2007 Census of Agriculture getting under way

Farmers across America are getting the opportunity to make their voices heard and help shape the future of agriculture by completing the 2007 Census of Agriculture.

Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the census is a complete count of the nation’s farms and the people who operate them. The census looks at land ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in America.

“The Census of Agriculture provides information that is not available anywhere else – information that benefits agricultural producers and their communities in many ways,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Policy makers, community planners, companies and farmers all use census data to make a variety of important decisions."

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service was scheduled to mail out census forms Dec. 28 to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due Feb. 4. Producers can return their forms by mail. For the first time, they also have the option of filling out the census online using a secure Web site. Instructions for submitting data online will be included with the census form.

“We’re committed to making this census the best count ever. It’s about the future of agriculture and rural communities in our state,” said Herb Vanderberry, director of USDA’s NASS office in Raleigh.

“Regardless of how large or small their operation is or what kinds of products they produce, North Carolina farmers will help themselves and their communities by filling out the Census of Agriculture and returning it promptly.”

For more information about the Census of Agriculture, contact the NASS North Carolina Field Office at (800) 437-8451 or log on to www.agcensus.usda.gov.