81 FR 22964 - Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate an Information Collection
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
National Agricultural Statistics Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 75 (April 19, 2016)
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 75 (April 19, 2016)
| Page Range | 22964-22965 | |
| FR Document | 2016-08950 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 75 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 22964-22965] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-08950] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate an Information Collection AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to seek reinstatement of an information collection, the 2017 Census of Agriculture. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 20, 2016 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535- 0226, by any of the following methods:Email: [email protected]. Include docket number above in the subject line of the message. E-fax: (855) 838-6382. Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions to: David Hancock, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-2024. Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: David Hancock, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-2024. [[Page 22965]] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: R. Renee Picanso, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-2707. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from David Hancock, NASS--OMB Clearance Officer, at (202) 690-2388 or at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: The 2017 Census of Agriculture. OMB Control Number: 0535-0226. Expiration Date of Previous Approval: October 31, 2014. Type of Request: Intent to Seek Reinstatement of an Information Collection. Abstract: The census of agriculture is the primary source of statistics concerning the nation's agricultural industry. It provides the only basis of consistent, comparable data for each county, county equivalent, and state in the United States and its outlying insular areas. The census is conducted every 5 years, the last one being for the reference year of 2012. The 2017 Census of Agriculture will again cover all agricultural operations in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and American Samoa which meet the census definition for a farm. For the 50 states, Guam, and CNMI, a farm is any place that produced and sold, or normally would produce and sell, $1,000 or more of agricultural products during the census reference year. For Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands it is any place with $500 in production and sales. American Samoa is not limited by a threshold for production or sales and includes items grown for home consumption. Data collection for the censuses of agriculture for the 50 states and Puerto Rico will be conducted primarily by mail-out/mail-back procedures (US Postal Service), internet, and with phone and field enumeration for targeted non-respondents. Data collection for Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, CNMI, and American Samoa will be conducted using direct enumeration methods only. For the 50 states, respondents will be contacted up to 5 times by mail (postcard announcement, 3 mailings of the questionnaire and internet access instruction, and a postcard reminder) and additional telephone or personal interview follow-up for mail and internet non-respondents. Questionnaires returned by the Post Office as non-deliverable will be removed from the target population and subsequent mailings. Respondents who contact one of our phone centers to notify NASS of their farming status or to complete a questionnaire will also be removed from any subsequent mailings. In the summer of 2015, NASS conducted cognitive interviews of proposed changes to the 2017 Census of Agriculture using the Generic Testing docket (0535-0248). In December 2015 NASS began testing the 2017 Census of Agriculture and will continue testing through September 2017, using the Census Content Testing docket (0535-0243). Two census of agriculture questionnaire versions will be used for the 50 states. One version will be shorter and will be sent to farm operations known to not have certain commodities or farming practices. A longer form will be used for the remaining farming operations. NASS is working to increase the speed and ease at which any respondent may fill out the form by incorporating improved screening questions in the internet version of the questionnaire that automatically skips questions that do not apply to a particular respondent. This reduces overall respondent burden, particularly for small operations and operations specializing in only a few commodities. A screening survey, conducted prior to the census, will enable NASS to eliminate non-farm operations from the census mail list and determine respondent eligibility for receiving the appropriate census mail package. The census of agriculture is required by law under the ``Census of Agriculture Act of 1997,'' Public Law 105-113, 7 U.S.C. 2204(g). Response to the screening form, the census of agriculture and the census special study surveys are mandatory. The census special study surveys will be included under different OMB approvals. Individually identifiable data collected under this authority are governed by Section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires USDA to afford strict confidentiality to non- aggregated data provided by respondents. This Notice is submitted in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. NASS also complies with OMB Implementation Guidance, ``Implementation Guidance for Title V of the E-Government Act, Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (CIPSEA),'' Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 115, June 15, 2007, p. 33362. The law guarantees farm operators that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes only tabulated total data. These data are used by Congress when developing or changing farm programs. Many national and state programs are designed or allocated based on census data, i.e., soil conservation projects, funds for cooperative extension programs, and research funding. Private industry uses the data to provide more effective production and distribution systems for the agricultural community. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information will average about 50 minutes per census long form, 45 minutes per census short form, 15 minutes per screening form, and 2 minutes per refusal from all sources. Respondents: Farm and ranch operators. Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,950,000. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,900,000 hours. Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (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, technological or other forms of information technology collection methods. All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record and be summarized in the request for OMB approval. Signed at Washington, DC, April 6, 2016. R. Renee Picanso, Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016-08950 Filed 4-18-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-20-P
![22964
Notices Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 75
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER public comments through the following accommodated in our work
contains documents other than rules or telephone number: (888) 455–1685 and environment, programs, and events. If
proposed rules that are applicable to the enter passcode 4225205. Members of the you are a person with a disability and
public. Notices of hearings and investigations, public may also submit written request reasonable accommodations to
committee meetings, agency decisions and comments for consideration to the participate in this meeting, please note
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
committee. the request in your registration and you
statements of organization and functions are ADDRESSES: This public advisory may contact Mrs. Kenya Nicholas in
examples of documents appearing in this committee meeting will be held at the advance of the meeting by or before
section. Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel, close of business on May 4, 2016, by
700 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, phone at (202) 720–6350, fax (202) 720–
LA, 70130–3612, (504) 613–2330. There 7704, or email: kenya.nicholas@
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE will also be signs directing attendees to osec.usda.gov.
