Notices. Notice and request for comments

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BILLING CODE 6116-01-M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request January 12, 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, 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)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 Utilities Service *Title:* Preloan Procedures and Requirements for Telecommunications Program. *OMB Control Number:* 0572-0079. *Summary of Collection:* The Rural Utilities Service

(RUS)is a credit agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It makes mortgage loans and loan guarantees to finance telecommunications, electric, and water and waste facilities in rural areas with a loan portfolio that totals nearly $42 billion. RUS manages loan programs in accordance with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 *et. seq.* as amended, (RE Act). Section 201 of the RE Act authorizes the Administrator to make loans to qualified telephone companies for the purpose of providing telephone service to the widest practicable number of rural subscribers. *Need and Use of the Information:* RUS will collect information using several forms to determine an applicant's eligibility to borrow from RUS under the terms of the RE Act. The information is also used to determine that the Government's security for loans made by RUS are reasonably adequate and that the loans will be repaid within the time agreed. Without the information, RUS could not effectively monitor each borrower's compliance with the loan terms and conditions to properly ensure continued loan security. *Description of Respondents:* Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions. *Number of Respondents:* 50. *Frequency of Responses:* Reporting: On occasion. *Total Burden Hours:* 3,589. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-635 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-15-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. FV-06-378] Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)is requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget of a new information collection: the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. DATES: Comments received by March 19, 2007 will be considered. *Additional Information or Comments:* Contact Lynne E. Yedinak, Food Quality Assurance Staff, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 0243, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0243, telephone:

(202)720-9939 and Fax:

(202)690-0102. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *OMB Number:* 0581-0224. *Expiration Date of Approval:* October 31, 2007. *Type of Request:* Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection. *Abstract:* The information collection requirements in this request are needed for the operation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA)Food and Commodity Connection Web site, which operates pursuant to the authority of Section 32 of Public Law 320. The USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service mission of facilitating the efficient, fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products. Registering to participate on or use the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site is voluntary. The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in over 100,000 public and non-profit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to more than 29 million children each school day. In 1998, Congress expanded the National School Lunch Program to include reimbursement for snacks served to children in after-school educational and enrichment programs to include children through 18 years of age. The USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site was developed to assist schools and other feeding groups to find the most nutritious value-added foods made from the vast diversity of agricultural products purchased by the Federal Government for the National School Lunch Program and other feeding programs that utilize these commodities such as Native American facilities, health care facilities, colleges and universities, prisons, and needy families. The USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site identifies processors who can further process USDA supplies commodities and the brokers, distributors, and food associations that offer information and support to purchase the value-added products. Institutional food service professionals (public and private schools, the military, Veterans Administration facilities, Native American facilities, health care facilities, colleges and universities, prisons, child care facilities and facilities for needy families) who choose to register on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site provide the following information: The registrant's name, position, e-mail address, telephone number, school/organization name, and address. Processors who choose to register on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site provide the following information: Confirmation that the company is eligible to participate in Federal procurement, the registrant's name, position, e-mail address, telephone number, company name, address, country, and whether they are a national or regional processor. Distributors who choose to register on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site provide the following information: The registrant's name, position, e-mail address, telephone number, company name, address, country, and whether they are a national or regional distributor. Brokers who choose to register on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site provide the following information: The registrant's name, position, e-mail address, telephone number, brokerage company name, address, country, and the States they serve. Food related associations who choose to register on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site provide the following information: The association name, address, city, state, zip code, country, e-mail address, telephone number, and a description of association services. Information provided by institutional food service professionals assist processors, distributors, and brokers to view meal-serving information of a school or organization. Processor and distributor food products and contact information are available to the institutional food service professionals to assist them in locating processors and distributors that handle the food products that they want to use. The information provided by brokers enables institutional food service professionals to know which manufacturers the broker represents, which States the broker serves, and contacts at the brokerage firm. All registrants on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site will be redirected to the USDA eAuthentication Web site to register their Level 1 Access (OMB No. 0503-0014). Each new user must create their own login ID and password, meeting the eAuthentication requirements. The USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site has under gone numerous changes since this information collection was approved October 31, 2004. Prior to launching the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site in 2004, the food manufacturers requested changes to streamline the data entry process. These changes were made and the Web site was redeployed September 2006. The changes to the Web site provide processors and distributors with three methods to load product data to the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. The new methods of entering data have dramatically reduced our estimate of the number of responses and burden hours: Total estimated responses reduced from 15,200 to 1,845; total burden estimated hours reduced from 3,948 hours to 292 hours annually. These estimates are based on current processor registrations and our Web site testing. Previous estimates were based on a single product input process versus a new multiple products input process. Processors and distributors may continue to enter products one product at a time, but now have the opportunity to download their product information from existing product databases and use a template which they complete and download to the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. Estimating Burden The estimated total burden for revision of a currently approved information collection for the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site once USDA eAuthentication Web site registration is completed as follows: *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.16 hours per response. *Respondents:* Institutional food service professionals (public and private schools, the military, Veterans Administration facilities, Native American facilities, health care facilities, colleges and universities, prisons, child care facilities, and facilities for needy families), processors, distributors, brokers, and associations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 850 (300 institutional food service professionals, 300 processors, 100 distributors, 100 brokers, and 50 associations). *Estimated Number of Responses:* 1,845. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 2. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 292 hours. Specific information for respondents listed above is given. For each new registration submission, for the proposed request for revision of a currently approved information collections on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site, is completed as follows:

