FR 2024-31298

The document is an official announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a part of the Health and Human Services Department. It communicates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the "National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy Survey" under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This approval is valid until November 30, 2027, and authorizes the FDA to collect information pertinent to the strategies for defending agriculture and food sources in the nation.

Summary of the Document

The FDA's announcement is primarily procedural, confirming the legal authorization for conducting a specific survey. The document identifies the survey as part of a broader strategic initiative concerning agriculture and food defense. Now assigned an OMB control number, the survey will collect data over a period that extends until late 2027. Stakeholders involved in agriculture, food production, and safety might find this survey significant, as it could influence future policies and strategic directions in food defense.

Issues and Concerns

The document doesn't detail the financial implications of the survey. This omission could be a point of concern, especially if there are potential costs to taxpayers or stakeholders without clear justification or results. Furthermore, it does not disclose whether any particular organizations or individuals have a preference in administering or executing the survey. Such biases, if present, could affect the fairness and objectivity of the survey.

In addition, the text includes technical and legal language, such as references to the "Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995" and "44 U.S.C. 3507," which might not be easily understood by individuals without legal or bureaucratic backgrounds. This could limit accessibility for the general public or stakeholders trying to engage with the content more deeply.

Another point to note is the reference to an external website for accessing the supporting statement related to this information collection. While practical for many, it assumes stakeholders have convenient internet access, which may not always be the case.

Finally, while the OMB approval expires in November 2027, the document provides no context about what happens after this date, creating uncertainty about the survey's future relevance or continuation.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, the announcement itself may have limited immediate impact unless they are directly involved in or affected by agricultural and food security sectors. However, the information collected through this survey could shape future regulatory practices or guidelines that affect food quality and safety, potentially impacting consumers indirectly.

For specific stakeholders such as agricultural producers, food safety experts, and policy-makers, this survey could have direct implications. Positive outcomes might include improved strategic frameworks and enhanced preparedness against potential threats to food supply chains. Conversely, if biases or inefficiencies are present, it could lead to decisions that do not adequately reflect the needs or realities of the sector, potentially disadvantaging certain groups.

In conclusion, while procedural in nature, this announcement sets the stage for impactful data collection with the potential to influence significant policy developments in agriculture and food defense. However, issues around transparency, clarity, and inclusivity should be addressed to ensure the survey's effectiveness and fairness.