1

USDA NASS

Data Lab Handbook United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

National 

Agricultural 

Statistics

Service

Data Lab and Data Access Group

Methodology Division

Revised

June 2023

OMB No. 0535-0274

Expires: 04/30/2026
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Table of Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3

1 Regulations and Policies......................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Special Sworn Status........................................................................................................ 4

1.2 Safeguarding Confidentiality ........................................................................................... 4

1.3 Research or Analysis Products......................................................................................... 5

2 Data Access and Disclosure Review....................................................................................... 6

2.1 Preparing and Submitting a Proposal............................................................................... 6

2.1.1 Standard Application Process................................................................................... 7

2.1.2 ADM-042 Request to Access Unpublished Data...................................................... 7

2.1.3 Amending an Approved Project................................................................................ 7

2.2 Data Enclave .................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................ 8

2.2.2 Security Protocols..................................................................................................... 8

2.2.3 Process and Procedures............................................................................................. 9

2.2.4 Access Point Location............................................................................................... 9

2.3 Disclosure Review............................................................................................................ 9

2.3.1 Disclosure Methodology......................................................................................... 10

2.3.2 Suppressions ........................................................................................................... 11

2.3.3 Disclosure Rules ..................................................................................................... 11

2.3.4 Submitting a Request for Disclosure Review ......................................................... 13

3 Support.................................................................................................................................. 14

3.1 Data Resources............................................................................................................... 15
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Introduction

Welcome to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Data Lab. NASS values 

agricultural research and seeks to provide accurate and useful data in service to U.S. agriculture. 

The NASS Data Lab is managed by the Data Lab and Data Access Group (DLDAG) in the 

Methodology Division and is governed by the Data Access and Disclosure Review Board

(DADRB). 

This NASS Data Lab Handbook (PSM-CS-02-Attachment-A-Handbook) is an official attachment 

of NASS Administrator Policy and Standards Memorandum PSM-CS-02 and is used to inform 

Special Sworn Agents (approved data users) accessing agricultural census and survey data for 

analytical research. All data users are required to read and follow all policies and regulations 

described in this handbook – compliance is compulsory. It consists of three sections that 

explain the policies, procedures, and support of the NASS Data Lab system and data access.

• Section 1 Regulations and Policies describes NASS principals and protocols that govern 

the use of NASS data. It explains the rules enforced to protect the confidentiality of the 

data and those who have provided it. Finally, it discusses NASS policy regarding the 

review of reports and articles prepared from the analysis performed.

• Section 2 Data Access and Disclosure Review describes the procedural function of the 

data access application process, clearance for Foreign Nationals, how to access the data, 

enclave requirements, and disclosure review.

• Section 3 Support describes the many data resources available through NASS.

Forward any questions to the DLDAG contact if clarification of NASS policies is needed.
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1 Regulations and Policies

1.1 Special Sworn Status

Special Sworn Agents are authorized access to a specifically approved project with NASS dataset,

variables, and specified objectives. The data were collected directly by NASS from farmers, 

ranchers, and agribusinesses and include statistics that quantify the agricultural practices of these 

operations. These data were collected under the authority of the Confidential Information 

Protection and Statistical Efficiency (CIPSEA) Act of 2018, Title III of Pub. L. No. 115-435, 

codified in 44 U.S.C. Ch. 35, which requires that all information be used for statistical purposes

only. CIPSEA gives discretionary authority to NASS to swear in Special Sworn Agents to access 

NASS data. No individual has a right to the appointment nor is NASS obligated to appoint any 

individual. Data access can be provided to US-based academia from public or private universities, 

other USDA agencies, state government agencies with NASS cooperative agreements, and other 

Federal Statistical agencies for purposes that serve the public and contribute significantly to 

understanding the agricultural sector or the statistical procedures used by NASS to collect and 

summarize data. These data are not to be used for regulatory, enforcement, or investigative 

purposes.

Data enclave staff are authorized by NASS as official NASS Data Lab representatives. Each is

trained to administer the regulations, policies, and operational procedures approved by NASS. 

Each assuresthat the data are accessed only by authorized users and all material leaving the enclave 

has been reviewed for disclosure risk. 

1.2 Safeguarding Confidentiality

CIPSEA requires that no information which could be used to identify or closely approximate data 

for an individual farm, establishment, or enterprise be released to the public. NASS Special Sworn 

Agents must adhere to all policies, rules, and regulations of NASS, especially those governing the 

usage of confidential data. Data access is restricted to the dataset and project objectives explicitly 

defined in each approved agreement with NASS. These agreements include, but are not limited 

to, the following forms (descriptions for each are found in the sections below).

