United States Department of Agriculture 

Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service

August 1, 2006

SUBJECT:  U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Ethics Program

            TO:  All Employees in the Mid South Area

      FROM:  Edgar G. King /s/

                    Area Director, Mid South Area

        Deborah Brennan /s/

                    Associate Area Director/Ethics Advisor, Mid South

                       Area

The ARS Mid South Area is committed to our Ethics Program.  In that regard, we will continue to provide the training, advice of governmental ethics, updated policies and procedures as they become available.  We expect all employees of the Mid South Area to be fully aware of  and follow all USDA and Government ethics policies, especially “Principles of Ethical conduct for Governmental Officers and Employees” Executive Order 12674 of April 12,1989, and the 14 General Principles” found in 5 CFR 2635.101(b).  We have now added the Ethics web link to the MSA web page for your convenience.  Please feel free to contact Dr. Deborah Brennan, Associate Area Director/ Mid South Area Ethics Advisor for ethics guidance.

Remember:

·             Public Service is public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain.

·             Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious peformance of duty.

·             Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities.

·             Employees shall not engage in financial transactions using nonpublic Government information or allow the improper use of such information to further a private interest.

·             An employee shall not, except as provided by regulation, solicit or accept any gift or other  item of monetary value from any person or entity seeking official action, doing business with or conducting activities regulated by the employee’s agency, or whose interest may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s duties.

Please provide this memorandum at all employees of the Mid South Area and prominently display in all offices.