(1)*Institutional Food Service Professional registration submission.* Institutional food service professionals (public and private schools, the military, Veterans Administration facilities, Native American facilities, health care facilities, colleges and universities, prisons, child care facilities and facilities for needy families) use this registration submission to create their user profile on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Institutional food service professionals (public and private schools, the military, Veterans Administration facilities, Native American facilities, health care facilities, colleges and universities, prisons, child care facilities and facilities for needy families). *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 300. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 300. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* Respondents only complete the registration once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 33 hours.

(2)*Processors registration submission.* Processors use this registration submission to register their companies on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 9 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Processors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 300. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 300. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* Respondents only complete the registration once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 45 hours.

(3)*Processors Add a Plant and Request an Audit registration submission.* Processors use this submission to register the plants in which they manufacture their products on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Processors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 300. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 300. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* Each respondent completes this submission once for each plant they register. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 41 hours.

(4)*Processors Add a New Product registration submission (A Single Product).* Processors use this registration submission to register their products manufactured from USDA supplied commodities and their commercial food products, on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site using this method. Processors may include additional product information including but not limited to: Ingredients, product description, preparation and cooking instructions, nutrients, packaging data, and product fact sheet link. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 16 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Processors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 20. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 200. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 10. Each respondent completes this submission once for each product they register. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 54 hours.

(5)*Processors Add a New Product registration submission (Sales Partners Systems Upload).* Processors use this registration submission to register their products manufactured from USDA supplied commodities and their commercial food products, on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site using this method. Processors may include additional product information including but not limited to: Ingredients, product description, preparation and cooking instructions, nutrients, packaging data, and product fact sheet link. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Processors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 60. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 60. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Each respondent that uses the Sales Partners Systems to register their products completes this submission once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 2 hours.

(6)*Processors Add a New Product registration submission (Excel spreadsheet).* Processors use this registration submission to register their products manufactured from USDA supplied commodities and their commercial food products, on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site using this method. Processors may include additional product information including but not limited to: Ingredients, product description, preparation and cooking instructions, nutrients, packaging data, and product fact sheet link. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Processors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 220. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 220. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Each respondent that uses the Excel spreadsheet to register their products completes this submission once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 35 hours.

(7)*Distributors registration submission.* Distributors use this registration submission to register their food service distribution companies on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 9 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Distributors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 100. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 100. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* Respondents only complete the registration once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 15 hours.

(8)*Distributors Add a Warehouse and Request an Audit registration submission.* Distributors use this submission to register the warehouses in which they store the products they list on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Distributors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 100. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 100. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* Each respondent completes this submission once for each warehouse they register. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 14 hours.

(9)*Distributors Add a New Product registration submission (A Single Product).* Distributors use this registration submission to register their branded commercial food products on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site using this method. Distributors may include additional product information including but not limited to: Ingredients, product description, preparation and cooking instructions, nutrients, package and packaging data, and product fact sheet link. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 16 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Distributors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 5. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 10. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 10. Each respondent completes this submission once for each product they register. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 14 hours.

(10)*Distributors Add a New Product registration submission (Sales Partners Systems Upload).* Distributors use this registration submission to register their branded commercial food products on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site using this method. Distributors may include additional product information including but not limited to: Ingredients, product description, preparation and cooking instructions, nutrients, package and packaging data, and product fact sheet link. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Distributors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 20. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 1. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Each respondent that uses the Sales Partners Systems to register their products completes this submission once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 1 hour.

