### 69110 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations

(1) The first referendum shall be conducted not later than 3 years after assessments first begin under the Order;

(2) The order will be approved in a
referendum if:

(i) A majority of producers and importers vote for approval in the
referendum.

(b) Subsequent referenda. The Secretary shall conduct subsequent
referenda:

(1) For the purpose of ascertaining whether producers and importers favor the continuation, suspension, or termination of the Order;

(2) Every seven years the Secretary
shall hold a referendum to determine whether producers and importers of
Christmas trees favor the continuation
of the Order. The Order shall continue if it is favored by a majority of producers and importers voting for approval in the referendum who have been engaged in the production or importation of Christmas trees;

(3) At the request of the Board established in this Order;

(4) At the request of 10 percent or more of the number of persons eligible
to vote in a referendum as set forth under the Order; or

(5) At any time as determined by the Secretary.

**§ 1214.82 Suspension or termination.**

(a) The Secretary shall suspend or terminate this part or subpart or a provision thereof, if the Secretary finds that the subpart or a provision thereof
obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purpose of the Act, or if the Secretary determines that this subpart or a provision thereof is not favored by persons voting in a referendum conducted pursuant to the Act.

(b) The Secretary shall suspend or terminate this subpart at the end of the fiscal period whenever the Secretary determines that its suspension or termination is favored by a majority of producers and importers voting in a referenda who, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the production or importation of Christmas trees.

(c) If, as a result of a referendum the Secretary determines that this subpart is not approved, the Secretary shall:

(1) Not later than one hundred and eighty (180) days after making the determination, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, collection of assessments under this subpart; and

(2) As soon as practical, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, activities under this subpart in an orderly

manner. **§ 1214.83 Proceedings after termination.** (a) Upon the termination of this subpart, the Board shall recommend not
more than three of its members to the Secretary to serve as trustees for the purpose of liquidating the affairs of the Board. Such persons, upon designation by the Secretary, shall become trustees of all of the funds and property then in the possession or under control of the Board, including claims for any funds unpaid or property not delivered, or any other claim existing at the time of such

termination.

(b) The said trustees shall: (1) Continue in such capacity until discharged by the Secretary;

(2) Carry out the obligations of the Board under any contracts or agreements entered into pursuant to the Order;

(3) From time to time account for all receipts and disbursements and deliver all property on hand, together with all
books and records of the Board and the trustees, to such person or persons as the Secretary may direct; and

(4) Upon request of the Secretary execute such assignments or other instruments necessary and appropriate to vest in such persons title and right to all funds, property and claims vested in the Board or the trustees pursuant to the
Order.

(c) Any person to whom funds, property or claims have been transferred or delivered pursuant to the Order shall be subject to the same obligations imposed upon the Board and upon the

trustees.

(d) Any residual funds not required to defray the necessary expenses of liquidation shall be turned over to the Secretary to be disposed of, to the extent practical, to one or more Christmas tree organizations in the United States in the interest of continuing Christmas tree promotion, research, and information

programs.

**§ 1214.84 Effect of termination or**

**amendment.**

Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Secretary, the termination of this subpart or of any regulation issued pursuant thereto, or the issuance of any amendment to either thereof, shall not:

(a) Affect or waive any right, duty, obligation or liability which shall have arisen or which may thereafter arise in connection with any provision of this subpart or any regulation issued
thereunder.

(b) Release or extinguish any violation of this subpart or any regulation issued
thereunder.

(c) Affect or impair any rights or remedies of the United States, or of the Secretary or of any other persons, with respect to any such violation.

**§ 1214.85 Personal liability.**

No member or employee of the Board shall be held personally responsible, either individually or jointly with others, in any way whatsoever, to any person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either of commission or omission, as such member or employee, except for acts of dishonesty or willful
misconduct.

**§ 1214.86 Separability.**

If any provision of this subpart is declared invalid or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this subpart or the applicability thereof to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

**§ 1214.87 Amendments.**

Amendments to this subpart may be proposed from time to time by the Board or by any interested person affected by the provisions of the Act, including the Secretary.

