The information is needed to effectively administer the Farm Service Agency (FSA) guaranteed farm loan, EZ Guarantee Program, Micro Lender program (MLP) and land contract guaranteed loan programs.
FSA merged the information collection of EZ Guarantee Program and MLP request (0560-0288) with this information collection, as a result of the merger, the burden hours and responses did not increase. There were a few decreases that more than offset the merged-in burden. The decreases are the result of an error that resulted in a miscalculation of the collection, and the number of farmers applying for Guaranteed Loan Program decreased by 1,790 from three years ago. Thus, there are decreases of -22,259 responses and -33,259 burden hours in this request.
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.