 
of the following month in which lambs or lamb products were purchased 
for slaughter or export, or marketed.
* * * * *

Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20523 Filed 10-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P