**§ 1214.88 OMB control numbers.**

The control number assigned to the information collection requirements by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, is OMB control number 0505–0001, and
OMB control number 0581–0267 and

0581–0268.

**Subpart B—[Reserved]**

Dated: November 1, 2011. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator.

[FR Doc. 2011–28798 Filed 11–7–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 3410–02–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Agricultural Marketing Service**

**7 CFR Part 1214**

**[Document No. AMS–FV–10–0008–FR]**

**RIN 0581–AD00**

**Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Referendum** 

**Procedures**

**AGENCY :**  Agricultural Marketing Service, Agriculture, USDA.

**ACTION :**  Final rule.

**SUMMARY :**  This final rule establishes procedures for conducting a referendum
to determine whether the continuation


### 69111 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations

of the Christmas Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) is favored by domestic producers and importers of Christmas trees. This program will be implemented under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). The
1996 Act allows for a referendum to be conducted up to three years after the effective date of the Order. The program will be continued if approved by a simple majority of the current eligible domestic producers and importers voting in the referendum. These procedures will also be used for any subsequent referendum under the Order. The Order is being published separately in this issue of the Federal Register

.

**DATES :**  Effective Date: December 8, 2011.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Patricia A. Petrella, Marketing Specialist, Research and Promotion Branch, FV, AMS, USDA, Stop 0244, Room 1406–S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– 0244; telephone (202) 720–9915 or (888) 720–9917 (toll free) or email: Patricia.Petrella@ams.usda.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  This rule is issued pursuant to the Commodity Promotion, research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act) (7 U.S.C. 7411– 7425).

As part of this rulemaking process, two proposed rules were published in
the Federal Register on November 8, 2010. One rule pertained to the proposed Order (75 FR 68512) and a second rule pertained to proposed referendum procedures (75 FR 68529). Both rules provided for 60-day comment periods ending on February 7, 2011. No comments were received regarding the referendum procedures. However, the comment period for the proposed order was extended until March 9, 2011 (76 FR 9695). Five hundred and sixty five comments were received regarding the proposed Order. Those comments
are addressed in another final rule published earlier in the Federal Register

. Executive Order 12866

This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Executive Order 12988

This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
Reform. It is not intended to have
retroactive effect. Section 524 of the 1996 Act provides that the Act shall not affect or preempt any other Federal or State law authorizing promotion or research relating to an agricultural commodity.

Under Section 519 of the 1996 Act, a person subject to an order may file a petition with the Department (USDA) stating that an order, any provision of an order, or any obligation imposed in connection with an order, is not
established in accordance with the law. In the petition, the person may request
a modification of an order or an exemption from an order. Any petition filed challenging an order, any provision of an order, or any obligation imposed in connection with an order, shall be filed within two years after the effective date of an order, provision or obligation subject to challenge in the petition. The petitioner will have the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. Thereafter, the Department will issue a ruling on the petition. The 1996 Act provides that the district court of the United States for any district in which the petitioner resides or conducts business shall have the jurisdiction to review a final ruling on the petition, if the petitioner files a complaint for that purpose not later than 20 days after the date of entry of the Department’s final ruling.

This final rule establishes procedures for conducting a referendum to
determine whether the continuation of the Christmas Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) is favored by domestic producers and importers of Christmas trees. Domestic producers and importers can vote three years after the establishment of the program to determine if they favor the continuation of the program. This referendum will need to be approved by a simple majority of the eligible domestic producers and importers voting in the referendum. The proponents proposed that a referendum be held among domestic producers and importers three years after the first assessments begin to determine whether they favor continuation of the program. USDA will
conduct the referendum. These procedures will also be used for any subsequent referendum under the
Order.

The 1996 Act authorizes USDA to establish agricultural commodity research and promotion orders which may include a combination of promotion, research, industry information, and consumer information activities funded by mandatory assessments. These programs are designed to maintain and expand markets and uses for agricultural
commodities. As defined under section 513(1)(D) of the 1996 Act, agricultural commodities include the products of forestry, which includes Christmas

trees.

