FR 2021-01468

The document under discussion is a notice from the Department of Agriculture regarding a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an information collection requirement. This request is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, and it relates specifically to the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). The program, which is part of the broader efforts outlined in the Farm Bill, aims to enhance the availability and quality of locally grown food in communities experiencing food insecurity, primarily across several U.S. territories.

Summary of the Document

The notice describes a planned submission for the review of information collection associated with the MGFSP. The program intends to disburse funds to various agricultural departments or agencies, allowing them to distribute subgrants competitively to eligible entities. This is to support initiatives like small-scale gardening and livestock operations aimed at improving food security. The document specifies that the collection of information is essential to ensure participant compliance and outlines that about 318 burden hours are projected for respondents involved in this process.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One significant issue with the document is the lack of clarity regarding what constitutes "eligible entities" for receiving the subgrants. This could potentially lead to confusion among applicants who may not fully understand whether they qualify for participation.

Additionally, while the notice asks for public comments on the necessity and quality of the information collection, it does not specify what particular areas respondents should focus on. Providing more guidance in this area could help shape more constructive and targeted feedback from stakeholders.

Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple public law references, including the "Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill)," might be perplexing for the general public. Adequate explanation or context would be necessary to make this accessible to all readers.

Another concern arises from the disparity between the authorized funding and the appropriated amount for fiscal year 2020. While $10 million is reportedly authorized annually, only $5 million was actually allocated, with no explanation provided for this discrepancy, creating potential concerns about funding consistency.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, this document represents governmental efforts to tackle issues related to food security through targeted grant programs. If implemented efficiently, the MGFSP can increase access to locally grown foods in various communities struggling with food insecurity, which is a positive outcome. However, the bureaucratic nuances and the requirement for effective feedback may seem onerous to the layperson.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For potential grant applicants, which primarily include agricultural agencies or departments from specific U.S. territories, this document and the program as a whole provide a significant opportunity. The MGFSP offers financial resources to support food security initiatives. However, the lack of clarity around eligibility and the complexities of the application process could hinder potential applicants from making the most of the available resources.

Additionally, regulatory officials and policymakers might find the administrative aspects of implementing such a program challenging, particularly in aligning appropriations with the authorized funding levels comprehensively and consistently.

Overall, while the intent of the notice and the MGFSP program is evidently positive, aimed at addressing food insecurity challenges, clarifying the obscure details and resolving any discrepancies in funding will be crucial to its success and efficacy.

The document under review outlines financial details regarding the funding of the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) implemented by the Agricultural Marketing Service, a division of the Department of Agriculture. This program is poised to enhance the availability and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities across several U.S. states and territories.

Summary of Spending and Appropriations

The financial cornerstone of this program is grounded in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill. This legislative act authorized an appropriation of $10 million per fiscal year starting in 2019 and continuing into each subsequent fiscal year. However, a notable deviation occurred in fiscal year 2020, where only $5 million was appropriated. This allocation means that the authorized amount was effectively halved without any accompanying explanation regarding the reasoning behind this decision or its implications.

Financial References and Identified Issues

The discrepancy between the authorized amount and the actual appropriated funds presents a significant issue. The document fails to discuss why only half of the authorized funds were appropriated for fiscal year 2020. This lack of explanation may raise concerns about the reliability and consistency of funding for the MGFSP. Potential stakeholders and participants might question the program's long-term funding stability, potentially affecting their decision to participate or plan for future activities.

Furthermore, the document does not delineate what constitutes "eligible entities" under this program, which could lead to confusion when entities consider applying for these grants. Clarity on eligibility is crucial to ensure that the allocated funds are distributed appropriately and effectively.

Additionally, while explaining the financial background and intentions, the document refers to several legislative acts, such as the "Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-343) (Farm Bill)." For the general public or potential grant applicants, the complexity of these references might be confusing. A more straightforward explanation of how funding is tied to these legislative acts could provide better clarity and understanding for the audience.

In summary, while the initiative aims to support food security through strategic financial appropriations, the lack of clarity regarding fund allocation discrepancies and eligibility might undermine the program's potential effectiveness and clarity to the public. Addressing these financial ambiguities would likely enhance transparency and stakeholder confidence in the program.