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USDA TO CONDUCT CENSUS OF HORTICULTURE
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon conduct the 2009 Census of Horticultural Specialties. Taken once every 10 years, this census provides detailed information on the different types of horticultural production and sales across the United States."The Census of Horticulture covers nursery, sod, floriculture, fruit, vegetable and greenhouse producers," said Bill Weaver, director of the Alabama Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). "This is an opportunity for all horticultural producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and long-term sustainability of horticultural farming in the United States." The results of the census are used by industry, government, universities and others, aiding in the development of sound programs and policies, research, and 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," Weaver noted. "In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own horticultural operations." In December, NASS will mail the Census of Horticultural Specialties to all known horticultural operations in the United States. Recipients are encouraged to respond by Feb. 5, 2010. NASS will publish the results in December 2010. Census participants are guaranteed by that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. "As we did with the Census of Agriculture, we are reminding Alabama producers that the Census of Horticultural Specialties is their voice, their future and their responsibility," Weaver said. For more information about the Census of Horticulture, visit www.AgCensus.usda.gov or call
1-800-832-4181.
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