E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Bill Blackson
Friday, December 7, 2007

www.nass.usda.gov/ny





                       ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE COUNTED
   U.S. Farmers Give the Gift that Keeps Giving By Participating in 2007
                                   Census



The end of December is typically marked by crowds of people returning
holiday gifts that don’t fit or won’t work, but this year farmers across
the country and in New York can give themselves a gift that won’t be
returned and will keep on giving even after the holiday season - a voice
for their industry and their community.

By filling out the 2007 Census of Agriculture farmers are investing in the
future of rural America. Their responses will provide law makers,
government organizations, town planners and individual farm operations with
valuable information used to plan for services, facilities and other
investments to benefit the industry and local communities.

Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census covers virtually every
aspect of U.S. agriculture, providing a complete count of the nation’s
farms and ranches and the people who operate them.

"The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving, but perhaps some of
the best gifts are food, clothing and shelter provided to us with help from
our U.S. farmers," said Steve Ropel,  director of the NASS New York Field
Office. "As many of us gather around the dinner table with good food and
good friends, these essentials for everyday living often are taken for
granted. By participating in the 2007 Census of Agriculture, farmers can
ensure the vitality of the agriculture industry by providing a strong and
unified voice about their needs and concerns."

The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics,
production practices, income and expenditures and other topics across the
country and in New York, right down to the county level. NASS will mail out
Census forms on December 28, 2007 to collect data for the 2007 calendar
year. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2008. Producers can return
their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the convenient option
of filling out the Census online.

"Participating in the Census of Agriculture is one gift New York producers
can give themselves and their local communities this holiday season" added
Ropel. "It’s a valuable investment into the future and well-being of
agriculture and to the local communities here in New York."

            For more information about the Census, visit
www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free (888) 4AG-STAT or (888) 424-7828.
The Census is your voice, your future, and your responsibility.

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12-7-07