Certified Organic Production Survey Cover Letter

United States

Department

of Agriculture

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

December 1, 2011

Dear Agricultural Producer:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting a wide-scale survey of certified organic agriculture in the United States. The 2011 Certified Organic Production Survey is your opportunity to share your voice and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States.

In 2008, 79 percent of USDA certified organic producers indicated they planned to maintain or increase organic production levels over the next five years. Is the industry poised for this growth? Have certified farmers and ranchers increased production?

The results of the 2011 Certified Organic Production Survey will help answer these questions and provide vital information to help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, and many other key issues. In addition, survey results can help you make informed decisions about the future of your own farming operation.

Given the importance of this survey to organic producers and to all of U.S. agriculture, I sincerely hope that we can count on your participation. Whether you choose to complete the survey online or by mail, your response is needed by December 20, 2011.

Please be assured that federal law (Title 7, U.S. Code) protects the confidentiality of your individual responses. The information you provide will be published only in tabulated totals and it cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation.

Thank you for your support and participation.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Clark

Administrator

U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

Enclosures