Not all farmers are happy to see the Census of Agriculture form arrive in the mail.
First of all, the census comes in May when farmers are either making last minute preparations for seeding or actually seeding.
Second, some farmers don't see any benefit to sharing their private personal information with a government agency.
Sensing the reluctance of some farmers to take part in the 2021 census, Alberta Agriculture prepared a statement explaining why the census is important to farmers and the rest of Canada.
The statement describes the census as important to help “farmers see emerging trends in agriculture technologies and practices,” and to make informed decisions on their own operations.
“The census is the only source of community level data that ensures the unique perspectives of farmers, farm communities and agricultural operations are included when making decisions that affect them and their livelihood.”
The data is needed to defend the interests of farmers and agriculture in trade and market access disputes. The data also provides facts for use in making decisions on financial supports like crop insurance and farm safety net programs.
When census forms arrive in early May, farmers can expect an invitation letter with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the questionnaire online.
Statistics Canada has taken steps to reduce the reporting burden by making the questionnaire quicker and easier to respond to by only asking questions relevant to each operator's farm.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
