The completed report will not be published until spring, 1999. It is worth the while of the producers to complete the survey, timely, accurately and completely. There are many policy decisions that are made at the national and state level that will result from the survey. Accurate data as possible, definitely helps the agricultural community and population in general by presenting the real story of Agriculture. Figures compiled by the census are used to determine funding for Extension work, research, soil conservation and other agriculture-related services.
Private industry uses the census to provide more effective production and distribution systems.
Oregon is interested in the data because of the debate over land use and protection of farmland. Knowing how many acres of farmland have been lost since the last census will be important. The numbers provide help in analyzing and developing policies on water and use for irrigation, as well as rural development. The law requiring producers to complete the census forms, also protects confidentiality and privacy of information, they supply. Individual forms cannot be seen by anyone else, except for sworn NASS employees.