The 1996 Act provides for alternatives within the terms of a variety of provisions. Paragraph (e) of section 518 of the 1996 Act provides three options for determining industry approval of a new research and promotion program: (1) By a majority of those persons voting; (2) by persons voting for approval who represent a majority of the volume of the agricultural commodity; or (3) by a majority of those persons voting for approval who also represent a majority of the volume of the agricultural commodity. In addition, section 518 of the 1996 Act provides for referenda to ascertain approval of an order to be conducted either prior to its going into effect or within three years after assessments first begin under an
order.

USDA received a proposal for a national research and promotion program for Christmas trees from the
Christmas Tree Checkoff Task Force (Task Force). The program will be financed by an assessment on Christmas trees domestic producers and importers and would be administered by a board of industry members selected by the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary). The initial assessment rate will be $0.15 per Christmas tree domestically produced or imported into the United States and could be increased up to $0.20 per Christmas tree. The purpose of the program will be to strengthen the position of fresh cut Christmas trees in the marketplace and maintain and expand markets for Christmas trees
within the United States.

The Task Force proposed that a referendum be held among domestic producers and importers three years after the first assessments begin to determine whether they favor continuation of the program. The Task Force recommended that the program be continued if it is favored by a majority of the current domestic producers and importers voting in the referendum. Current domestic producers or importers who domestically produce or import more than 500 Christmas trees annually will be eligible to vote in the
referendum.

Accordingly, this rule will add subpart B to part 1214 that will establish procedures for conducting the referendum. The procedures will cover definitions, voting instructions, use of subagents, ballots, the referendum report, and confidentiality of information. The procedures will be applicable for the initial referendum
and future referenda.


### 69112 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations

Final Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601– 612), AMS is required to examine the impact of the final rule on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has considered the economic impact of this
action on small entities.

The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of businesses subject to such actions so
that small businesses will not be disproportionately burdened. The Small Business Administration defines, in 13 CFR part 121, small agricultural producers as those having annual receipts of no more than $750,000 and small agricultural service firms (domestic manufacturers and importers) as those having annual receipts of no more than $7.0 million.

Under these criteria, the majority of the domestic producers that would be
covered under this Order will be considered small entities, while most importers will not. Domestic producers and importers who produced or imported less than 500 Christmas trees annually will be exempt from the assessment. Organic domestic producers and importers are also expected to be exempt from assessments. The number of entities assessed under the program would be approximately 3,263. Estimated revenue is expected at $2 million of which 10 percent is expected from imported product and 90 percent from domestic product.

According to the Task Force, based on
data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture, there were approximately 12,255 Christmas tree farms that produced Christmas trees in the United States. Approximately 25 percent of the domestic producers or 3,100 Christmas tree domestic producers will be subject
to the assessment based on the exemption of those producing less than 500 Christmas trees would be exempt from assessments. Approximately 95 percent of the domestic producers subject to the assessment qualified
under the definition for small business owners. In 2008, there were approximately 175 importers. Based on the U.S. Customs data, 163 importers are subject to the assessment rate under the proposed Order.

This rule establishes procedures for conducting a referendum to determine whether domestic producers and importers favor continuation of a
Christmas tree Order. USDA will
conduct the referendum. The 1996 Act
allows for a referendum to be conducted determining if domestic producers and importers favor the Order and also providing that a referendum be conducted up to three years after the effective date of the Proposed Order. Domestic producers and importers can vote three years after the establishment of the program to determine if they favor the continuation of the program. The procedures will also be used for any subsequent referendum under the Order. The procedures are authorized under paragraph (e) of section 518 the

1996 Act.

Regarding the economic impact of the Order on affected entities, domestic producers and importers of more than 500 Christmas trees annually will be required to pay assessments to the Board. As previously mentioned, the initial assessment rate will be $0.15 per Christmas tree domestically produced or imported to the United States and could be increased to no more than $0.20 per Christmas tree. Voting in the referendum is optional. If current domestic producers and importers chose to vote, the burden of voting would be offset by the benefits of having the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want the program to become
effective.

