Photo: AEM
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led ten Democrats in raising concerns to USDA about the reliability of data reports from the agency.
They said that a recent Farm Journal survey found 73 percent of ag producers and 78 percent of ag retailers are less confident in USDA reports than in recent years.
The Senators’ letter to the agency expressed significant concerns regarding the reliability of USDA reports. “Farmers need reliable data to make critical decisions on what to plant, how to manage risks, and when to market their agricultural products,” the letter said.
“Given the importance of reliable data to U.S. farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, it’s critical that USDA maintain the quality and integrity of its data.”
The erosion of trust comes after a loss of over 30 percent of the employees at the National Agricultural Statistics Service and almost 25 percent of Farm Service Agency employees.
NAFB news service
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