Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture will submit the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 on or after the date of publication of this notice. Comments regarding (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) 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 should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC; New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC, 20503. 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.

Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by August 13, 2014. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8681.

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.

Agricultural Marketing Service

Title: Specified Commodities Imported into the United States Exempt from Import Requirements, 7 CFR Part 944, 980, and 999.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0167.

Summary of Collection: Section 608e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), requires that whenever the Secretary of Agriculture issues grade, size, quality, or maturity regulations under domestic marketing orders, the same or comparable regulations must be used for imported commodities. Import regulations apply only during those periods when domestic marketing order regulations are in effect. No person may import products for processing or other exempt purposes unless an executed Importers Exempt Commodity Form (FV-6) accompanies the shipment. The Civil Penalty Stipulation Agreement (FV-7) is a “volunteer” form that provides the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with an additional tool to obtain resolution of certain cases without the cost of going to a hearing.

Need and Use of the Information: The importers wishing to import commodities will use form FV-6, “Importer's Exempt Commodity.” The information collected includes information on the imported product (type of product and lot identification), the importer's contact information, the U.S. Customs entry number, inspection date, and intended use (processing, charity, livestock/animal feed. AMS utilizes the information to ensure that imported goods destined for exempt outlets are given no less favorable treatment than afforded to domestic goods destined for such exempt outlets.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 130.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 17,734.

Title: Laboratory Approval Programs.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0251.

Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA) of 1946, as amended, provides analytical testing services that facilitate marketing and allow products to obtain grade designations or meet marketing or quality standards. Pursuant to this authority, AMS develops and maintains laboratory certification verification and approval programs as needed by the agricultural industry, to support domestic and international marketing of U.S. products. To ensure that a laboratory is capable of accurately performing the specified analyses, it must adhere to certain good laboratory practice and show technical proficiency in the required areas.

Need and Use of the Information: Checklist and forms have been developed that ask the laboratory for information concerning procedures, the physical facility, employees, and their training. The laboratory must also provide Standard Operating Procedures for the analyses and quality assurance. The laboratory certification and approval programs are voluntary, fee for service, and for admission into one of these programs a laboratory must have a client who requires the specific testing. It is necessary to collect and require the laboratory to attest to the performance elements necessary to determine the credibility of the laboratory. To do less would be a disservice to the agricultural community.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 85.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 6,290.

Title: Data Collection for Container Availability.

OMB Control Number: 0581-0276.

Summary of Collection: Section 203(g) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627) directs and authorizes the collection and dissemination of marketing information including adequate outlook information, on a market area basis, for the purpose of anticipating and meeting consumer requirements aiding in the maintenance of farm income and to bring about a balance between production and utilization. As part of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Transportation Services Division (TSD) informs, represents, and assists agricultural shippers and government policymakers through: Market reports, representation, analysis, assistance, and responses to inquiries.

Need and Use of the Information: TSD collects data for its analysis from public resources as well as unique data sources to help the agricultural exporters make the most out of the transportation options available. The Data Collection for Container Availability provides U.S. agricultural exporters with weekly data detailing the availability of containers at select locations around the country. AMS will collect these data on a voluntary basis from ocean container carriers and then provide these up-to-date data in an aggregate report on its Web site.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 21.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Weekly.

Total Burden Hours: 1,759.