Taken once every 10 years, the Census of Horticultural Specialties provides detailed information on horticultural production and sales across the United States. “The Census of Horticulture will include producers of floriculture, nursery and other specialty crops,” said Vince Matthews, Director of the Idaho Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). “This is an opportunity for horticultural producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and long-term sustainability of horticultural farming in the United States.”
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The results of the census are used by industry leaders, government officials, university researchers and others, aiding in the development of sound programs and policies, research, market analysis and business planning. “The results will help shape future decisions regarding availability of goods and services, community development, funding and other key issues,” Matthews noted. “In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own horticultural operations.”
Census forms were mailed in December to more than 30,000 establishments nationwide who are currently engaged in horticultural production activities. Responses are due by February 5, 2010.
The census will look at horticultural activities during 2009, including: Production of horticultural crops; value of horticultural products; square footage used for growing crops; production expenses, and more.
Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation. The privacy of individual Census records is also protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.