Features Fruit Production
USDA conducting survey of organic agriculture

May 4, 2009, Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
is conducting the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in
the U.S.

May 4, 2009, Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the U.S.

The study is aimed at finding out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture.

The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year – from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture.

The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed the survey in early May to all known organic producers in the U.S. They are asked to respond by mid-June. The results will be published during the winter of 2009.

For more information about the survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.