Agricultural Identification Survey - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Agricultural Identification Survey?
The Agricultural Identification Survey is an effort to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a complete and accurate mailing list when it conducts the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Through the survey, USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is seeking to identify farming and ranching operations in the United States in order to ensure that they receive a Census form in the mail at the end of the year.
How did you get my name?
The Agricultural Identification Survey was sent to more than a million individuals and organizations whose names were obtained from a variety of sources. A survey was sent to you because one or more list sources appeared to indicate that you might have some involvement in agriculture.
When is the survey being conducted?
Agricultural Identification Survey forms were mailed on January 2, and follow-up
forms will be mailed to non-respondents beginning February 14. The Census, meanwhile,
will cover the 2007 calendar year, with forms being mailed out the last week
of December.
Is the Agricultural Identification Survey related to the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)?
No. There is no relationship between the Agricultural Identification Survey and the National Animal Identification System.
Why was the survey mailed from Jeffersonville, Indiana, rather than Washington, D.C.?
The survey was mailed from the National Processing Center, a government facility operated by the Bureau of the Census, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The center provides centralized printing, mailing and survey processing services for a variety of government entities, including NASS.
How does USDA determine what a farm is?
For the purposes of the Census of Agriculture and related surveys, a farm is defined as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were, or normally would have been, produced and sold during the Census year.
Do I have to return the survey form even if I am not involved in farming or ranching?
Yes. NASS realizes that the survey may have been sent to some recipients who are not involved in any type of agricultural activity. However, it is important that all recipients return the form. This will enable NASS to update its records and avoid follow-up contacts with those not actively farming or ranching.
What will happen if I don't return the survey form?
NASS is required by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) to conduct the Census of Agriculture every five years. The same law requires recipients to respond to surveys conducted in conjunction with the Census, including the Agricultural Identification Survey, or risk a fine of up to $100.
Those who fail to return their initial form will receive a second form, to be
mailed February 14. A NASS representative may also contact them by phone in an
effort to complete the survey.
Will this information be made available to others?
No. Federal law requires your knowledge and consent for NASS to release any data about you or your operation.
Will my name and/or address be used for other purposes?
NASS will not release your name, address or any other personal information to a third party. Occasionally, NASS conducts a special mailing on behalf of another agency organization in order to provide farmers with important information about a critical agricultural issues (such as soybean rust or avian influenza). However, these entities do not have access to our mailing list.
How can I speak to someone about the survey?
To speak with a NASS representative about the Agricultural Identification Survey, please call (888) 424-7828. Occasionally, because of unusually high call volume, we may not be able to answer your call immediately. If you cannot get through to an operator, please try back later. You can also send an email message to nass@nass.usda.gov and we will arrange to have someone call you.
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