Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Friday, January 4, 2008

Montpelier, Vt, – Vermont farmers have the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of agriculture through the 2007 agricultural census. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began distribution of the 2007 Census of Agriculture in December 2007.

“The Census of Agriculture provides information that is not available anywhere else. This information will benefit Vermont agriculture producers and their communities in many ways,” said Roger Allbee, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. “Census data is used for decisions that relate to agricultural and rural programs, to determine how resources are allocated and the information is important to farmers when they make decisions about their business and operation.”

Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Census is a complete count of the nation’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 other topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census, Vermont producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves, their communities and all of U.S. agriculture.

Census data is used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities – federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others. USDA uses the information to ensure that local service centers are staffed at appropriate levels. Legislators use the information when shaping farm policies and programs. And, of course, farmers and ranchers can use Census data to help make informed decisions about the future of their own operations.

Report forms for the 2007 Census of Agriculture were mailed to farm operators on December 28, 2007 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 via a secure web site.

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.

NASS will release Census data, in both electronic and print formats, beginning in February 2009. Detailed reports will be published for all counties, states and the nation.

For more information about the 2007 Census of Agriculture, please call (800) 727-8540 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.