Data is needed to show the progress and trends in farmer cooperatives growth and development and for research, technical assistance, public-policy making and cooperative education. The data are summarized and published in Farmer Cooperative Statistics. Summary data are provided to researchers and others for special studies and education.
US Code:
7 USC 451-457
Name of Law: Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926
The decrease in burden is due to revised lower estimates in the number of respondents and the elimination of Form RBCS-20**H. Every year a significant number of cooperatives cease to exist due to mergers or dissolutions. Thus, each year fewer survey forms are sent out and fewer returned. Form H is being eliminated for 2020 and beyond to reduce the burden of printing, paperwork, and data entry. Many cooperatives that had been receiving the H form are no longer in business, having merged or dissolved. Others receiving it have increased their participation and are now considered RBCS-20**D form cooperatives. Together, the decrease in respondents and elimination of Form RBCS-20**H will result in 138 fewer responses and will save 368 hours.
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.
Annual Survey of Farmer Cooperatives