Defra 10-yearly Agriculture Census is live
2nd Jun 2021 / By Alistair Driver
Defra is encouraging farmers to respond within two weeks to Agricultural Census, which is now live.
The census, which is run every 10 years, will be sent to all active commercial farms in England and can be completed online or via paper form.
Click here to complete the census.
It provides a unique and comprehensive picture of the structure of the agricultural industry, including detailed information on land use, crop areas, livestock numbers and the farm labour force.
Defra said the census was an important data source that is vital to many areas of research and government decision making, providing the best opportunity to monitor long-term changes and identify trends and challenges within the agricultural industry in England.
The data is also used to enable research and investment in the industry, as well as to monitor environmental changes and the wider impact of farm activities, it added.
“Results will show levels of agricultural activity in all the counties and regions in England, enabling famers to see what is happening around the country. A high response rate to the Census will help us get the most accurate picture of the structure of the agriculture industry,” the Department said.
All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes as per our privacy notice. Completion is mandatory under the Agricultural Statistics Act 1979.
The Census of Agriculture has run in various forms for over 150 years. The first proper agricultural census was taken in 1866 and ran every year until 1995. It now runs every 10 years, with the last one being in 2010.
Defra said it was ‘extremely grateful’ to the farmers who complete the June 2021 Census questionnaire. “Make sure you count in this year’s census by completing your questionnaire. We encourage all farmers to respond within two weeks,” it said.