NSAC's Blog


NASS 2020 Local Food Marketing Survey Needs Farmer Input

January 21, 2021

In recent years, the increasing interest in local and regional food systems has garnered consensus around the need for more robust economic data about the sector. The impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on farm and food systems in the U.S. have further underlined the need for better data. While many small to mid-sized farmers […]

Organic Survey: Update and 2019 Recommendations

May 14, 2019

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is preparing to survey the nation’s organic farmers in an effort to collect data on acreage, production, and sales for a variety of organic crop and livestock commodities. Earlier this year, NASS announced that it would begin soliciting feedback on its proposal for the 2019 Organic Survey, which the […]

Local Food: From Grassroots Movement to Mature Marketplace

January 11, 2017

The term “local food” means many things to many people. For some it defines a particular geographic area, while for others it means good, high quality food. A recent survey published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) reveals that, varying conceptions aside, the local food market has matured into […]

Local/Regional Food Sector Moves Out of Data Dark Ages

December 20, 2016

Data is crucial for any well functioning market – producers, investors, and consumers alike need to understand market trends and dynamics in order to make sound business decisions. This is as true for farmers and ranchers as it is for Wall Street executives. Growers, however, have long struggled due to a lack of useful data […]

Give NSAC the Scoop on Your On-Farm Manure Usage

April 22, 2016

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) and our members are surveying produce farmers to better understand how they use and apply untreated or raw manure on their farms. Between now and June 3, 2016, we are collecting anonymous information to develop comments for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to aid in their development of […]

New Local Food Survey Needs Farmer Input

April 13, 2016

Data is crucial for any well functioning market. Producers, investors and consumers need to understand market trends and dynamics in order to make sound business decisions. This is as true for farmers and ranchers as it is for Wall Street executives. However, despite being an over $12 billion a year industry, the local and regional […]

SARE Cover Crop Survey Seeks Farmers Input

March 31, 2016

The Sustainable Agricultural, Research, and Education Program (SARE) in conjunction with the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) are seeking responses to their fourth annual national cover crop survey. Whether you are a long-time cover cropper, new to the use of cover crops, or never even considered the practice, SARE needs to hear from you. Results […]

Organic Farmer Survey Now Underway

February 9, 2016

The 2015 Certified Organic Survey, which collects data on acreage, production, and sales for a variety of certified organic crop and livestock commodities, is now underway via the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Certified organic crop and livestock producers have until February 19, 2016 to submit their data by mail or to complete the […]