Justification for Emergency Extension

OMB Control Number: 0560-0280

Justification for an Emergency Extension, Information Collection Request

FPAC is seeking an emergency extension to the Information Collection Request for OMB Control Number 0560-0280 to continue the information collection. Due to transition of duties during the Deferred Resignation Program exits, coordinating this renewal with the appropriate personnel took longer than expected. The current ICR expires on July 31, 2025.

On June 30, 2025, FPAC published 60-day notice in the Federal Register; however, the public’s comment period ends on August 4, 2025

If FPAC is not granted this emergency extension this likely results in impeding the United States' ability to prioritize agricultural resources during emergencies, creating immediate vulnerabilities in national food security and emergency response capabilities, specifically relating to agriculture production and availability. Any administrative pause of APAS would create a critical gap in national emergency preparedness, eliminating the primary tool for ensuring food security during crises. The cascading impacts on agricultural production, food distribution, and national security emphasizes the justification and approval of the Emergency Extension to maintain national food access capabilities.

Under the Defense Production Act of 1950, National Emergencies Act, and 15 CFR Part 700 – Defense Production Act and 7 CFR Part 789 – Agriculture Priorities and Allocations System the following are examples of cascading impacts of suspended APAS operations:

• Military Conflicts: War, armed conflicts, or major military operations requiring shelf-stable foods and military rations, or prioritizing fertilizer allocation to ensure farms get needed supplies over commercial producers

• Natural Disasters: Large-scale hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or other disasters affecting critical infrastructure may require redirecting agricultural commodities toward emergency food distribution centers and disaster shelters

• Public Health Emergencies: Pandemics, bioterrorism, or health crises requiring medical supply mobilization may require reallocating workforce to sustain agricultural operations during shortages due to illness, or guaranteeing food supply for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and emergency medical centers

• Critical Infrastructure Attacks: Cyberattacks, terrorism, or other threats to essential national infrastructure may require presidential priorities to rapidly shift food processing to secure, undamaged facilities when processing plants are attacked