The census of agriculture conducted
every 5 years is the only source of consistent, comparable
agricultural data at the county, state, and national levels. It
collects important information on the number and size of farms,
land use, production expenses, value of production, land values,
and crop and livestock pro- duction, as well as key demographic
data on farm operators not available from any other source. These
data are critical to the agricultural community, including local,
state and federal governments, farmer organizations, marketing
associations, co- operatives, agricultural experiment stations,
land-grant colleges
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.