Federal Register #2026-22467

USDA AMS Seeks Comments on Organic Handler Assessment Exemption Information Collection

USDA AMS is seeking public comments on continuing an information collection for organic-handler assessment exemptions. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program. - Purpose: Collect applications from eligible certified organic handlers seeking exemption from market promotion assessments under Federal marketing orders. - Commodities covered: Multiple specialty-crop orders, including citrus, avocados, tomatoes, cherries, grapes, pears, hazelnuts, olives, potatoes, onions, almonds, walnuts, spearmint oil, pecans, dates, raisins, and dried prunes. - Estimated reporting burden: 210 respondents, one response per respondent, averaging 0.25 hours each, for 52.5 total annual burden hours. - Procurement status: This is an information-collection notice, not a purchase or contract opportunity. No OEMs, vendors, products, or services are identified.

Description

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting an extension of a currently approved information collection used by marketers to apply for exemption from market promotion assessments under Federal marketing order programs. The collection supports applications by eligible certified organic handlers for exemptions on qualifying organic commodities. It applies to the marketing orders listed in the notice and estimates 210 respondents and 52.5 total annual burden hours. Comments are due January 4, 2027.

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