FR 2021-01930

The document submitted by the Department of Agriculture outlines an information collection requirement regarding the annual survey conducted by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). This survey collects essential data about farmer cooperatives, such as business volume and financial health. The information is crucial for the RBS to promote and understand cooperative business models which aim to enhance the income of agricultural producers and rural residents. The collection and use of this data support the agency's objectives and provide valuable insights for various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and cooperative associations.

General Summary

The Department of Agriculture aims to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by submitting this survey to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The purpose of the survey is to gather statistics about farmer cooperatives, enhancing the understanding and development of cooperative businesses. This initiative reflects the agency's commitment to improving and promoting cooperatives as important economic structures in rural America.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several noteworthy issues are evident from this notice:

1. Calculation of Burden Hours: The document mentions 792 total burden hours but does not elaborate on how this figure was derived, or whether it includes time spent on associated activities, like preparing or processing the survey responses.

2. Confidentiality of Information: Although the survey collects sensitive data, there is no clear explanation of measures in place to protect the confidentiality of respondents' information, which is critical for building trust with participants.

3. Methodology Transparency: There is a lack of detail on the methodology and assumptions used to estimate the burden and ensure the accuracy of the survey, which could raise questions about the validity of the data collected.

4. Efforts to Minimize Respondent Burden: While the document briefly mentions technological solutions to ease the burden on respondents, it doesn't provide detailed alternatives or strategies being considered to make the process less onerous for participants.

5. Representation and Diversity: Ensuring a diverse and representative sample across different types of cooperatives is crucial but not addressed in the document. Failure to ensure a wide range of responses may lead to biased conclusions.

6. Clarification of Stakeholder Use: The term "cooperative management and members" is vague and would benefit from further explanation to clarify exactly which stakeholders within a cooperative are intended users of the data.

Impact on the Public

The survey's approval and implementation may influence the broader public by enhancing support and structures for cooperative businesses, a key player in rural economies. The data collected could highlight trends, challenges, and opportunities within the cooperative sector, potentially informing policy decisions and economic strategies.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For cooperative organizations, the survey represents both an opportunity and a burden. While participation can lead to valuable insights and support, the effort required to complete it might strain resources, particularly for smaller cooperatives with limited administrative capacities.

Educational institutions and researchers could benefit significantly from the survey data, using it as a foundation for academic study, policy analysis, or curriculum development. However, these stakeholders would require assurances about the robustness and reliability of the collected data.

In conclusion, while the survey holds promise for strengthening the cooperative sector, attention to data protection, burden minimization, and methodology transparency will be essential for maximizing positive outcomes and stakeholder buy-in.