Census of Agriculture: A Time for ALL Farmers to Participate

The Census is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Federal and state policy regarding agriculture is based on census of agriculture data. It is crucial for small farmers to participate in the census. Census forms were mailed December 28 to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2008. Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the option of filling out the Census online. Below are answers to frequently asked questions. For more information, go to the Census of Agriculture website.

What is the Census of Agriculture?

The Census of Agriculture, taken every five years, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and many other areas. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their responsibility.

What if I only have a small operation or do not participate in government farm programs?

The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Absolutely. Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual Census records is also protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.

For those dragging their feet on filling out the census form, here are some inspiring words from Mary Peabody, Director of the Women’s Ag Network, University of Vermont Extension. “There are people out there who think that women farmers don’t want or need agricultural programs designed with them in mind. There are people out there who don’t understand the need for funding sustainable agriculture, farmers’ markets, and research into the effects of climate change on agriculture. There are researchers who wonder if farmers really do use computers, have health insurance or ever intend to retire. Every five years, the Census of Agriculture helps shine a spotlight on emerging trends in agriculture, on who is farming and where, on the importance of small farms to our food systems, on what new technologies farmers are using and whether farmers are being paid adequately for their products. We need you to be counted.” From Missouri Ag Opportunities.

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