➢ Standard Application Process Application (SAP)

➢ NASS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

➢ NASS ADM-042 Request to Access Unpublished Data (ADM-042)

➢ NASS ADM-043 Certification and Restrictions on Use of Unpublished Data (ADM-043)

➢ NASS ADM-044 User Attestation (ADM-044)

In compliance with CIPSEA law, violations or breach of the confidentiality of any individual is 

subject to fines up to $250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment. No information, which can be used 

to identify operators of individual farms, ranches, establishments, or enterprises, may be removed 
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from the data enclave at any time, in any format. Datasets will reside within the data enclave only;

they may not be copied or replicated to other mediums of any kind, including portable drives, 

phones, tablets, or laptops. Moreover, screen-sharing, snipping, or reproducing is strictly 

prohibited and subject to fines and penalties.

Special Sworn Agents may not discuss any record level data from individual farms, establishments, 

or enterprises with anyone outside of NASS unless they are approved to access the same dataset 

on the same project. Research must remain within the scope of the approved project. 

Any data that could be used, directly or indirectly, to approximate the level of activity of any 

individual farm, ranch, establishment, or enterprise must be suppressed prior to release. NASS 

must review all materials requested for export from the data enclave for the possible disclosure 

risk of confidential information. Section 2.3 Disclosure Review of this document outlines output 

restrictions and necessary criteria for the disclosure review process.

NASS publishes several market-sensitive data series through the Agricultural Statistics Board. 

Release of these data is done in such a way to ensure everyone has access to the information at the 

same time and no one gains a competitive advantage. Requests for data that could compromise 

this objective will be denied.

1.3 Research or Analysis Products

Many NASS data users prepare reports of findings based on their research inside the enclave. 

Prior to publication, data users must include a citation on the source of the data and independent 

conclusions derived. NASS requests that researchers provide a copy of their finalized work for 

documentation. 

All researchers must cite the National Agricultural Statistics Service as the source of the data used 

in the research. The analysis, interpretation, and conclusions are those of the author and are not 

subject to NASS review. Researcher results do not represent the views or opinions of NASS. The 

following is an example statement of source and disclaimer [adjust specifications, as needed] that 

must be included in any publication:

Summaries were derived using data collected in the [2017 Census of Agriculture] by the 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

Any interpretations and conclusions derived from the data 

represent author viewpoints and are not necessarily those of NASS.

The following is an example of an availability statement for use with a publication submission:

Due to the NASS Confidentiality Pledge, the data underlying this article cannot be shared 

publicly. Secure access of NASS data may be obtained by agreement and sworn status only; 

restrictions apply.
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2 Data Access and Disclosure Review

2.1 Preparing and Submitting a Proposal

Data access projects are granted primarily for statistical analysis seeking modeled results 

(inference, regression coefficients, standard errors, cluster, and the like) and not to reproduce 

summary tables of descriptive statistics. Summary statistics (e.g. variable means) are allowed, but 

only to the extent that they support modeling output. In this case, sample table shells must be 

provided in the SAP application.

NASS encourages users to limit the number of files they request for export from the enclave to the 

output necessary to produce the final report or paper. Restrictions are applied on the type and size 

of research results that can be released from the enclave. The output expected to be released are 

regressions and specified tables as found in an article in a peer-reviewed academic journal. 

The SAP application sections Methodology and Requested Output are important in assessing both 

the substance of the proposal and the risk of disclosing confidential information. Applications 

must clearly indicate that the project will emphasize modeling output. Researchers who desire 

disclosure review of large volumes of tabular output must request a Special Tabulation rather than 

requesting access to record-level CIPSEA protected data (see Section 2.3). 

Access to NASS data via a data enclave requires the approval by the Chair, Agricultural Statistics 

Board and the Data Access and Disclosure Review Board (DADRB). Depending on the type of 

data, researchers may request access using the SAP online application process, or in some 

circumstances, an ADM-042. The research team must be associated with a U.S. institution, 

agency, or company and all researchers must access the data from within the United States. 

Applications are evaluated on a project-by-project basis; that is, an MOU or ADM-042 is required 

for each project, with specifications. Census of Agriculture variables must be submitted at the 

time of the request and are instrumental in the decision-making process. Although amending the 

variable list is possible, researchers are advised to submit a comprehensive list from the onset.