(11)*Distributors Add a New Product registration submission (Excel spreadsheet).* Distributors use this registration submission to register their branded commercial food products on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site using this method. Distributors may include additional product information including but not limited to: Ingredients, product description, preparation and cooking instructions, nutrients, package and packaging data, and product fact sheet link. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Distributors. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 25. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 1. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Each respondent that uses the Excel spreadsheet to register their products completes this submission once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 4 hours.

(12)*Brokers registration submission.* Brokers use this registration submission to register the brokerage and the companies they represent on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 16 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Brokers. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 100. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 100. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Respondents only complete the registration once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 27 hours.

(13)*Brokers Add a Branch registration submission.* Brokers use this submission to register any branches for the brokerage on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 9 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Brokers. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 20. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 20. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Respondents only complete this submission when they have branch offices and than they complete one for each branch office. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 3 hours.

(14)*Association registration submission.* Associations in the food service arena use this registration submission to create their user profile on the USDA Food and Commodity Connection Web site. *Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7 minutes per response. *Respondents:* Associations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 50. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 50. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. Respondents only complete the registration once. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 6 hours. *Comments:* Comments are invited on:

(1)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;

(2)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;

(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 or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Lynne E. Yedinak, Food Quality Assurance Staff, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 0243, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0243, telephone:

(202)720-9939 and Fax:

(202)690-0102. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: January 12, 2007. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7-624 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket No. LS-07-04] Beef Promotion and Research; Certification of Nominating Organizations AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Department of Agriculture's

(USDA)Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)is accepting applications from State cattle producer organizations or associations and general farm organizations, as well as cattle or beef importer organizations, who desire to be certified to nominate producers or importers for appointment to vacant positions on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board). Organizations which have not previously been certified that are interested in submitting nominations must complete and submit an official application form to AMS. Previously certified organizations do not need to reapply. DATES: Applications for certification must be received by close of business February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Certification form may be requested form Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0251 or e-mail *Kenneth.Payne@usda.gov.* The form may also be found on the Internet at *http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/mpb/beef/ls25.pdf.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0251 or e-mail *Kenneth.Payne@usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985

(Act)(7 U.S.C. 2901 *et seq.* ), enacted December 23, 1985, authorizes the implementation of a Beef Promotion and Research Order (Order). The Order, as published in the July 18, 1986, **Federal Register** (51 FR 26132), provides for the establishment of a Board. The current Board consists of 96 cattle producers and 8 importers appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary). The duties and responsibilities of the Board are specified in the Order. The Act and the Order provide that USDA shall either certify or otherwise determine the eligibility of State cattle producer organizations or associations and general farm organizations, as well as any importer organizations or associations to nominate members to the Board to ensure that nominees represent the interests of cattle producers and importers. Nominations for importer representatives may also be made by individuals who import cattle, beef, or beef products. Persons who are individual importers do not need to be certified as eligible to submit nominations. When individual importers submit nominations, they must establish to the satisfaction of USDA that they are in fact importers of cattle, beef, or beef products, pursuant to § 1260.143(b)(2) of the Order [7 CFR 1260.143(b)(2)]. Individual importers are encouraged to contact AMS at the above address to obtain further information concerning the nomination process, including the beginning and ending dates of the established nomination period and required nomination forms and background information sheets. Certification and nomination procedures were promulgated in the final rule, published in the April 4, 1986, **Federal Register** (51 FR 11557) and currently appear at 7 CFR 1260.500 through 1260.640. Organizations which have previously been certified to nominate members to the Board do not need to reapply for certification to nominate producers and importers for the upcoming vacancies. Uncertified eligible producer organization and general farm organizations in all States that are interested in being certified as eligible to nominate cattle producers for appointment to the listed producer positions, must complete and submit an official “Application of Certification of Organization or Association,” which must be received by close of business (20-days after publication in the **Federal Register** ). Uncertified eligible importer organizations that are interested in being certified as eligible to nominate importers for appointment to the listed importer positions must apply by the same date. Importers should not use the application form by should provide the requested information by letter as provided for in CFR § 1260.540(b). Only those organizations or associations which meet the criteria for certification of eligibility promulgated at 7 CFR 1260.530 are eligible for certification. For State organizations or associations those criteria are:

(1)Total paid membership must be comprised of at least a majority of cattle producers or represent at least a majority of cattle producers in a State or unit,