Regarding alternatives, USDA considered requiring eligible voters to vote in person at various USDA offices across the country. Conducting the referendum from one central location by
mail ballot will be more cost effective and reliable. USDA will provide easy access to information for potential voters through a toll free telephone line.

This action imposes an additional reporting burden on eligible domestic producers and importers of Christmas trees. Current eligible domestic producers and importers will have the opportunity to complete and submit a ballot to USDA indicating whether or not they favor continuation of the Order. The specific burden for the ballot is
detailed later in this document in the section titled Paperwork Reduction Act. As with all Federal promotion programs, reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. Finally, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with
this rule.

AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the
use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and services, and for other purposes.

Regarding outreach efforts, USDA will keep these individuals informed throughout the program implementation and referendum process to ensure that they are aware of and are able to participate in the program implementation process. USDA will also publicize information regarding the referendum process so that trade associations and related industry media can be kept informed.

Paperwork Reduction Act

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the referendum ballot, which represents the information collection and recordkeeping requirements that may be imposed by this rule, has been preapproved by

OMB.

Title: Referendum for Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Program.

OMB Number: 0581–0267. Expiration Date of Approval: 12/31/

2013.

Type of Request: Approval of a preapproved collection.

Abstract: The information collection requirements in this request are essential to carry out the intent of the
1996 Act. The information collection concerns a proposal received by USDA for a national research and promotion program for Christmas trees. The program will be financed by an
assessment on Christmas tree domestic producers and importers and will be administered by a board of industry members selected by the Secretary. The program will provide an exemption for domestic producers and importers that domestically produce or import less than 500 Christmas trees annually. A referendum will be held among eligible domestic producers and importers to determine whether they favor continuation of the program. The purpose of the program will be to help
build the market for fresh cut Christmas

trees.

The information collection requirements in this rule concern the
referendum that will be held to determine whether the program is favored by the industry. Current domestic producers and importers that domestically produce or import more than 500 Christmas trees annually will be eligible to vote in the referendum. The ballot will be completed by eligible current domestic producers and importers who want to indicate whether or not they support continuation of the

program. Referendum Ballot

Estimate of Burden: Public recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.25 hour per application.


### 69113 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations

Respondents: Domestic producers and importers.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,263 (3,100 domestic producers and 163 importers).

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1 every 7 years (0.14).

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 114.21 hours.

The ballot will be added to the other information collections approved under

OMB No. 0581–0267.

An estimated 3,263 respondents would provide information to the Board (3,100 domestic producers and 163 importers). The estimated cost of providing the information to the Board by respondents will be $3,768.93. This total has been estimated by multiplying 114.21 total hours required for reporting and recordkeeping by $33, the average mean hourly earnings of various occupations involved in keeping this information. Data for computation of this hourly rate was obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.

The Order’s provisions have been carefully reviewed, and every effort has been made to minimize any unnecessary recordkeeping costs or requirements, including efforts to utilize information already submitted under other programs administered by USDA and other state

programs. Request for Public Comment Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

A proposed rule regarding the referendum procedures was published
in the Federal Register on November 8, 2010 (75 FR 68529). Copies of the rule were made available by USDA through the Office of the Federal Register and
were also made available via the

Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. That rule provided for a 60-day comment period. No comments were
received.

In the November 8, 2010, proposed rule, comments were also invited on the information collection requirements prescribed in the Paperwork Reduction Act section of this rule. Specifically, comments were solicited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the proposed Order and USDA’s oversight of the proposed Order, including
whether the information would have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of
USDA’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) the accuracy of USDA’s estimate of the principal manufacturing areas in the United States for softwood lumber; (d) the accuracy of USDA’s estimate of the number of domestic manufacturers and importers of softwood lumber that would be covered under the program; (e) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (f) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. No comments were received regarding
information collection.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1214

Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Consumer information, Marketing agreements, Christmas trees, Promotion, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, Title 7, Chapter XI of the Code of Federal Regulations, is
amended to read as follows:

**PART 1214—CHRISTMAS TREES, PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND** 
**INFORMATION ORDER**

■ 1. The authority citation for part 1214
continues to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411–7425; 7 U.S.C.