Access is granted based upon many factors, including the fitness-for-use of the data for the stated 

objectives and minimally selected variables that explicitly target those objectives. 

Applicants must include all components of the SAP and must submit a list of variables for Census 

of Agriculture data via NASS-provided spreadsheet. The geographic level of aggregation to be 

shown in the output must be included in the project requested output question.

A request can be made online through the SAP process and questions may be sent to 

SM.NASS.Data.Lab@usda.gov.
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2.1.1 Standard Application Process

The Standard Application Process, or SAP, is the primary way to apply for access to protected 

data from all 16 federal statistical agencies and units for evidence-building. For NASS, the SAP 

application process results in an MOU agreement ready for review and approval consideration. 

The MOU is an agreement between NASS, the institution/agency, and the researchers. Requests 

by academic institutions must be made by a professor/advisor project lead; students, who are not 

official agents of the institution, are not permitted to be project leads. NASS strongly 

encourages advisors to have an enclave account if they would like to see the data or output prior 

to the final disclosure review.

The SAP website includes a metadata catalog of protected data assets, or “restricted data,” 

available across each of the federal statistical agencies. Through this site, researchers can 

determine if restricted data are appropriate for specific statistical research objectives and apply 

directly online at researchdatagov.org.

2.1.2 ADM-042 Request to Access Unpublished Data

For special circumstances, the ADM-042 is used to request access to record-level data. This form 

is reserved for parties who already have an external project agreement with NASS for survey 

design, testing, and/or collection.

2.1.3 Amending an Approved Project

Over the course of a project there may be reason to amend an approved application (e.g., changes 

in the individuals on the project, updated methodologies, etc.), this can be done by addendum. 

When reviewing an addendum request and its justification, the DADRB will consider if the 

proposed updates are outside the scope of the project and require a new application. The request 

must be submitted to the Data Lab manager by the project lead and accompanied by compelling 

justification that the needed changes are essential. Note that the project lead on any given approved 

agreement cannot be changed; in this case, a new application is required. 

2.2 Data Enclave 

The data enclave is a platform that provides secure remote data access to approved researchers. It 

is owned and operated by a private vendor and is fee-based; all enclave accounts must be paid by 

the data user. If the data user has established an external project agreement with NASS, the enclave 

fees can be incorporated into the cost estimate. If not, they must be paid directly to the vendor.

The platform provides researchers with remote access to approved datasets for analysis within the 

enclave via a secure internet connection using the researcher’s computer and web browser from 

an approved U.S. site location. Researchers will have access to a suite of analytical software to use 
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within the data enclave. For the user, the data enclave appears as a cloud-based Microsoft 

Windows environment.

2.2.1 Requirements

Data enclave managers will provide complete and comprehensive training, onboarding, invoicing, 

and a full list of applications available from within the enclave. To access NASS data via the data 

enclave, the following is required: 

2.2.1.1 Authorization from NASS to access unpublished data via an approved MOU or

ADM-042.

2.2.1.2 A computer with internet access and a web browser. The computer must be limited 

to a fixed site and IP address. 

2.2.1.3 An approved virtual site inspection of the access point, or place from which the 

data enclave will be used, by NASS personnel. Access points must be within the 

United States and comply with the following:

Free from “high traffic”

Isolated from public areas within the building

Accessible by authorized individuals only

Located inside a lockable room

Monitor is not visible from windows or doors

2.2.1.4 Completion of vendor-provided data enclave training, onboarding, and invoicing.

2.2.2 Security Protocols

All data users with approved access to unpublished data will be required to attend a security 

protocol briefing, in which they will receive confidentiality training and affirm compliance to the 

stipulations outlined in the PSM-CS-02-Attachment-A-Handbook. Their signature on the NASS 

ADM-043 and the NASS ADM-044 will be witnessed by a NASS employee. These documents 

attest to the understanding of the laws governing confidentiality of NASS data and the penalties 

of violating these laws. The ADM-043 contains pertinent excerpts of these laws in more detail. 

Security protocols are required annually and by project.

Foreign national researchers are permitted to access NASS data after an additional mandatory 

clearance process is conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. The process begins after 

project approval and can take 2-3 months, or more. If the foreign national is the project lead, no 

other members may access the data until the clearance is granted. If the foreign national is a 

member of the team, the project lead and other approved researchers may begin while the clearance 

process is underway. More information on this process can be obtained by emailing inquiries to 
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the Data Lab and Data Access Group (SM.NASS.Data.Lab@usda.gov).