(2)Membership must represent a substantial number of producers who produce a substantial number of cattle in such State or unit,

(3)There must be a history of stability and permanency, and

(4)There must be a primary or overriding purpose of promoting the economic welfare of cattle producers. For organizations or associations representing importers, the determination by USDA as to the eligibility of importer organizations or associations to nominate members to the Board shall be based on applications containing the following information:

(1)The number and type of members represented ( *i.e.* , beef or cattle importers, etc.),

(2)Annual import volume in pounds of beef and beef products and/or the number of head of cattle,

(3)The stability and permanency of the importer organization or association,

(4)The number of years in existence, and

(5)The names of the countries of origin for cattle, beef, or beef products imported. All certified organizations and associations, including those that were previously certified in the States or units having vacant positions on the Board, will be notified simultaneously in writing of the beginning and ending dates of the established nomination period and will be provided with required nomination forms and background information sheets. The names of qualified nominees received by the established due date will be submitted to USDA for consideration as appointees to the Board. The information collection requirements referenced in this notice have been previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)under the provisions of 44 U.S.C., Chapter 35 and have been assigned OMB No. 0581-0093, except Board member nominee information sheets are assigned OMB No. 0505-0001. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2901 *et seq.* Dated: January 12, 2007. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7-648 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Farm Service Agency Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Operating Loans; Policies, Procedures, Authorizations and Closings AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intent of the Farm Service Agency

(FSA)to request renewal of the information collection currently approved and used in support of the FSA Farm Loan Programs (FLP). The collection of information from FLP applicants and commercial lenders is used to determine eligibility; financial feasibility and security positions when the applicant applies for direct loan assistance. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received on or before March 19, 2007 to be assured consideration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Quayle, Senior Loan Officer, USDA, Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 0522, Washington, DC 20250-0522; Telephone

(202)690-4018; Electronic mail: *cathyquayle@wdc.usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Operating Loans; Policies, Procedures, Authorizations and Closings. *OMB Control Number:* 0560-0162. *Expiration Date of Approval:* July 31, 2007. *Type of Request:* Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection. *Abstract:* The information collected under OMB Control Number is 0560-0162 is necessary to effectively administer the operating loan program in accordance with the requirements in 7 CFR part 1941 as authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Specifically, the Agency uses the information to evaluate loan making or loan servicing proposals, and to process loan closings. The information is needed to evaluate an applicant's eligibility, and to determine if the operation is economically feasible and if the security offered in support of the loan is adequate. *Estimate of Annual Respondent Burden:* Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average .12 hours per response. *Respondents:* Individuals or households, businesses or other for profit and farms. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 51,466. *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1. *Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 6,176. *Comments are invited on the following:*

(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; 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, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. These comments should be sent to the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 and to Cathy Quayle, Senior Loan Officer, USDA, Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0522, Washington, DC 20250-0522. Comments will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Signed in Washington, DC on January 10, 2007. Thomas B. Hofeller, Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency. [FR Doc. E7-599 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-05-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS-2006-0040E] Product Labeling: Definition of the Term “Natural” AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of petition and public meeting; extension of comment period. SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Inspection Service

(FSIS)is re-opening and extending the comment period on a petition submitted by Hormel Foods on the voluntary labeling claim “natural” and on the broader question of how to define this claim. The original comment period closed on January 11, 2007. The Agency is taking this action in response to requests that were made at and after a public meeting that the Agency held on December 12, 2006, to discuss both the Hormel petition and issues associated with the claim “natural” in general. DATES: Comments are due by March 5, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: *Federal eRulemaking Portal:* This Web site provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to *http://www.regulations.gov* and, in the “Search for Open Regu1ations” box, select “Food Safety and Inspection Service” from the agency drop-down menu, and then click on “Submit.” In the Docket ID column, select FDMS Docket Number FSIS-2005-0040 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related material available electronically. This docket can be viewed using the “Advanced Search” function in Regulations.gov. *Mail, including floppy disks or CD-ROM's, and hand or courier-delivered items:* Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 102 Cotton Annex, Washington, DC 20250. *Electronic mail:* *FSIS.regulationscomments@fsis.usda.gov.* All submissions received by mail and electronic mail must include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2006-0040. All comments submitted in response to this notice will be available for public inspection in the FSIS Docket Room at the address listed above between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The comments also will be posted to the regulations.gov Web site and on the Agency's Web site at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2006_Proposed_Rules_Index/index.asp.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert C. Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, USDA, FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250,