7401.

■ 2. Add subpart B to part 1214 to read
as follows:

**Subpart B—Referendum Procedures**

Sec.
1214.100 General.
1214.101 Definitions. 1214.102 Voting.

1214.103 Instructions. 1214.104 Subagents.
1214.105 Ballots. 1214.106 Referendum report.
1214.107 Confidential information.
1214.108 OMB control number.

**Subpart B—Referendum Procedures**

**§ 1214.100 General.**

Referenda to determine whether eligible domestic producers and importers of Christmas trees favor the continuance, amendment, suspension,
or termination of the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information
Order shall be conducted in accordance with this subpart.

**§ 1214.101 Definitions.**

(a) Administrator means the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, with power to delegate, or any officer or employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to whom authority has been delegated or may hereafter be delegated to act in the
Administrator’s stead. (b) Customs means the United States
Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Customs Service, an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

(c) Department means the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any officer or employee of the Department to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in the Secretary’s stead.

(d) Eligible domestic producer means any person who domestically produces more than 500 Christmas trees annually in the United States, and who:

(1) Owns, or shares the ownership and risk of loss of the production of Christmas trees;

(2) Rents Christmas tree production land, facilities and/or equipment resulting in the ownership of all or a portion of the Christmas trees domestically produced;

(3) Owns Christmas tree production facilities and equipment but does not manage them and, as compensation, obtains the ownership of a portion of the Christmas trees domestically produced; or

(4) Is a party in a landlord-tenant relationship or a divided ownership arrangement involving totally independent entities cooperating only to domestically produce Christmas trees
who share the risk of loss and receive
a share of the Christmas trees domestically produced. No other acquisition of legal title to Christmas
trees shall be deemed to result in persons becoming eligible domestic producers.

(e) Eligible importer means any person importing more than 500 Christmas trees annually into the United States as a principal or as an agent, broker, or consignee of any person who domestically produces or handles
Christmas trees outside of the United States for sale in the United States, and who is listed as the importer of record
for such Christmas trees that are
identified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States by the numbers 0604.91.00.20, 0604.91.00.40, and 0604.91.00.60 during the representative period. Importation occurs when Christmas trees originating
outside of the United States are released from custody by Customs and
introduced into the stream of commerce
in the United States. Included arepersons who hold title to foreignproduced Christmas trees immediately upon release by Customs, as well as any persons who act on behalf of others, as agents or brokers, to secure the release
of Christmas trees from Customs when
such Christmas trees are entered or


### 69114 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations

withdrawn for consumption in the
United States.

(f) Christmas tree means any tree of the coniferous species, that is severed or
cut from its roots and marketed as a Christmas tree for holiday use.

(g) Order means the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information
Order.

(h) Person means any individual, group of individuals, partnership, corporation, association, cooperative, or any other legal entity. For the purpose of this definition, the term ‘‘partnership’’ includes, but is not
limited to:

(1) A husband and a wife who have title to, or leasehold interest in, a
Christmas tree farm as tenants in common, joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or, under community property laws, as community property; and

(2) So-called ‘‘joint ventures’’ wherein one or more parties to an agreement, informal or otherwise, contributed land and others contributed capital, labor, management, or other services, or any variation of such contributions by two or more parties.

(i) Referendum agent or agent means the individual or individuals designated by the Department to conduct the
referendum.

(j) Representative period means the period designated by the Department.

(j) United States or U.S. means collectively the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions
of the United States.

