Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Census of Agriculture?

The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land—whether rural or urban—growing fruits, vegetables, or raising food animals count, if $1,000 or more* of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.

The Census of Agriculture, generally taken once every five years as funding and conditions allow, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, their opportunity.

*The census definition of a farm varies across U.S. territories. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, a farm is defined as having raised and sold $500 or more of agricultural product in the census year; American Samoa’s farm definition is any agricultural product sales or product grown for home consumption. Commercial farms in American Samoa are defined as those with sales of $100 or more.

2. Why is the Census of Agriculture important?

The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agricultural data. Through the Census of Agriculture, producers can show the value and importance of agriculture in the islands, and they can help inform decisions that will shape the future of U.S. agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census of Agriculture, producers are helping themselves, their communities, industries, and all of U.S. agriculture.

3. Who uses Census of Agriculture data?

Census of Agriculture data are used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities—federal and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and many others.

Farmers and ranchers can use Census of Agriculture data to help make informed decisions about the future of their own operations.

Companies and cooperatives use the facts and figures to determine the locations of facilities that will serve agricultural producers.

Community planners and local governments use the information to target needed programs and services to rural residents.

Legislators use the numbers from the census when shaping farm policies and programs.

4. What’s new about this Census of Agriculture:

To better capture all that is happening in agriculture, this census includes an expanded list of commodities and new questions on agricultural practices.

The U.S. Virgin Island census questionnaire also includes a new section about government agricultural programs.

5. How is the Census of Agriculture conducted?

Each farm and ranch operator will receive personal data collection assistance from a local representative through a partnership with and on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

6. Must I respond to the Census of Agriculture?

Yes. Federal law (Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113) requires all those who receive a Census of Agriculture report form to respond even if they did not operate a farm or ranch in the census year.

7. When will our Census of Agriculture results be announced?

NASS plans to release the census data in the summer of 2020.

8. Where can I find Census of Agriculture data?

Census of Agriculture data are available through your local USDA office and at many depository libraries, universities, and other government offices. It is also available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture