Letter of Support

Appendix B. Supporting Letters

Certified Crop Adviser Program
5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711-5801 | FAX 608-273-2081 | 608-273-8085
www.certifiedcropadviser.org

To:

Claire Paisley-Jones, USDA-OPMP
Michelle Ranville, USDA-OPMP

From:

Luther Smith, CAE
Chief Administrative Officer, ASA, CSSA, SSSA

Date:

November 6, 2023

RE:

USDA CCA network development, pesticide use

The International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) Program is pleased to partner with
USDA Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) regarding collecting data from CCAs
on pesticide use.
We understand the data collected will be held in aggregate with no identifying
information to the individual. The collection process will involve a brief, electronic survey
and administered through the ICCA Program office in Madison, WI. Efforts will be made
to continually refine the audience parameters to increase the effectiveness.
The ICCA has now worked with OPMP on four surveys. OPMP has consulted our staff
ahead of each survey to determine the proper timing for sending the questionnaires as
well as the relevance to our members. We believe the process has low burden for our
staff and members compared to the overall benefit.
The primary goal of the project is to assist US-EPA in making pesticide use decisions
and enhance their knowledge in this area.
There are 12,871 Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) throughout North America
represented by 34 Local Boards (state/province/region). There are 10,720 CCAs in the
United States where the survey will be focused.
We appreciate the opportunity to continue partnering with USDA OPMP on this project
and look forward to continued collaboration.