I’m currently conducting a blog series where each week I give an overview of the responsibilities of a government agency regulating our food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful reminder for everyone on just how complex our regulatory system really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) National Agriculture Statistics Service (“NASS”) reports to the Under Secretary of Research, Education and Economics. NASS offers statistical data to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and public officials. It conducts monthly and annual surveys on agricultural production, supply, prices, etc. NASS also conducts the Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every 5 years. Hopefully many of my readers completed the census this past winter/spring. Historical results from the Census of Agriculture are available at the NAL. A directory of NASS field offices can be found here.