2.2.3 Process and Procedures

After the MOU or ADM-042 has been approved and all security protocols have been completed, 

a NASS representative will contact the vendor to request onboarding to the data enclave. An

enclave manager will arrange to provide full instructions on training, account options, billing, and 

onboarding to the data enclave. Enclave accounts are individually obtained; they are separate and 

nontransferable.

The data enclave contains controls that prevent users from printing and transferring files to and 

from the environment via USB, e-mail, screen captures, or otherwise. The signed confidentiality 

documents strictly prohibit snipping, photographing, screen-sharing, replicating, or any such 

capturing or transferring of the data – even with other members of the approved project. Without 

a separate data enclave account, project members are authorized to collaborate through planning, 

oversight, and dialogue only. Researchers may not conduct any research or analysis with the 

approved data outside of the enclave or away from the approved data enclave access point. 

All files intended for removal from the data enclave must first be reviewed by NASS personnel 

for disclosure concerns. Only files that have been reviewed by NASS and approved for removal 

may be removed from the data enclave. Requests for export are made in the data enclave 

environment; training will be provided by the data enclave manager, and additional criteria can be 

found in Section 2.3 Disclosure Review.

2.2.4 Access Point Location

In general, the access point for accessing the enclave must be from the professional offices of the 

institution – university, state department, etc. with the associated IP address. The approved 

location is not mobile; the site inspection, which must be cleared by the NASS security officer, is 

for a single chosen location only. Under special circumstances, a home office may be considered 

for approval.

2.3 Disclosure Review

All research results requested to be released from the data enclave must undergo a disclosure 

review conducted by NASS. This requirement is in accordance with the NASS obligation to 

protect the confidentiality of an individual farmer, rancher, or producer.

When the research has concluded, the disclosure review of the research results is conducted as a 

unit; that is, all files are reviewed together. Since the data are often correlated, multiple export 

requests for one project present increased disclosure risk and often increases suppressions. In 

addition to the current disclosure review, the analyst must review all past export requests from 
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other projects to ensure there is no overlap that results in disclosure concerns. Currently, the review 

process is done manually; reviewers read through statistical programming code and all output files

– first individually, then against each other. For this and other reasons, large tabulations and 

incremental or partial submissions are strongly discouraged.

NASS encourages users to limit the number of files they request to export to the necessary output 

required to produce a final report or paper. Restrictions apply (see Section 2.1). 

Revise and resubmit for peer-reviewed journal articles will be considered, if the previously 

approved variables are still available. Potential updates to already released research results 

requires an active access agreement, enclave account, and the detailed specifications including the 

published material. 

2.3.1 Disclosure Methodology

NASS employs disclosure limitation methodology commonly used by many Federal statistical 

agencies. Disclosure analysis methods use one of two criteria to determine whether a cell presents 

a disclosure risk. 

The first criterion is a threshold rule, where a minimum number of operations must produce the 

item before a total can be released. For example, if only two farms produce milk in a county, 

releasing the total milk production allows the two farmers to deduce the production of the other. 

NASS uses the same threshold rule for all disclosure reviews. Each summarized estimate must be 

computed from a minimum of five (5) unweighted* observations. This means, anytime there are 

less than five unweighted operations the entire table will be suppressed. Consider removing or 

collapsing cells that do not meet this threshold before submitting a disclosure review.

*Note: Any output intended for publishing must be weighted.

The second criterion is a dominance rule; NASS uses different dominance rules in different 

circumstances. 

The (n,k) rule invokes a suppression when the top n producers account for k percent or 

more of the estimated total. For example, a (2,80) rule will suppress a cell when the top 2 

producers represent 80 percent or more of that cell total. 

The p-percent rule requires sufficient protection so that the largest producer value cannot 

be approximated to within a range of p-percent. For example, a 20-percent rule will 

suppress a cell if revealing that total allows someone to estimate the top producer value to 

within plus or minus 20 percent. 

Federal statistical agencies do not publicly disclose the actual values of n, k, or p, as revealing 

them compromises the protection.
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2.3.2 Suppressions

Cells that represent disclosure risk are defined as primary cells, which are always suppressed, and 

are called primary suppressions. 

