National & World Ag News Headlines USDA to Conduct Census of Horticulture USAgNet - 11/03/2009 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 horticultural production and sales across the United States. "The Census of Horticulture will include producers of floriculture, nursery and other specialty crops," said Greg Preston, director of the Indiana 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." The results of the census are used by industry, government, academia 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," Preston 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 required to respond by Feb. 5. NASS will publish the results in December 2010. Census participants 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. "As we did with the Census of Agriculture, we are reminding Indiana producers that the Census of Horticultural Specialties is their voice, their future and their responsibility," Preston said. For more information about the Census of Horticulture, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (765) 494-8371. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.