§ 0.735-1 - Purpose.

The maintenance of unusually high standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality, and conduct by Government employees and special Government employees is essential to assure the proper performance of the Government business and the maintenance of confidence by citizens in their Government. The confidence of citizens in their Government is influenced not only by the manner in which employees serve the public but in the way they conduct themselves in the eyes of the public. The avoidance of misconduct and conflicts-of-interests on the part of Government employees through informed judgment is indispensable to the maintenance of these standards. To accord with these concepts, this part sets forth the regulations for employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, prescribing standards of conduct and responsibilities and governing the reporting of employment and financial interests.