Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P 71 52 Friday, March 17, 2006 Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request March 13, 2006. 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, Public Law 104-13. 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), *Pamela_Beverly_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. Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service *Title:* Certification of Offset and Entitlement. *OMB Control Number:* 0524-0038. *Summary of Collection:* The requirements for this collection are specified in section 226 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA). Section 226 of AREERA amends Subtitle G of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NSRETPA) by adding a new section 1449. This section requires matching funds from non-Federal sources for formula funds authorized under sections 1444 and 1445 of NARETPA for extension and research activities at the 1890 land-grant institutions, including Tuskegee University and West Virginia State College. The purpose of the collection of information is to ensure the availability of matching funds for the formula funds provided to the Cooperative State, Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) cooperating institutions, most of which are 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions. CSREES will collect information using CSREES form 2103A-E, Certification of Offset and Entitlement. *Need and Use of the Information:* CSREES will collect information from CSREES form 2103-A-E, to ensure that formula funds are provided to the eligible CSREES cooperating institutions under sections 1443, 1444, and 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. Information will be collected up to 3 times per year for research and extension activities to provide information on the projected matching funds, the actual matching funds, and any revisions to the actual matching funds. *Description of Respondents:* State, Local or Tribal Government. *Number of Respondents:* 96. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: Other (three times a year). *Total Burden Hours:* 3,017. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-3857 Filed 3-16-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-09-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request March 15, 2006. 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, Public Law 104-13. 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;

(202)720-8958. 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. Food and Nutrition Service *Title:* Report of School Program Operations. *OMB Control Number:* 0584-0002. *Summary of Collection:* The Food and Nutrition Service administers the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program as mandated by the National School Lunch Act, as amended, and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended. Information on school program operations is collected from state agencies on a monthly basis to monitor and make adjustments to State agency funding requirements. FNS uses form FNS-10 to collect data although 98 percent of the information is collected through electronic means. *Need and Use of the Information:* FNS collects quantity information from State agencies on the number of meals served under the various food programs. Information is categorized in a number of areas and States are asked to provide their estimates along with actual data. FNS uses the information collected on school operations to assess the progress of the various programs and to make monthly adjustments to State agency funding requirements. If the information was not collected, FNS would be unable to monitor the proper use of program funds. *Description of Respondents:* State, Local, or Tribal Government. *Number of Respondents:* 62. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: Monthly; Annually. *Total Burden Hours:* 95,232. Food and Nutrition Service *Title:* Report of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. *OMB Control Number:* 0584-0078. *Summary of Collection:* Section 17 of the National School Lunch Act, as amended, mandates the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Program implementation is contained in 7 CFR part 226. The Food and Nutrition Service

(FNS)collections information using Form FNS-44 to use in managing the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This report is vital since it is the only means by which FNS can obtain current information necessary to make payments to State agency letters of credit, and to plan for future levels of program funding. *Need and Use of the Information:* FNS will collect information in order to analyze progress in the program and to make monthly adjustments to State agency funding requirements. If data is not collected FNS would be unable to monitor the proper use of program funds. *Description of Respondents:* State, Local or Tribal Government. *Number of Respondents:* 53. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: Quarterly; Semi-annually; Monthly. *Total Burden Hours:* 5,724. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-3923 Filed 3-16-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. CN-06-004] Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Request for Comments To Be Used in a Review of 1990 Amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: As provided for by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990, the Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)is announcing its intention to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers favor continuation of amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order. This notice invites all interested parties to submit written comments to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA will consider these comments in determining whether a referendum is warranted. USDA should announce review results sometime during the latter part of September 2006. DATES: Comments must be received by June 15, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this notice to Darryl W. Earnest, Deputy Administrator, Cotton Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Stop 0224, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2641-S South Building, Washington, DC 20250-0224. Comments should be submitted in triplicate and will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours. Comments may also be submitted electronically to: *cottoncomments@usda.gov* . All comments should reference the docket number and the date and page number of this issue of the **Federal Register** . A copy of this notice may be found at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/cotton/rulemaking.htm* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darryl W. Earnest, Deputy Administrator, Cotton Program, AMS, USDA, Stop 0224, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0224, telephone

(202)720-2259, facsimile

(202)690-1718 or e-mail at *darryl.earnest@usda.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 (7 U.S.C. 2101 *et seq.* ) authorized a national Cotton Research and Promotion Program which is industry operated and funded, with oversight by USDA. The program's objective is to enable cotton growers and importers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research and promotion to improve the competitive position of, and to expand markets for cotton. The program became effective on December 31, 1966, when the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (7 CFR Part 1205) was issued. Assessments began with the 1967 cotton crop. The Order was amended and a supplemental assessment initiated, not to exceed one percent of the value of each bale, effective January 26, 1977. The program is currently financed through assessments levied on domestic and imported cotton and cotton-containing products. Assessments under this program are used to fund promotional campaigns and to conduct research in the areas of U.S. marketing, international marketing, cotton production and processing, and textile research and implementation. The program is administered by the Cotton Board, which has thirty-six members, thirty-six alternate members and one consumer advisor. The Cotton Board is composed of representatives of cotton producers and cotton importers, each of whom has an alternate selected by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominations submitted by eligible producer and importer organizations. All members and their alternates serve terms of three years. The Cotton Board's responsibility is to administer the provisions of the Cotton Research and Promotion Order issued pursuant to the Act. These responsibilities include collecting, holding and safeguarding funds; making refunds when refunds are a provision of the Order; contracting with an organization for the development and implementation of programs of research and promotion; reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on proposed programs and budgets; and making funds available for such programs when approved. The objective of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program is to strengthen cotton's competitive position and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for cotton. The Cotton Board is prohibited from participating in any matters influencing governmental policies or action except recommendations for amendments to the Order. Amendments to the Act were enacted under subtitle G of title XIX of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-624, 104 stat. 3909, November 28, 1990). These amendments provided for:

