Farm operators in Canada are encouraged to complete the census to help influence future agriculture policy.
The Census of Agriculture is a source of agricultural data at the community level. Decision makers use the data to make informed decision in the best interests of farm operators, farm communities, and various agricultural sectors throughout Canada.
Following each census, Statistics Canada consults with farmers, representatives of the agriculture community, and data consumers to determine their data requirements.
To enhance the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Statistics Canada held a nationwide consultation in the fall of 2017 and received 132 input and recommendations from a variety of parties, including federal government departments and agencies, provincial government ministries, agricultural associations, researchers, academics, farm support providers, and consulting firms.
Although important adjustments were made to census material as a result of these consultations, the majority of the questions in the 2021 Census will still be identical to those used in 2016. This consistency is critical for monitoring market dynamics over time and addressing the demands of consumers and stakeholders.
Farm operators are required to engage in the Census of Agriculture under the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada is also obligated by statute to safeguard the information collected in Census of Agriculture questionnaires.
Census Day is May 11 – but farmers should already be receiving something in the mail soon.