Horticultural specialties census to begin in December

The Census of Horticultural Specialties, conducted once every 10 years, provides the only comprehensive, detailed picture of U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop operations. The information gathered by the USDA’s Nat’l. Ag. Statistics Service helps shape decisions regarding farm policy, funding availability, research and development and other key issues. NASS will begin conducting the 2009 census in December. Greg Preston, director of the Indiana field office of NASS, told Hoosier Ag Today that the census’ results “will help shape future decisions regarding availability of goods and services, community development, funding and other key issues.” He said the census information can assist horticultural producers make decisions regarding the future of their own operations. The census will be mailed nationally to all known horticultural operations in December. Companies must respond by Feb. 5, 2010, with results published in December. Information provided by census participants is kept confidential.