the USDA meeting rooms. Issued in Washington, DC, this 13th day of
Office of Advocacy and Outreach April 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Minority Farmers and Ranchers Questions should be directed to Phyllis Christian Obineme,
Advisory Committee Morgan, Executive Assistant, OAO, Associate Director, Office of Advocacy and
1400 Independence Ave. SW., Whitten Outreach.
AGENCY: Office of Advocacy and [FR Doc. 2016–08932 Filed 4–18–16; 8:45 am]
Bldg., 520–A, Washington, DC 20250,
Outreach, USDA.
Phone: (202) 720–6350, Fax: (202) 720– BILLING CODE 3412–89–P
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
7136, email: Phyllis.Morgan@
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal osec.usda.gov.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO) Secretary tasked the MFAC with National Agricultural Statistics Service
is announcing a meeting of the Minority providing recommendations on access
Farmers and Ranchers Advisory to USDA programs and services by Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To
Committee’s (MFAC). The committee is minority farmers and ranchers. Please Reinstate an Information Collection
being convened to consider issues visit our Web site at: http://
involving minorities. The members will AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics
www.outreach.usda.gov/sdfr/FAC.htm Service, USDA.
deliberate on recommendations to be for additional information on the
prepared for USDA Secretarial ACTION: Notice and request for
MFAC. comments.
consideration. The public is asked to pre-register for
DATES: The committee meeting is the meeting by midnight May 4, 2016. SUMMARY: In accordance with the
scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at You may pre-register for the public Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. CST; and meeting by submitting an email to notice announces the intention of the
Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 9:00 a.m.– acmf@osec.usda.gov with your name, National Agricultural Statistics Service
5:00 p.m. CST; and, Thursday, May 12, organization or affiliation, or any (NASS) to seek reinstatement of an
2016, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CST. comments for the committee’s information collection, the 2017 Census
The meeting will be open to the public. consideration. You may also fax this of Agriculture.
All persons wishing to make comments information to (202) 720–7704. DATES: Comments on this notice must be
during this meeting must check in Members of the public who wish to received by June 20, 2016 to be assured
between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. CST make comments during the committee of consideration.
each day at the registration table. All meeting must register at the check-in ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
public commenters will be allowed a table. identified by docket number 0535–0226,
maximum of five minutes. If the number The agenda is as follows: Day 1: by any of the following methods:
of registrants requesting to speak is Committee discussions (International • Email: ombofficer@nass.usda.gov.
greater than what can be reasonably Trade Opportunities and Sustainability Include docket number above in the
accommodated during the scheduled of Renewable Energy), USDA subject line of the message.
open public meeting timeframe, presentations and public comments; • E-fax: (855) 838–6382.
speakers will be scheduled on a first- Day 2: Committee discussions, public • Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD–
come basis. Public written comments for comments. Day 3: Committee ROM submissions to: David Hancock,
the committee’s consideration may be deliberations and public comment. NASS Clearance Officer, U.S.
submitted by close of business on May Please visit the Minority Farmers and Department of Agriculture, Room 5336
6, 2016, to Mrs. Kenya Nicholas, Ranchers Advisory Committee Web site South Building, 1400 Independence
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Designated Federal Official, USDA for the full agenda. All agenda topics Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–
OAO, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., and documents will be made available 2024.
Room 520–A, Washington, DC 20250– to the public prior to the meeting at: • Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand
0170, Phone (202) 720–6350, Fax (202) http://www.outreach.usda.gov/sdfr/ deliver to: David Hancock, NASS
720–7704, Email: acmf@osec.usda.gov. FAC.htm. Copies of the agenda will also Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of
A listen-only line will be available be distributed at the meeting. Agriculture, Room 5336 South Building,
during the entire meeting for all who Meeting Accommodations: USDA is 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
wish to listen to the meeting or make committed to ensuring that everyone is Washington, DC 20250–2024.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 75 / Tuesday, April 19, 2016 / Notices 22965
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: R. contact one of our phone centers to NASS uses the information only for
Renee Picanso, Associate Administrator, notify NASS of their farming status or statistical purposes and publishes only
National Agricultural Statistics Service, to complete a questionnaire will also be tabulated total data. These data are used
U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) removed from any subsequent mailings. by Congress when developing or
720–2707. Copies of this information In the summer of 2015, NASS changing farm programs. Many national
collection and related instructions can conducted cognitive interviews of and state programs are designed or
be obtained without charge from David proposed changes to the 2017 Census of allocated based on census data, i.e., soil
Hancock, NASS—OMB Clearance Agriculture using the Generic Testing conservation projects, funds for
Officer, at (202) 690–2388 or at docket (0535–0248). In December 2015 cooperative extension programs, and
ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. NASS began testing the 2017 Census of research funding. Private industry uses
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agriculture and will continue testing the data to provide more effective
Title: The 2017 Census of Agriculture. through September 2017, using the production and distribution systems for
OMB Control Number: 0535–0226. Census Content Testing docket (0535– the agricultural community.
