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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  William Blackson
Wednesday, May 14, 2008

www.nass.usda.gov/ny

          FINAL CALL TO BE COUNTED IN THE 2007 AGRICULTURE CENSUS
           Census of Agriculture Forms Accepted Until Early June

Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural
Statistics Service (NASS) are calling and knocking on the doors of New York
farmers and ranchers to remind them that it’s not too late to respond to
the 2007 Census of Agriculture.

"Nearly 37,000 responses have already been received in New York," says
Steve Ropel, director of the NASS New York Field Office. "I sincerely thank
those who have fulfilled their responsibility by completing and returning
their Census forms. But there’s still a good number we need to hear from to
make this the most accurate Census on record."

While the official response deadline was Feb. 4, NASS will continue to
accept responses through early June.

"It’s not too late to respond! We want to make sure that every farm in New
York is counted," adds Ropel. "So, if you have not done so already, please
complete and return your 2007 Census of Agriculture form today. By
responding, producers are helping themselves, their communities and New
York agriculture."

Conducted every five years, the Census of Agriculture is the only source of
consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county
in the nation. That information is used by town planners, policy makers,
agribusinesses and others to make important growth-generating decisions.

"The Census is an opportunity for local farmers to demonstrate the
importance of New York agriculture and strength of rural America to the
rest of the country," says Ropel. "But, more importantly, Census data is
used to affect policy and business decisions that will shape our
communities for future generations."

Whether or not they are actively engaged in agricultural activity, everyone
who received a Census of Agriculture form is required by law to respond.
Forms can be returned by mail or submitted online. For more information, or
for assistance with completing the 2007 Census of Agriculture, call
toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. The Census is your
voice, your future and your responsibility.

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5-14-08