FR 2021-03371

The recent notice from the Department of Agriculture outlines a proposed survey by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) aimed at collecting data on agricultural conservation practices across four states: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. The purpose of this data collection is to better understand the adoption and implementation of various conservation practices like cover crops and irrigation management. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback on this initiative by March 22, 2021.

Potential Impact on the Public

This survey could have significant implications for agricultural policy and practices in the United States. By gathering data on how conservation techniques are adopted, the Department of Agriculture aims to gain insights that may help in crafting future agricultural policies and support systems. These insights could, in turn, benefit farmers by potentially increasing access to technical and financial assistance aimed at sustainable agricultural practices.

Issues and Concerns

Several concerns arise from the proposed survey initiative:

1. Lack of Cost Details: The document does not specify the costs associated with the survey nor how the funds will be allocated. This omission could lead to concerns among taxpayers regarding efficient and transparent use of government resources.

2. Selection of States: The criteria for selecting Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania for the pilot survey are not explained in the document. This lack of transparency might cause suspicion about regional bias and the equitable distribution of survey focus.

3. Complexity of Language: The use of technical jargon, such as "likert question data" and "edge of field improvements," may be difficult for the general public to fully understand. This could limit broader engagement and input from those not well-versed in technical agricultural terminology.

4. Ambiguity in Data Utilization: There is a lack of clarity regarding how the survey results will be utilized or reported back to the stakeholders. The absence of this information could lead to public skepticism about the tangible benefits of the survey.

5. Unclear Success Criteria: Although the document suggests a national survey may follow the pilot, it does not outline what would constitute a successful pilot, resulting in uncertainty about the future steps and long-term strategic goals of this initiative.

Impact on Stakeholders

Specifically, farmers and ranchers within the selected states could experience immediate impacts from participation in this survey. If they engage, they might gain initial insights into agricultural conservation trends and potentially influence future support mechanisms. Conversely, agricultural stakeholders in unselected regions may feel disadvantaged or overlooked, potentially missing out on the early benefits of data-driven policy adjustments.

Furthermore, this initiative may set a precedent for future data collection efforts focused on sustainable development in agriculture. Positive outcomes from this pilot project could pave the way for more comprehensive national surveys, leading to wider adoption and support for conservation efforts nationwide. However, without clear measures of success and financial transparency, the initiative may garner skepticism from both participants and the general public.

In summary, while the intent of the Department of Agriculture's survey is positive, aimed at enhancing conservation practices in farming, the execution and communication strategy surrounding this initiative presents several areas of concern that need to be addressed to ensure broad public trust and effective stakeholder engagement.