Expiration Date of Previous Approval: 0243). Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
October 31, 2014. Two census of agriculture burden for this collection of information
Type of Request: Intent to Seek questionnaire versions will be used for will average about 50 minutes per
Reinstatement of an Information the 50 states. One version will be census long form, 45 minutes per census
Collection. shorter and will be sent to farm short form, 15 minutes per screening
operations known to not have certain form, and 2 minutes per refusal from all
Abstract: The census of agriculture is
commodities or farming practices. A sources.
the primary source of statistics
longer form will be used for the Respondents: Farm and ranch
concerning the nation’s agricultural
remaining farming operations. NASS is operators.
industry. It provides the only basis of
working to increase the speed and ease Estimated Number of Respondents:
consistent, comparable data for each
at which any respondent may fill out 3,950,000.
county, county equivalent, and state in
the form by incorporating improved Estimated Total Annual Burden on
the United States and its outlying
screening questions in the internet Respondents: 2,900,000 hours.
insular areas. The census is conducted
version of the questionnaire that Comments: Comments are invited on:
every 5 years, the last one being for the
automatically skips questions that do (a) Whether the proposed collection of
reference year of 2012. The 2017 Census not apply to a particular respondent. information is necessary for the proper
of Agriculture will again cover all This reduces overall respondent burden, performance of the functions of the
agricultural operations in the 50 states, particularly for small operations and agency, including whether the
Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin operations specializing in only a few information will have practical utility;
Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern commodities. A screening survey, (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate
Mariana Islands (CNMI), and American conducted prior to the census, will of the burden of the proposed collection
Samoa which meet the census definition enable NASS to eliminate non-farm of information including the validity of
for a farm. For the 50 states, Guam, and operations from the census mail list and the methodology and assumptions used;
CNMI, a farm is any place that produced determine respondent eligibility for (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility,
and sold, or normally would produce receiving the appropriate census mail and clarity of the information to be
and sell, $1,000 or more of agricultural package. collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
products during the census reference The census of agriculture is required burden of the collection of information
year. For Puerto Rico and the U.S. by law under the ‘‘Census of Agriculture on those who are to respond, including
Virgin Islands it is any place with $500 Act of 1997,’’ Public Law 105–113, 7 through the use of appropriate
in production and sales. American U.S.C. 2204(g). Response to the automated, electronic, mechanical,
Samoa is not limited by a threshold for screening form, the census of agriculture technological or other forms of
production or sales and includes items and the census special study surveys are information technology collection
grown for home consumption. mandatory. The census special study methods.
Data collection for the censuses of surveys will be included under different All responses to this notice will
agriculture for the 50 states and Puerto OMB approvals. Individually become a matter of public record and be
Rico will be conducted primarily by identifiable data collected under this summarized in the request for OMB
mail-out/mail-back procedures (US authority are governed by Section 1770 approval.
Postal Service), internet, and with of the Food Security Act of 1985 as
phone and field enumeration for Signed at Washington, DC, April 6, 2016.
amended, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires
targeted non-respondents. Data USDA to afford strict confidentiality to R. Renee Picanso,
collection for Guam, the U.S. Virgin non-aggregated data provided by Associate Administrator.
Islands, CNMI, and American Samoa respondents. This Notice is submitted in [FR Doc. 2016–08950 Filed 4–18–16; 8:45 am]
will be conducted using direct accordance with the Paperwork BILLING CODE 3410–20–P
enumeration methods only. For the 50 Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–
states, respondents will be contacted up 13 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) and Office
to 5 times by mail (postcard of Management and Budget regulations DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
announcement, 3 mailings of the at 5 CFR part 1320. NASS also complies
questionnaire and internet access with OMB Implementation Guidance, National Institute of Standards and
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
instruction, and a postcard reminder) ‘‘Implementation Guidance for Title V Technology
and additional telephone or personal of the E-Government Act, Confidential
interview follow-up for mail and Information Protection and Statistical Manufacturing Extension Partnership
internet non-respondents. Efficiency Act of 2002 (CIPSEA),’’ Advisory Board
Questionnaires returned by the Post Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 115, June AGENCY: National Institute of Standards
Office as non-deliverable will be 15, 2007, p. 33362. The law guarantees and Technology, Commerce.
removed from the target population and farm operators that their individual
ACTION: Notice of open meeting.
subsequent mailings. Respondents who information will be kept confidential.
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Document Created: 2016-04-19 00:16:10
Document Modified: 2016-04-19 00:16:10
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments on this notice must be received by June 20, 2016 to be assured of consideration. | |
| Contact | R. Renee Picanso, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-2707. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from David Hancock, NASS--OMB Clearance Officer, at (202) 690-2388 or at [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 22964 |
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