Contact: Krissy Young, (202) 690-8123
NASS Gives Thanks to America's Farmers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2008 – This Thanksgiving the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has more than 2 million reasons to be thankful. Having received a record number of responses to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, NASS is giving thanks to all of those farmers and ranchers who fulfilled their responsibility by completing and returning their census forms.
“Thanksgiving reminds us how important it is to recognize the great contribution each and every farmer makes to their family, their community and the nation,” said NASS Deputy Administrator Carol House. “This year it’s especially important to recognize and thank those operators who played an active role in determining the future of their community and all of agriculture by participating in the Census.”
Conducted every five years by the USDA, the Census is a complete count of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. This information is used by town planners, policy makers, agribusinesses and others to make important decisions that shape rural communities for future generations.
“As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving we will thank all of America’s farmers for the safe and bountiful food supply they provide and for the actions they are taking to ensure our nation continues to have the nutrition and resources it needs to thrive,” added House. “The millions of responses we received to the Census are proof that America’s farmers recognize the importance of the Census as their voice, their future and their responsibility. Their participation will help us better serve the entire agricultural community by providing the programs, services and tools it needs for a brighter future – and that is something to be truly thankful for.”
NASS will publish the 2007 Census of Agriculture results on February 4, 2009. For more information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.
