Initial Cover Letter

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

December XX, 2018

Dear Aquaculture Producer,

The Census of Aquaculture is the only source of comparable and consistent data at the national and state levels for the U.S. aquaculture industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting the 2018 Census of Aquaculture and I encourage you to respond. Your information will ensure that policymakers, aquaculture organizations and businesses have reliable data to make decisions that affect the sustainability and growth of your industry.

Please respond to the Census promptly in either of the following ways:

• Online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. You need the identification number on the enclosed form to begin. Instructions are on the back of this letter.

• By mail. Complete the enclosed form and mail it back in the return envelope provided.

The 2018 Census of Aquaculture is part of the Census of Agriculture Program, which is required by law and protected by law (Title 7, U.S. Code and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act). These federal laws require that NASS keeps your identity and your answers confidential.

Please respond by January XX, 2019. For more information about this survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. If you have questions or need assistance, call (888) 424-7828.

Thank you in advance for your participation in the 2018 Census of Aquaculture.

Sincerely,

Hubert Hamer

Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service

United States Department of Agriculture

Enclosures

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.