The American Farm Bureau Federation has launched an online survey to collect feedback from farmers and ranchers about 10 programs being offered from the Agriculture Department.  AFBF plans to use the results to create recommendations for the USDA to make its programs better serve growers.

Any farmer or rancher is encouraged to take the survey.  The process requires about 10 minutes.

“Farmers and ranchers sometimes find it confusing and complex to participate in USDA programs,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “At the same time, USDA staff are concerned that farmers and ranchers who could benefit from a number of different programs frequently do not apply.”

Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development are the focus of the survey, with programs being:

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program;
• Conservation Stewardship Program;
• Conservation Reserve Program;
• Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program;
• Value-Added Agricultural Producer Grants;
• Rural Energy for America Program;
• Farmers’ Marketing and Local Food Promotion Program;
• Direct Farm Ownership Loans;
• Direct Farm Operating Loans; and
• Guaranteed Farm Loans (farm operating and farm ownership).

The survey will be open through March 15.  AFBF will make the results available to the USDA for future improvement.