[permaculture] Survey of Organic Agriculture: make sure you're counted
Zach Mermel
zamman17 at yahoo.com
Thu Apr 30 19:59:29 EDT 2009
FYI...
USDA to Conduct First Wide-Scale Survey of Organic Agriculture
How It is Changing the Face of U.S. Agriculture
WASHINGTON, Apr. 23, 2009 – This spring, USDA will
conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United
States, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today, to find out how the
growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture.
“The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing
interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses,” said
Vilsack. “This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their
voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic
farming in the United States.”
2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 U.S. farms engaged in
organic production.
The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008
calendar year – from production and marketing practices, to income and
expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in
organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic
agriculture.
The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding
allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and
other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make
informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations.
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the
survey in early May to all known organic producers in the United States, who
are asked to respond by June 17. NASS will publish results in winter 2009.
Participants can mail back their forms or complete the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Survey participants 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.
For more information about the Organic Production Survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.
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http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Surveys/Organic_Production_Survey/index.asp
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From the Organic Production Survey web page:
The 2007 Census of Agriculture showed more than 20,000 farms engaged in
organic production in the United States. As a follow-up to the 2007 Census,
USDA is conducting its first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic agriculture.
Through the Organic Production Survey, NASS will gather additional information
on how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture. The
next Census of Agriculture will be in 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
What
is the Organic Production Survey?
Why
should I respond to the Organic Survey?
How
will the survey be conducted?
Can
I respond online?
What
types of questions will be asked?
In
order for me to participate in the survey, does my operation have to be
certified organic?
Must
I respond to the survey?
Will
my information be kept confidential?
When
will results of the survey be released?
What
if I want more information or need help completing my form?
What
if I want to participate in the survey but didn’t get one in the mail?
* Fill out my Organic Production questionnaire online
* Find the most recent Census publication
* Provide input for the 2012 Census of Agriculture
* Make sure I'm counted
* Find data from historical Census years
* Find educational materials related to the 2007 Census
The National Agricultural Statistics Service provides
timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.
http://www.nass.usda.gov/
-----
Zach Mermel
ecological designer and educator
apprentice, Renaissance Farm & Permaculture Center
5421 E. Kings Road Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 335-0383 (home)
(808) 987-1816 (cell)
SkypeID: zach.mermel
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