Stocks data are used by the Department of Agriculture to administer various programs; including foreign trade, marketing, nutrition, economic and administration of farm programs. External data users use the data to use in forecasting price data, and making marketing decisions. This is a renewal of a long running series of surveys.
Program changes that have occurred since the previous approval include the discontinuation of the Stocks and Price survey for potatoes and the Potato Buyers survey. The potato prices are now collected from farmers on the Potato Grower Inquiry (0535-0002) instead of from the processors and buyers. The Potato Stocks Only survey has been changed from seven months to four months and the on-farm and off-farm surveys have been combined into one sample. The rest of the changes are adjustments to the sample sizes due to changes in the population.
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.
Stocks Surveys - Non response