USDA Eyes Extension for Secret Farm Stats Protocols
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) wants to update and keep their rules for safely sharing secret data for three more years. This affects anyone who needs access to this confidential info for research or evidence-building. They’re asking for public feedback by October 5, 2026, to make sure the process stays secure and smooth without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork to access NASS restricted data
If you are approved to access NASS restricted-use data, you must complete NASS security paperwork including a Security Briefing, form ADM-043 (Certification and Restrictions on Use of Unpublished Data), a User Attestation Form, and a NASS Site Inspection Checklist. NASS estimates the average time to complete these security requirements is 145 minutes per applicant, expects to collect this information from 200 positively determined applicants per year, and estimates a total annual burden of 484 hours (1,452 hours over the three-year OMB clearance).
OF-306 collects applicants' PII for onboarding
Researchers approved for NASS access will be required to complete the OF-306 (Declaration for Federal Employment), which collects administrative PII such as Social Security Number, date of birth, sex, and citizenship. The OF-306 data will be submitted directly to REE Onboarding and will not be retained or processed by NASS; the OF-306 is approved under OMB Control No. 3206-0182 and its burden is not included in this NASS information-collection estimate.
SAP Portal streamlines multi-agency applications
The Standard Application Process (SAP) Portal (www.sap.nsf.gov) provides a single web-based application and data catalog to request access to confidential federal statistical data, and is designed to reduce redundancies when applicants request data from multiple agencies. The Portal will automate key tasks, track application status, and is intended to bring agencies into compliance with the Evidence Act.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-18618, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) plans to update and extend its Agricultural Prices Surveys for three more years. This affects farmers and businesses who provide price info, as the survey might change in size and questions, possibly changing how long it takes to complete. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 10, 2026!
2026-18624, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service plans to update and extend its water use survey for North Carolina farms using 10,000 to 1,000,000 gallons daily. They’re shrinking the sample size, so fewer farmers will be asked to share info, which means less time spent on the survey. Comments are open until November 10, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-06122, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service plans to update and extend its Livestock Slaughter Survey for three more years. This means some questions might change, and the number of people surveyed could shift, affecting how much time it takes to respond. Farmers, meat producers, and others in the livestock industry should know this helps keep meat supply info fresh and accurate, with comments due by May 29, 2026.
2026-15754, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request feedback from the general public on the "Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Programs". This collection was developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection to OMB for approval and solicits comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.
2026-01161, Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renewal an Information Collection; Correction
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is fixing a previous notice about renewing their survey that predicts crop yields like corn and soybeans. This update clears up details and invites the public to comment by March 16, 2026. Farmers, researchers, and anyone interested in agriculture stats should take note—no big cost changes, just smoother info collection ahead!
2026-00541, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) plans to update and extend its Cotton Ginning Survey for three more years. This survey collects important info from cotton producers about how much cotton and cottonseed they process, helping farmers and businesses plan better. If you’re involved in cotton farming or ginning, your input matters—comments are due by March 16, 2026, and no extra costs are expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15754, Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request feedback from the general public on the "Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Programs". This collection was developed as part of a Federal Government-wide effort to streamline the process for seeking feedback from the public on service delivery. This notice announces our intent to submit this collection to OMB for approval and solicits comments on specific aspects for the proposed information collection.
Next: 2026-15759, Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures Against Foreign Persons, Including a Ban on U.S. Government Procurement
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. is putting the brakes on certain foreign people and companies from Russia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Iran who helped spread dangerous tech linked to weapons. These folks are now banned from getting U.S. government contracts, making it harder for them to do business with the U.S. This move aims to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction and keep everyone safer.