(NAFB) – USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting the 2021 Organic Survey to gather new data on certified organic crops and livestock commodities in the United States.

USDA says the effort is critical to help determine the economic impact of certified organic agriculture production on the nation. NASS is mailing the survey to all known certified organic farms and ranches within the 50 states. The questionnaire asks producers to provide information on acreage, production, and sales, as well as production and marketing practices.

A USDA NASS spokesperson says, “We continue to receive requests for updated data on organic farms, especially to measure growth in the production sector of the organic industry.” According to the 2019 survey, U.S. certified organic producers sold a total of $9.93 billion in products, up 31 percent over 2016. Participants should respond by April 4. Producers can return their questionnaires by mail or complete them online at www.agcounts.usda.gov using the new Respondent Portal.