Media Contact: Janet Allen (202) 690-8122
janet_allen@nass.usda.gov

FARM IDENTIFICATION SURVEY BEGINS IN APRIL

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2002 - Five hundred thousand potential farms and ranches across the country will receive a 2002 Farm Identification Survey in the mail over the next few weeks. The intent of the survey is to identify agricultural operations for the 2002 Census of Agriculture.

Many people who do not consider themselves to be farmers or ranchers actually qualify as a farm and are important to the 2002 Census of Agriculture. The Farm Identification Survey consists of seven short questions which will help determine agricultural status. Simple questions will ask about growing crops or raising livestock in any quantity. The short survey should take less than five minutes to complete and mail in the postage paid envelope.

Responses to this survey and the 2002 Census of Agriculture are mandatory under Title 7, U. S. Code, which also assures the information provided is confidential and will not be provided to any individual or organization.

The 2002 Census of Agriculture forms will be sent to 2.75 million potential farms and ranches in December 2002. For additional information about the Farm Identification Survey or the 2002 Census of Agriculture, get online at www.usda.gov/nass/ or call toll-free at 1-888-4AG-STAT or 1-888-424-7828.

#

Find agricultural statistics for your county, State, and the Nation at www.usda.gov/nass/