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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin the nation’s largest information-gathering project for agriculture -- the 2002 Census of Agriculture -- in December. The 2002 count marks the 26th census of agriculture.

Report forms will be mailed to all U.S. farm and ranch operators in December to collect data for 2002. Completed report forms from each farmer and rancher are due Feb. 3.

Title 7 (U.S. Code) states that response to the 2002 Census of Agriculture is required by law. Many people who serve farmers and ranchers depend on agriculture census data to make decisions based on fact, not opinion:

For example:

1. Farm organizations use the data to evaluate and propose policies and programs that help farmers and ranchers.
2. Agricultural businesses use census data to develop marketing strategies and determine locations of facilities that will serve producers.
3. Extension agents and universities use census statistics to develop new and improved methods to increase agricultural production and profitability.
4. Rural electric companies use the data to forecast future energy and resource needs for producers and their communities.
5. State departments of agriculture use census data to plan for and be responsive to drought and emergency outbreaks of diseases or infestation of pests.
6. Elected state and county leaders use data to develop farm programs to protect and promote U.S. agriculture.

The confidentiality of information on individual operations is protected by law. NASS safeguards the confidentiality of all responses and published county, state and U.S. data only, ensuring that no individual operation or grower can be identified. Data provided by individual products are not subject to demands from the courts, can’t be accessed by tax collection or regulatory authorities, nor can they be provided in response to Freedom of Information requests. They can be used only for statistical purposes where the identity of individual operations or growers is not compromised.

If producers don’t receive a form by January 2003, they should call 888-4AG-STAT to ensure they are counted. All reports derived from the data will be available for free through the NASS Web site beginning in February 2004. To access the Web site, visit www.ofbf.org and click on Featured Links.

Information in the 2002 Census of Agriculture report comes from the best possible source -- the producers. Your swift response by mail will save money by avoiding costly attempts to contact you in other ways. For more information, visit the NASS Web site or call 888-4AG-STAT.