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.