Tommy Irvin, Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture, is joining officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to remind Georgia’s farmers and ranchers that it’s not too late to respond to the 2007 Census of agriculture.

“Good statistics are critical to developing effective agricultural policies,” Irvin said. “I urge all farmers and ranchers, large and small, to fill out those census forms and get them back in.”

Conducted every five years, the Census of agriculture is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation.

“Nearly 52,000 responses have already been received in Georgia,” said Doug Kleweno, director of the NASS Georgia Field Office. “I sincerely thank those who have fulfilled their responsibility by completing and returning their census forms. But there’s still a good number we need to hear from to make this the most accurate census on record.”

While the official response deadline was Feb. 4, NASS will continue to accept responses through early June.

“It’s not too late to respond. We want to make sure that every farm and ranch in Georgia is counted,” added Kleweno.

“So, if you have not done so already, please complete and return your 2007 Census of agriculture form today. By responding, producers are helping themselves, their communities and Georgia agriculture.”

Everyone who received a census form is required by law to respond even if they are no longer actively engaged in agricultural activity. Forms can be returned by mail or submitted online.

For more information, or for assistance with completing the 2007 Census of agriculture, call toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.