Pennsylvania farmers urged to participate in census
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding Monday encouraged farmers, growers and ranchers across the commonwealth to participate in the 2017 Agriculture Census.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture mailed census questionnaires to those groups in December 2017 and has extended the deadline through spring. Participants may choose to fill out the online form at www.agcensus.usda.gov.
Every five years, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service takes a nationwide count of people who earn at least $1,000 per year growing food and other crops. The information has an impact on funding decisions, and food and agriculture policies and programs.
Federal law requires anyone who received the Census questionnaire to respond, even if they are not currently farming.
“Participating in the census is the best way for farmers to help to shape policies and decisions that affect their livelihoods and communities,” Redding said. “Farm policy, disaster relief, insurance, loans and agribusiness are all affected by census data. Stand up and be counted, so that the numbers accurately reflect our industry.”