THIS SURVEY IS NEEDED TO UPDATE
ESTIMATES OF CONTRACTING AND VERTICAL INTEGRATION IN AGRICULTURE.
DATA OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY RELATE TO MARKET ACCESSIBILITY AND
PRACTICAL REPORTING ISSUES AND WILL BE USED T SUPPORT THE ERS
SITUATION AND OUTLOOK AND MARKETING RESEARCH PROGRAMS. FIRMS
HANDLING FARM PRODUCTS WILL BE INTERVIEWED TO OBTAIN CURRENT
INFORMATION ABOUT MARKETING PRACTICES.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.