2017 Census Vital For Northwest Agriculture

Later this year, the USDA will conduct the Census of Agriculture, an event that only takes place once every five years. And while the USDA will stress the importance of the Census for the ag picture, nationally, Northwest officials are saying it’s critical for local growers to participate.  .

“We want to be proud of the kind of agriculture we have," said Chris Mertz, head of USDA's NASS in the Northwest.  "We have a lot of specialty crops, a lot of unique commodities that may not be grown in other parts of the country or at a very large amount.  So, this is an opportunity for the Northwest to be proud of what we do so people know the large impact and what we do to help out U.S. Agriculture.”

Mertz told the Washington Ag Network the data won’t be available for review until early 2019, but once out it’s valuable.

“They use the information to promote agriculture, to defend agriculture, and decide to make investments, or make informed decisions on what they want to do with their farms or their companies or businesses.”

Mertz said there is no punishment for those who choose not to participate in the 2017 Census.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com