(1)Importer representation on the Cotton Board;

(2)the assessment of imported cotton and cotton products;

(3)increasing the amount the Secretary of Agriculture can be reimbursed for conduct of a referendum from $200,000 to $300,000;

(4)reimbursing government agencies who assist in administering the collection of assessments on imported cotton and cotton products; and

(5)terminating the right of a producer to demand a refund of assessments. The Act Amendments of 1990 were approved by a majority (60 percent) of importers and producers of cotton voting in a referendum conducted July 17-26, 1991, as required by the Act. Results of this referendum were announced in a nationally distributed press release dated August 2, 1991. The Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendment of 1990, Section 8(c) provides that once every five years after the July 1991 referendum, the Secretary of Agriculture is to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed. In such a referendum, producers and importers would determine whether they favor continuation of the amendments to the Order provided for in the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990. These amendments to the Order were promulgated in final rules published in the **Federal Register** on December 10, 1991 (56 FR 64470), corrected at (56 FR 66670). The results of the most recent review report of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program were issued on January 14, 2002. USDA announced its view (67 FR 1714) not to conduct a referendum regarding the 1991 amendments to the Order. In accordance with Section 8(c)(2) of the Act, USDA provided an opportunity for all eligible persons to request a continuance referendum on the 1991 amendments by making such a request during a sign-up period. During the period of June 3 through August 30, 2002, the Department conducted a sign-up period for all eligible persons to request a continuance referendum on the 1990 Act amendments. The results of the sign-up period did not meet the criteria established for a continuance referendum by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act and therefore, a referendum was not conducted. In 2006, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Secretary of Agriculture will conduct its third review of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program Act amendments to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers support continuation of the amendments to the Order, as provided for by the 1990 Act amendments. The Secretary of Agriculture should make a public announcement of the results of the review on September 24, 2006 (60 days after each fifth anniversary date of the referendum). If the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a referendum is needed, the Secretary of Agriculture should conduct the referendum by September 24, 2007 (within 12 months after a public announcement of the determination to conduct the referendum). If the Secretary determines that a referendum is not warranted, a sign-up period to request such a referendum will be made available to cotton producers and importers. A referendum will be held if requested by 10 percent or more of those voting in the most recent referendum as long as not more than 20 percent are from any one State or importers of cotton. This sign-up period would begin approximately November 25, 2006, and would be announced in the **Federal Register** . If the requisite number of people request a referendum, it will be held not later than February 2008. A ninety-day comment period is provided for interested persons to provide comments to be used by USDA in its review. All interested persons are invited to submit written comments. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2101-2118. Dated: March 14, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Program. [FR Doc. E6-3925 Filed 3-16-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Foreign Agricultural Service

(FAS)intends to request an extension and revision to a currently approved information collection procedure for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program as described in 7 CFR Part 1580. DATES: Comments should be received on or before May 16, 2006 to be assured consideration. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to Robert H. Curtis, Director, Import Policies and Programs Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 1021, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1021,

(202)720-2916. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert H. Curtis, at the address above, or telephone at

(202)720-2916, or e-mail at *robert.curtis@fas.usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers. *OMB Number:* 0551-0040. *Expiration Date of Approval:* August 31, 2006. *Type of Request:* Revision to and extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* The Trade Act of 2002 established the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers

(TAA)program. Under this program, the Department of Agriculture provides technical assistance and cash benefits to eligible producers of raw agricultural commodities when the Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), determines that increased imports have contributed importantly to a specific price decline over 5 preceding marketing years. The regulation 7 CFR Part 1580 established the procedure by which producers of raw agricultural commodities can petition (form FAS-930 or a reasonable substitute) for certification of eligibility and apply for technical assistance and adjustment payments. To receive consideration for TAA certification, petitioners must supply the information required by 7 CFR 1580.201. Once a petition has been certified, individuals covered by the certification must apply for TAA benefits in accordance with 7 CFR 1580.301. The specific information required on an application (form FSA-229) must be collected from those who wish to receive program benefits. The number of respondents has doubled since the original Paperwork Reduction Act was filed in August 2003. The doubling of respondents is a result of a higher number of applications being processed for program benefits than was anticipated during initial program development. In addition, a new Part D was added to form FSA-229. *Estimate Number of Respondents:* 1,000. *Estimate Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. *Estimated Burden of Hours per Response:* 14 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 14,000 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Kimberly Chisley, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at

(202)720-2568. Request for Comments The public is invited to submit comments and suggestions to the above address regarding the accuracy of the burden, estimate, ways to minimize the burden, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, or any other aspect of this collection of information. Comments on the issues covered by the Paperwork Reduction Act are most useful to OMB if received within 30 days of publication of the Notice and Request for Comments, but must be submitted no later than 60 days from the date of publication to be assured of consideration. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at

(202)720-2600 (voice and TDD). Dated: February 27, 2006. Lyle Sebranek, Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. 06-2547 Filed 3-16-06; 8:45 am]

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U.S. Code

Congressional declaration of policy
§ 2101

8 references not yet in our index

Pub. L. 104-13
7 CFR 226
7 CFR 1205
Pub. L. 101-624
7 USC 2101-2118
7 CFR 1580
7 CFR 1580.201
7 CFR 1580.301

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cites case law

Notices

Notice

U.S.C.§ 2101

Pub. L.Pub. L. 104-13

Cite7 CFR 226

Cite7 CFR 1205

Pub. L.Pub. L. 101-624

Cite7 USC 2101-2118

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