[Federal Register: April 17, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 73)]
[Notices]               
[Page 19165-19166]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17ap07-22]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

April 11, 2007
    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, Pub. L. 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of

[[Page 19166]]

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), 
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 within 30 days of this 
notification. 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.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Annual Survey of Farmer Cooperatives.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0007.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBS) 
was mandated the responsibility to acquire and disseminate information 
pertaining to agricultural cooperatives under the Cooperative Marketing 
Act of 1926: 7 U.S.C. 451-457 and Pub. L. 450. The primary objective of 
RBS is to promote understanding, use and development of the cooperative 
form of business as a viable option for enhancing the income of 
agricultural producers and other rural residents. The annual survey 
collects basic statistics on cooperative business volume, net income, 
members, financial status, employees, and other selected information to 
support RBS' objective and role. RBS will use a variety of forms to 
collect information.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS uses the information collected 
to summarize for program planning, evaluation service work and 
cooperative analysis and education. The information collected and 
published in the annual report on farmer cooperatives supports and 
enhances most of the major functions of RBS. By not collecting this 
information, the RBS would have difficulties in carrying out its policy 
on farmer cooperatives.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1,588.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,534.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-7219 Filed 4-16-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P