(202)205-3625, e-mail: *Robert.Post@fsis.usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 5, 2006, FSIS published a notice in the **Federal Register** that announced the receipt of a petition submitted by Hormel Foods requesting that the Agency amend the meat inspection and poultry products inspection regulations to establish a definition for the voluntary claim “natural” and to delineate the conditions under which the claim can be used on the labels of meat and poultry products (71 FR 70503). In the notice, FSIS gave the public until January 11, 2007, to submit comments on the petition and on issues associated with the claim “natural” in general. The notice also announced that, to facilitate the comment process, the Agency would hold a public meeting to discuss the petition. The public meeting was held on December 12, 2006. In the December 5, 2006, **Federal Register** notice, FSIS also announced that after the comment period for the petition closes, the Agency will initiate rulemaking on the “natural” claim. At, as well as after, the December 12, 2006, public meeting, FSIS received several comments requesting that the Agency extend the comment period provided in the December 5, 2006, **Federal Register** notice by an additional 60 days from the initial closing date of January 11, 2007. The comments were submitted by a representative of a food ingredient manufacturer, a trade association that represents flavor manufacturers and others with an interest in the U.S. flavor industry, and a group of trade associations that represent the meat, poultry, and food processing industries. All of the comments stated that because the issues surrounding the claim “natural” are complex, interested parties need additional time than what was provided in the December 5, 2006, **Federal Register** notice to prepare thoughtful comments. The comments also argued that, to properly consider issues associated with the petition and the claim “natural,” stakeholders must have access to the information presented by both FSIS and the public at the December 12, 2006, public meeting. One comment stated that it is important that stakeholders have the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate possible changes to the definition or criteria for labeling a meat or poultry product “natural” to ensure that the industry is able to continue to market products that bear the “natural” claim and to ensure that these products meet consumer expectations. In addition to the reasons discussed above, the comments also argued that because the comment period includes the upcoming holidays, trade associations may have a difficult time collecting meaningful input from their members before the January 11, 2007, closing date. The comments also stated that the comment period falls during what is typically the busiest time of year for meat and poultry companies. One comment stated that FSIS gave little notice before the December 12, 2006, public meeting, and that interested parties lost time preparing comments for the public meeting and rearranging their schedules to attend the public meeting. FSIS agrees that the issues surrounding the labeling claim “natural” are complex, and that interested parties should have additional time to consider information presented at the December 12, 2006, public meeting. Therefore, to facilitate the comment process, the Agency has decided to re-open and extend the comment period until March 5, 2007. The transcript of the December 12, 2006, public meeting is now available on the FSIS Web site at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/2006_events/index.asp* for viewing by the public. Therefore, this notice announces that the Agency is re-opening and extending the comment period for the Hormel petition until March 5, 2007. Additional Public Notification Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure that the public and in particular minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, are aware of this proposal, FSIS will announce it on-line through the FSIS Web page located at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2006_Proposed_Rules_Index/index.asp.* The Regulations.gov Web site is the central online rulemaking portal of the United States government. It is being offered as a public service to increase participation in the Federal government's regulatory activities. FSIS participates in Regulations.gov and will accept comments on documents published on the site. The site allows visitors to search by keyword or Department or Agency for rulemakings that allow for public comment. Each entry provides a quick link to a comment form so that visitors can type in their comments and submit them to FSIS. The Web site is located at *http://www.regulations.gov.* FSIS also will make copies of this **Federal Register** publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, **Federal Register** notices, FSIS public meetings, recalls, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The update is communicated via Listserv, a free e-mail subscription service consisting of industry, trade, and farm groups, consumer interest groups, allied health professionals, scientific professionals, and other individuals who have requested to be included. The update also is available on the FSIS Web page. Through Listserv and the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at *http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_and_events/email_subscription/.* Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves and have the option to password protect their account. Done in Washington, DC: January 12, 2007. Barbara J. Masters, Administrator. [FR Doc. 07-192 Filed 1-12-07; 3:10 pm]

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U.S. Code

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Pub. L. 104-13
7 CFR 1260.143(b)(2)
7 CFR 1260.500
7 CFR 1260.530
7 CFR 1941

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cites case law

Notices

Notice and request for comments

U.S.C.§ 901

U.S.C.§ 2901

Pub. L.Pub. L. 104-13

Cite7 CFR 1260.143(b)(2)

Cite7 CFR 1260.500

Cite7 CFR 1260.530

Cite7 CFR 1941

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