January 31, 2007
Steve,
My Dad received this survey which is due by 1/29/07 (not completed and mailed in). Through a Joyce Riley broadcast I found out this is tied to the NAIS program. Not stated on the Survey is that there is a potential $100 fine for non completion and filing, or a $500 fine for lieing on the form submitted. It's from the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) and it's logo states "Agriculture Counts NASS". It has an OMB Number 0535-0226 and expires 12-31-2008.
My Dad and a lady in the city both received this survey and neither have any animals (no pets), but have small gardens and fruit trees. I gave my form to a lady in my office to call the telephone number on the form 1-888-424-7828, and when she inquired as to why these two people received this form, the NASS worker said that it was probably because they shop at the local Douglas County Co-operative (a farm/ranch store for agriculture needs). They also sell pet food! She was also told that if someone subscribes to certain magazines (like Birds and Blooms, Garden Mags, etc.) they could also have been singled out to receive this survey. She was also asked if the two people earned $1,000 or more from their property (isn't that interesting?)
Some of the information on the front of the survey asks: Do you own or rent any land? Do you have a few head of cattle? Some horese? Poltry? Hogs? Aquaculture Products? Own Bees? (Imagine chipping all the bees!!!!!!!) Do you grow vegetables, hay or nursery stock? Do you receive government payments? (My Dad and the lady receive Social Security). Further it states this...If you receive more than one form, please complete a form for each separate farming operation you conduct. If the multiple forms are for the same operation, please complete only one, write 'DUPLICATE' on all other forms, and return all forms in the same envelope. (Could this be because there is a fine attached to each form, they don't want a lot of extra forms out there available for review, etc.) NOW HERE IS THE AUTHORITY. "Response to this survey is legally (bolded word: required) by Title 7, U.S. Code". As with all information collected by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), [WHAT OTHER INFORMATION ARE THEY GATHERING AND HOW ARE THEY GETTING THIS INFORMATION] the same Federal law requires that your individual answers are kept completely (bolded word: confidential) [right! the information is probably stored on a lap top computer] and will not be provided to any individual or organization.
The envelope states that postage will be paid by U.S. Department of Agriculture. I believe the USDA is highly involved in NAIS from things I've read and interviews I've listened to regarding NAIS.
YIPES! I have my Dad's survey if you want to see a copy of it. I'm glad I didn't shread it.
Your friend and fellow worker for truth.
AC in Oregon