The collection of information is needed to effectively and administer the Conservation Loan Program as required by the 2008 Farm Bill.
The Farm Loan Programs (FPL) of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has been tasked with implementing the Conservation Loan (CL) Program authorized by Section 5002 of the 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110-246), which amends section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT) (7 U.S.C. 1924).
Conservation of natural resources is a high priority of the current administration. There is strong interest and participation from farmers in programs that support and encourage conservation practices. However, many farmers do not have the up front capital to implement these conservation projects.
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.