In many instances, a primary suppression requires another suppression to maintain protection. 

This is due to the additive relationships prevalent in tabular summaries; this is one reason, in part, 

the release of tabulations from the enclave is restricted. For example, a suppressed value that is 

one element of a total can be deduced by simple subtraction. If A + B + C= D, suppressing C 

alone gives the value of C no protection, as its value can easily be obtained by solving the equation 

for C.

Thus, additional suppressions are needed to ensure confidentiality. These are called 

complementary suppressions. In some instances, two primary suppressions can serve to protect 

one another. However, in general, selecting complementary suppressions is much more difficult 

and time consuming. 

If NASS finds values that require suppression, the NASS analyst may apply the suppression or 

require the researcher to adjust and resubmit the results. 

Examples of this action might be: 

NASS may suppress individual table cells by explicitly replacing the cell value with an 

indicator identifying a suppression. NASS uses a (D), in place of the actual number in the 

affected cells, to indicate the value is withheld to avoid disclosure of an individual 

operation. 

NASS may request the researcher to aggregate the data at a higher level in order to reduce 

the number of suppressed cells. 

During every disclosure review NASS must review the results to verify fitness-for-use standards 

are maintained. Additionally, NASS must consider the disclosure results from all other 

publications and tabulations of the approved dataset(s). NASS may require additional 

suppressions be applied to ensure consistency and confidentiality. 

2.3.3 Disclosure Rules

Data access projects should be used primarily for statistical analysis seeking modeled results 

(inference, regression, cluster, etc.) and not to reproduce summary tables or descriptive statistics. 

The disclosure review process for NASS-created Special Tabulations is automated. Enclave 

results, however, are reviewed manually and therefore require more stringent disclosure rules.

The following rules must be observed when submitting requests for disclosure review for all results 
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intended for removal from the enclave. These procedures are designed to expedite and simplify 

the process. To avoid unnecessary delays, review the following information about disclosure prior 

to producing summary statistics or aggregates. 

2.3.3.1 Output using intervals must mirror the publication from which the analysis is 

derived.

2.3.3.2 Every aggregated cell (modeled or summarized) in the output (counts or values) 

must include a minimum of five (5) unweighted* contributing observations.

2.3.3.3 If output includes demographics, there must also be a minimum of 30 weighted

contributing observations reporting that single demographic at the geographic level 

of aggregation.

2.3.3.4 Duplicative output will not be reviewed – e.g. descriptive statistics in table and 

report forms.

2.3.3.5 All summary (aggregate) statistics must use the record-level survey or census 

weights that NASS provides with each data set. For modeling purposes, NASS 

strongly encourages the use of weighted counts or values for robust outcomes. Any 

output intended for publishing must be weighted.

2.3.3.6 Data points will not be authorized for removal from the data enclave. Visualizations 

and other graphs must be curvilinear and may not represent actual data points or 

maximum/minimum values.

2.3.3.7 Histograms, graphs, and charts using bins must ensure they are wide enough 

to provide reasonable uncertainty as to the values of those records in the bin and 

must contain a minimum of five (5) unweighted* contributing observations.

2.3.3.8 Percentiles must be of such size that each reported value of at least five (5)

unweighted* contributing observations both precedes and exceeds the stated 

percentile value. This ensures that at least 11 observations are required to report a 

median. No percentile reported can equal the value of the largest contributor (the 

max value). 

2.3.3.9 For model output, such as linear or nonlinear regression models, disclosure risk is 

less. However, NASS requires a minimum of five (5) unweighted* contributing 

observations and will review the model output to check for disclosure failures. 
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2.3.3.10 When the use of unpublished intervals is approved, the interval range must be 

sufficiently wide. As a rule, if 120% of the midpoint of the range exceeds the upper 

bound of the range than the interval is too narrow. Two examples are provided for 

clarity:

Range = $500 - $1000

Midpoint = $750

Threshold = Midpoint * 1.20

= $750 * 1.20

= $900

Therefore, since max of range 

($1,000) is greater than the threshold 

($900), the range is wide enough.

Range = $100 - $110

Midpoint = $105

Threshold = Midpoint * 1.20

= $105 * 1.20 

= $126

Therefore, since the max of the range 

($110) is less than the threshold 

($126), the range is not wide enough 

and must be redefined or suppressed.

2.3.3.11 The analysis and summary results in an editable format: 

MS Excel (.csv/.xlsx), or MS Word (.docx or other text file) generally, is 

accepted. HTML and non-text Stata output are not accepted. 

