(E. Lansing, MI) - Vegetable growers in parts of the Midwest and other states are being asked to take a survey on the chemicals and other substances they use on their crops.

 

The primary purpose of the Vegetable Chemical Use Survey by the National Agricultural Statistics Service is to ensure products used on the crops are safe as advertised, so they remain available to farmers on the market, said Nathaniel Warenski, the Indiana State Statistician for NASS, a branch of USDA.

 

Another reason for the survey is to identify any chemicals or nutrients that might be causing unexpected damage to the environment and crops.

 

Farmers in 18 states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, will be asked to participate in the survey.

 

Participating farmers will be asked to reveal the type of chemical used and how much was applied to their crops to ensure the chemical use complied with the instructions on the label and if any damage resulted from overuse.

 

The survey is conducted every two years. The information is added to a database to help farmers and other members of the general public choose which products are worth buying or investing in.

 

"Producers, of course, want to produce high-yielding, high-quality crops. Likewise, buyers and suppliers want to have a safe product," Warenski said.

Warenski said lawmakers could also use the data to help decide if certain products need more or less regulation.

 

"All of them rely on information generated through this survey. That's why it's so important that farmers take the time to participate and ensure that we have the most accurate and up-to-date information straight from the source," said Marlo Johnson, Director of the Great Lakes Regional Field Office for NASS.

About 3,000 farmers are expected to take the voluntary survey based on the number of participants in surveys in previous years. Farmers agreeing to take the survey will be approached by a representative from NASS to assist with the information gathering.

 

Attempts will be made to reach participants by phone to schedule the visit in advance.

 

"While these surveys can be lengthy and complex, trained and experienced enumerators can work with respondents to make the process go smoothly and relatively quickly," Johnson said.

The survey also targets farmers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, California, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Oregon, and Washington. The states chosen for the survey are the largest producers of vegetables in the nation.

 

Participants of the survey remain anonymous. Warenski said the idea is to encourage participation and gather as much accurate information as possible. However, the survey participants' names must also be kept confidential by law.

 

"We can't disclose individual data used for statistical purposes," Warenski said.

Warenski said surveys asking farmers to participate would go out in the mail in late September and early October.

 

Participants will be asked to provide information on their fertilizer, nutrient and pesticide applications, pest management, and spray practices for pumpkins and watermelons.

 

"The importance of these surveys cannot be understated," Johnson said.