Reply to Public Comment

U nited States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

Dear Ms. Jean Public,

The mission of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is to provide timely, reliable, and accurate agricultural information to private industry, the public, and governmental sectors.  NASS regularly reviews and evaluates programs based on industry and data user input. We carefully examine questionnaires and published reports to make sure they provide the data users with useful information to help them make informed decisions.

NASS is a non-regulatory agency within the USDA. We collect and publish unbiased data that is used in making objective decisions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is mandated by Congress to conduct research and make recommendations for the prevention of work-related diseases, illnesses, and injuries. Through a cooperative agreement, NIOSH has asked NASS to collect this vital information on worker exposure to pesticides so that NIOSH can determine if there is a need for additional follow-up studies to insure the safety of the American farmers and their families.

I trust this response helps address your concerns.

Best regards,

David Hancock

NASS OMB Clearance Officer

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.