LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began mailing the 2018 Census of Aquaculture in December to all farms that reported aquaculture activity during the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
“This census is vital because it is the only comprehensive source of information on the aquaculture industry in the nation,” according to a news release.
Eugene Young is director of the Delta Region.
“Last conducted five years ago, this census serves as the baseline for many decisions involving the sustainability and growth of U.S. aquaculture,” Young said. “The results will also help aquaculture organizations assess the current state of this critical sector of the Arkansas economy and of the U.S. It is critical for local farmers to respond and be counted. The aquaculture industry in each state is very diverse; for certain types of aquaculture industries such as baitfish, the only source of data that exists comes from the Census of Aquaculture.”
In Arkansas, NASS will survey approximately 80 farm operators to collect detailed information related to production and production methods, surface water acres and sources, sales, point of first sales, and distribution of aquaculture.
To participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the Internet, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative.
The Census of Aquaculture report will be released on Oct. 10, 2019 at 3 p.m. ET. This and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications. Details: NASS Delta Regional Office, 800-327-2970.