2.3.3.12 Since all output are reviewed as a unit, if any output does not comply, the entire 

submission must be rejected.

*Note: Any output intended for publishing must be weighted.

2.3.4 Submitting a Request for Disclosure Review

As described in the previous section, NASS must perform a disclosure review of all output 

produced from the data. The entire set of analysis for a given MOU or ADM-042 is reviewed at 

the same time. Incremental or partial submissions are strongly discouraged and may be rejected. 

NASS encourages users to limit the number of files they request for export from the enclave to the 

output necessary to produce the final report or paper. Restrictions are applied on the type and size 

of research results that can be released from the enclave. The output expected to be released are 

regressions and specified tables as found in an article in a peer-reviewed academic journal. 

Submit all requests for disclosure review through the data enclave managers. The enclave manager

will conduct an initial review and will forward it to the Data Lab and Data Access Group for full 

disclosure review. The review time depends on the complexity of the output, the number of 

reviews currently in progress, and the completeness of the submission. We recommend allowing

at least 30 days for this process in the project timeline, which is requested in the SAP application. 

The disclosure review submission must include documentation with the following information:
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2.3.4.1 The contact information (email/phone) of the Sworn Special Data Agent who

prepared the results for disclosure review.

2.3.4.2 A description of each output file, including modeling techniques, data used, and 

explanation of indication.

2.3.4.3 A complete list of data sources used in the analysis and summary.

2.3.4.4 A complete list of variables used, with descriptions – including created variables.

2.3.4.5 Details on any data or variable modifications made – data subset may be required.

2.3.4.6 Specific geo-political areas being investigated or summarized – state, county, etc.

2.3.4.7 Each summarized tabulated data cell in the disclosure review submission must be 

accompanied by:

The total weighted and unweighted number of contributing observations

The unweighted value of each of the top two largest contributing records

2.3.4.8 The statistical programming code used to create the analyses, with appropriate 

documentation. That is, every code file should have a header describing the 

contents of the file, including a summary of the data manipulation that takes place 

in the file. HTML or compiled code files are not acceptable.

2.3.4.9 Visualizations must be accompanied by underlying data if subset or summarized.

2.3.4.10 A completed NASS Export Request Checklist, acknowledging compliance with 

these and all stipulations conveyed herein regarding the use of NASS data.

Failure to comply with disclosure rules or provide the information listed above will extend the 

disclosure review time as re-submissions will be necessary.

3 Support

NASS complies with the timeframe for approval allowed by the SAP. It is recommended that 

researchers allow several weeks from the time the request is submitted to when access to the data 

is granted. This provides NASS adequate time to vet the request, present it for approval, and 

prepare the data set for transfer. This allows for production demands and the enclave onboarding

requirements.
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NASS highly recommends that researchers are aware of their institution/agency process for outside 

invoicing. Data access in the enclave is contingent upon finalized fee payment, and this process 

can increase the project timeline significantly.

Once access is approved, the data will be assigned for preparation and transfer to the enclave. This 

process time can vary by data source and current production demands. Amendments to the 

agreement for data, researchers, or extension can be request via addendum. A request to change 

the project lead necessitates a new project agreement. The data will not contain personal identifiers 

such as name, address, zip codes, latitude, or longitude. The default format for delivered datasets 

is comma-separated values (.csv), which can be easily imported into statistical packages. Inquire 

if an accommodation is needed.

If the approved project cited additional non-NASS data sources required to accomplish the 

objectives, consult with the Data Lab manager for upload. Additional support documentation, 

including survey or census questionnaires or variable description lists, are available through the 

SAP.

Each research team will have a Data Lab manager, who is aware of NASS data products and 

specializes in the operation of the data enclave. The role of these individuals is to help you get 

started with your research by assisting through the approval process, conducting all security 

protocols, transmitting the dataset, and arranging for disclosure review. 

3.1 Data Resources

Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data collection are conducted in 

collaboration with USDA Economic Research Service (ERS). All requests for ARMS data are 

made through the SAP and any questions may be directed to the ERS ARMS Team at 

ARMSTeam@usda.gov

A few of the many online resources for NASS data are available at the following sites:

ARMS Questionnaires and Manuals

Census of Agriculture

Guide to Products and Services

Quick Stats (data downloads)

ResearchDataGov (SAP metadata and application)

Surveys and Programs