Public Comment - Dennis Fixler - BEA - Reply

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

April 23, 2019

Dr. Dennis J. Fixler
Chief Economist
U.S. Department of Commerce
Bureau of Economic Analysis
1441 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20230

Dear Dr. Fixler and Ms. Burrell,
As always, NASS is very appreciative of the continued support you and your Agency have
shown us over the years. The Census of Horticulture is a vital component of the Census
program. The detailed data that is collected for the nursery, floriculture and specialty crops
included in this survey cannot be found any place else.
Thus far, only minor changes to the questionnaire have been discussed involving a few of the
varieties of plants listed in the questionnaire. Some plants that may have fallen out of favor with
the consumers will be replaced by more popular plants. In addition some additional screening
questions are being tested that may help respondents skip over questions that do not pertain to
their particular operation and reduce the respondent burden.
We will keep you and other data users informed of any future modifications.
Again, many thanks!
Digitally signed by JOSEPH PARSONS
DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government,
ou=Department of Agriculture, cn=JOSEPH
PARSONS,
0.9.2342.19200300.100.1.1=1200100005003
2
Date: 2019.04.29 09:55:18 -04'00'

Joseph L. Parsons
Chair, Agricultural Statistics Board
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250
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