Attention Virginia organic farmers. Officials want you to stand up and be counted.
Organic farmers are being encouraged to be counted in what the officials are calling the first wide-scale survey of organic producers, according to the Associated Press.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct the survey in May through July. The survey will examine all aspects of organic agriculture, from production and marketing to income and expenses.
VDACS Commissioner Todd Haymore said Virginia had about 315 organic farms comprising 13,500 acres in 2007.
Sales of organic products in 2007 totaled $14 million.
The 2009 survey is intended to help agriculture officials learn about the changing face of farming.
