Annual Survey of Farmer Cooperatives

OMB Control No: 0570-0007	ICR Reference No: 202009-0570-001
Status: Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 201708-0570-001
Agency/Subagency: USDA/RBS	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Annual Survey of Farmer Cooperatives
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 12/28/2021
Retrieve Notice of Action (NOA)	Date Received in OIRA: 01/29/2021
Terms of Clearance:

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	12/31/2024	36 Months From Approved	12/31/2021
Responses	1,037	0	1,175
Time Burden (Hours)	792	0	1,160
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

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Abstract: 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.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 7 USC 451-457 Name of Law: Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	85 FR 39869	07/02/2020
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	86 FR 7526	01/29/2021
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? Yes

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title Form No. Form Name Annual Survey of Farmer Cooperatives RBCS-20A, RBCS-20D, RBCS-20F, RBCS-20G, RBCS-20W Cooperative Statistics (Regional Cooperatives - Sales of $30 mil/more) ,   Cooperative Statistics (Local Cooperatives - Sales less than $30 mil) ,   Cooperative Statistics (Fishery Cooperative) ,   Cooperative Statistics (Cotton Ginning) ,   Cooperative Statistics (Wool and Mohair Marketing)

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	1,037	1,175	0	0	-138	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	792	1,160	0	0	-368	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: 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.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $191,942

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? Yes Part B of Supporting Statement

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

Agency Contact: Andrew Jermolowicz 202 720-8460

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:
		(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;
		(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;
		(c) It reduces burden on small entities;
		(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;
		(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;
		(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;
		(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:
			(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;
		(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.
		(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and
		(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.
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.
Certification Date: 01/29/2021

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