Maple Syrup - Sample Cover Letter

U nited States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

April 2013

Dear Producer,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) measures the size and condition of the maple industry each year through the annual Maple Syrup Survey.

The survey results are used by producers, processors and commodity markets to make sound and informed business decisions and to help promote the maple syrup program. From 2002 to 2012 the number of taps in the U.S. increased by 45 percent while production increased by 37 percent. NASS will publish the survey results in the monthly Crop Production report, to be released on June 12, 2013.

Please respond to the attached survey, which asks you for information on maple syrup production, number of taps, and value. Your participation is important. Because we want to make it as easy as possible for you to participate, we offer you the following options to respond:

• Online at http://www.agcounts.usda.gov. This method is fast, easy and secure. You will need the 17-digit response code found on the survey mailing label to begin; then follow the instructions on the back of this letter.

• By mail or fax. Complete the survey questionnaire and return it in the envelope provided or fax it to 314-595-9990.

If we do not hear from you by April 30, 2013, we will contact you to arrange a telephone or personal interview. Please be assured that your responses are completely confidential, as required by Federal law. The National Agricultural Statistics Service safeguards the privacy of all respondents, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support of our programs.

Sincerely,

Hubert Hamer

Chair, Agricultural Statistics Board

Enclosure

1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, D.C. 20250

www.nass.usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.