FR 2025-06670

The Federal Register document under review is a notice from the Department of Agriculture stating its intentions to submit new information collection requirements to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. It seeks comments from the public on several aspects, such as the necessity of the information collection, accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to enhance data quality, and methods to reduce respondent burden.

General Summary

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward with plans to improve its data collection practices through the Economic Research Service (ERS). This initiative is aimed at refining how data is collected regarding agriculture, food, environment, and rural America. It aims to ensure that surveys are clear and easy to understand, thus reducing the burden on those who must respond, such as individuals, businesses, farms, non-profits, and government entities. The USDA is inviting public comments on a broad range of issues related to this information collection effort.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are some noteworthy issues within this endeavor:

1. Estimated Burden Hours: The document specifies total burden hours but lacks detail on whether the individual time requirement per respondent is reasonable. More clarity could assist in understanding whether the burden on respondents is justified.

2. Complex Language: Certain sections, like the summaries and explanations, contain language that might be too complex for the general public. Simplifying these sections could improve understanding and facilitate more informed feedback from a broader audience.

3. Lack of Evaluation Metrics: While the overarching goals include improving data quality and reducing respondent burden, the document does not establish clear metrics or benchmarks to measure these improvements. This absence makes it difficult to evaluate the success or progress of these initiatives over time.

4. Potential Data Duplication: The notice does not address whether there might be overlap with data collection efforts by other agencies, an issue that could affect both efficiency and resource allocation.

5. Technological Improvements: The document does not outline specific technological platforms or methods being considered for modernizing survey techniques. Such information would be beneficial in understanding how survey processes could become more efficient and less burdensome.

6. Feedback Utilization: While requesting feedback, there is no clear indication of how responses from stakeholders will influence future actions or changes in the data collection process.

Public Impact

Generally, the impact on the public from this document can be significant, particularly for those entities directly participating in surveys. By improving data collection techniques and potentially reducing the burden on respondents, the USDA could streamline public interaction with its surveys and enhance the effectiveness and reliability of the data collected. This will aid in developing informed policies affecting the agriculture and food sectors.

Impact on Stakeholders

Positive Impacts:

• Respondents: If changes succeed, respondents may find surveys more straightforward and less time-consuming, reducing their participation burden.

• Data Quality: The improvements could lead to higher-quality data, benefiting policymakers and researchers who rely on accurate data for decision-making.

Negative Impacts:

• Ongoing Uncertainties: Until more information is provided on metrics and technological advancements, stakeholders may remain uncertain about the true extent of the modernization and burden-reduction efforts.

• Transparency Issues: Without clear strategies for incorporating public feedback and technological solutions, there might be skepticism about the impact these efforts will realistically have.

Overall, while the USDA aims to make positive changes, the document prompts questions that need addressing to ensure transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in these efforts. Stakeholder engagement and comprehensive feedback utilization will be crucial in refining these initiatives.