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Survey to lay groundwork for 2027 census of agriculture

The National Agricultural Classification Survey will be distributed to 250,000 individuals.

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In anticipation of the 2027 Census of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is set to kick off the National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) on January 24. This critical survey, designed to identify recipients for the upcoming census questionnaire, will be distributed to around 250,000 individuals to inquire about their engagement in agricultural activities. The outcome of the survey aims to ensure the inclusion of every U.S. producer, regardless of the scale of their operations, in the upcoming agricultural census data, highly awaited for its influence and significance.

NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer emphasized the importance of the survey, stating, “This survey helps illustrate the breadth of American agriculture and enables USDA to get a complete count of all farmers and ranchers. Every response matters. Even if a recipient believes that the survey does not apply to them, we ask that they respond to the few screening questions.”

Recipients are encouraged to respond securely online at agcounts.usda.gov, utilizing the unique survey code mailed with the questionnaire. Alternatively, completed questionnaires can be returned via mail using the provided prepaid envelope. NASS urges prompt responses from all survey recipients to ensure an accurate representation.

Hamer highlighted the significance of NACS, stating, “The NACS ensures that everyone who produces and sells, or normally would sell, $1000 or more of agricultural products in a calendar year are represented in these vital data."

The Census of Agriculture, conducted once every five years, holds considerable weight as the most comprehensive source of data on American agriculture. Referenced by national, state, and local decision-makers, researchers, and farm organizations, the data from this census tell the evolving story of American farmers, ranchers, and growers. The information informs agricultural policies and programs that impact operations across the nation. The USDA is set to release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data in February 2024.

For producers who did not receive the 2022 Census of Agriculture or the NACS, NASS encourages them to register at agcounts.usda.gov/getcounted. All information reported will be kept confidential, adhering to federal law. For additional information about the NACS, visit nass.usda.gov/go/nac, and for survey assistance, call 888-424-7828.

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