Jean Public - Reply - 09-17-2013

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. Our questionnaires are designed to collect accurate, timely data in the most cost effective manner as possible. This information is useful to both the American cotton farmers and the buyers of ginned cotton that will make this into numerous fabrics. This information is important in helping to keep this American industry strong.

I trust this response helps address your concerns.

Best regards,

David Hancock

NASS OMB Clearance Officer

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.