U.S. 2012 Census of Agriculture Survey Coming Soon

Jan 08, 2013

U.S. Department of Agriculture Mailing Census of Agriculture Surveys Early January

United States agricultural growers can soon expect to receive the 2012 census of agriculture in the mail. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is scheduled to mail out surveys in early January.

The agriculture census results are used to help examine the changes happening in agriculture and the information is used to assist with promoting and formulating farm and rural policies. Additionally, the census assists with formulating marketing strategies, forecasting energy needs and planning ahead for emergencies such as drought and disease outbreaks.

In order to be classified as a farm, it must produce at least $1,000 or more of agriculture products. With that definition, even subsistence agriculture would apply. All farmers and ranchers are required by law to complete and return the forms which are due Feb. 4.

The agriculture census occurs every five years. More information can be found at: www.agcensus.usda.gov.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.