**§ 1214.102 Voting.**

(a) Each eligible domestic producer and eligible importer of Christmas trees shall be entitled to cast only one ballot in the referendum. However, each domestic producer in a landlord/tenant relationship or a divided ownership arrangement involving totally independent entities cooperating only to domestically produce Christmas trees, in which more than one of the parties is a domestic producer or importer,
shall be entitled to cast one ballot in the referendum covering only such domestic producer or importer’s share of the ownership.

(b) Proxy voting is not authorized, but an officer or employee of an eligible corporate domestic producer or importer, or an administrator, executor, or trustee or an eligible entity may cast a ballot on behalf of such entity. Any individual so voting in a referendum shall certify that such individual is an officer or employee of the eligible entity, or an administrator, executive, or trustee of an eligible entity and that such individual has the authority to take such action. Upon request of the referendum agent, the individual shall submit adequate evidence of such authority.

(c) All ballots are to be cast by mail as instructed by the Department.

(d) Eligible domestic producers or eligible importers may be asked to provide proof of sales or acreage as proof of eligibility to vote in any
referendum.

**§ 1214.103 Instructions.**

The referendum agent shall conduct the referendum, in the manner provided in this subpart, under the supervision of
the Administrator. The Administrator may prescribe additional instructions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this subpart, to govern the procedure to be followed by the referendum agent. Such agent shall:

(a) Determine the period during which ballots may be cast.

(b) Provide ballots and related
material to be used in the referendum. The ballot shall provide for recording essential information, including that needed for ascertaining whether the person voting, or on whose behalf the vote is cast, is an eligible voter.

(c) Give reasonable public notice of
the referendum:

(1) By utilizing available media or public information sources, without incurring advertising expense, to publicize the dates, places, method of voting, eligibility requirements, and other pertinent information. Such sources of publicity may include, but are not limited to, print and radio; and

(2) By such other means as the agent may deem advisable.

(d) Mail to eligible domestic producers and importers whose names
and addresses are known to the referendum agent, the instructions on voting, a ballot, and a summary of the terms and conditions of the proposed Order. No person who claims to be eligible to vote shall be refused a ballot.

(e) At the end of the voting period, collect, open, number, and review the
ballots and tabulate the results in the presence of an agent of a third party
authorized to monitor the referendum

process.

(f) Prepare a report on the referendum. (g) Announce the results to the public.

**§ 1214.104 Subagents.**

The referendum agent may appoint any individual or individuals necessary or desirable to assist the agent in performing such agent’s functions of this subpart. Each individual so appointed may be authorized by the agent to perform any or all of the functions which, in the absence of such appointment, shall be performed by the agent. **§ 1214.105 Ballots.** The referendum agent and subagents shall accept all ballots cast. However, if an agent or subagent deems that a ballot should be challenged for any reason, the agent or subagent shall endorse above their signature, on the ballot, a
statement to the effect that such ballot was challenged, by whom challenged, the reasons therefore, the results of any investigations made with respect thereto, and the disposition thereof. Ballots invalid under this subpart shall
not be counted.

**§ 1214.106 Referendum report.**

Except as otherwise directed, the referendum agent shall prepare and submit to the Administrator a report on the results of the referendum, the manner in which it was conducted, the extent and kind of public notice given, and other information pertinent to the analysis of the referendum and its
results.

**§ 1214.107 Confidential information.**

The ballots and other information or reports that reveal, or tend to reveal, the vote of any person covered under the Order and the voter list shall be strictly
confidential and shall not be disclosed.

**§ 1214.108 OMB control number.**

The control number assigned to the information collection requirement in this subpart by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is OMB control
number 0581–0267.

Dated: November 1, 2011. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator.

[FR Doc. 2011–28807 Filed 11–7–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 3410–02–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Office of Advocacy and Outreach**

**7 CFR Part 2502**

**RIN 0503–AA49**

**Agricultural Career and Employment Grants Program** 

**AGENCY :**  Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Departmental Management,

USDA.

**ACTION :**  Interim rule with request for

comments.

**SUMMARY :**  Section 14204 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to assist agricultural employers and