Reading Room Document

Ownership of agricultural ranching interests by Department of Agriculture employees.

The document is a memorandum addressing the issue of Department of Agriculture employees owning agricultural or ranching interests. It clarifies that owning such interests does not automatically disqualify individuals from federal positions, but rather conflict-of-interest questions are to be resolved on a case-by-case basis. The conclusion reached is that ownership of agricultural or ranching interests is not a bar to service in the Department of Agriculture, and any potential conflicts of interest are to be addressed as they arise. The document also presents the relevant statute, 18 U.S.C. 208(a), which outlines the prohibition of employees participating in matters in which they have a financial interest. The questions presented for review include whether owning agricultural or ranching interests affects an individual's eligibility for a federal position and how conflict-of-interest issues should be handled in such cases.

February 17, 1981