The USDA is currently conducting a census of agriculture in hopes of gaining a full representation of all United States agriculture. Farm organizations, farm suppliers, and local and national policy makers use the information gained during the census to make important decisions affecting farmers, ranchers and their neighbors. Accurate census data serves as the Nation's only source of detailed information on agriculture production, inventories, sales and expenses for all states and counties.

"America's farmer's and ranchers have a stake in the 2002 Census of Agriculture and share the responsibility to help ensure that the results are complete and accurate. Whether from a large or small operation, every response counts by providing accurate information about today's food and agriculture sector," says Ann M. Veneman, Agriculture Secretary.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should complete and return a census form.

-Did you have day-to-day control of an agricultural operation from which agricultural products were sold in 2002?

-Did you grow any crops or raise any livestock for other than home use in 2002?

-Did you own or rent land and operate this land for agricultural purposes in 2002?

You do not need to complete a census form if all of your land is rented to others or if you have only a home garden. For the purposes of this census, a farm is defined as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced or sold or normally would have been sold during the census year.

Because of its importance to our nation and its farm communities, census response is required by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) for any person who receives a report form whether they currently farm or not. If you have not received a report form, you should call 1-888-4AG-STAT to have one sent to you.