Committee on National Statistics & Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education 
Improving Data Collection and Measurement of Complex Farms 

Americas farms and farmers are integral to the U.S. economy and, more broadly, to the nations social and cultural fabric. A healthy agricultural sector helps ensure a safe and reliable food supply, improves energy security, and contributes to employment and economic development, traditionally in small towns and rural areas where farming serves as a nexus for related sectors from farm machinery manufacturing to food processing. The agricultural sector also plays a role in the nations overall economic growth by providing crucial raw inputs for the production of a wide range of goods and services, including many that generate substantial export value.If the agricultural sector is to be accurately understood and the policies that affect its functioning are to remain well informed, the statistical systems data collection programs must be periodically revisited to ensure they are keeping up with current realities. This report reviews current information and makes recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDAs) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Economic Research Service (ERS) to help identify effective methods for collecting data and reporting information about American agriculture, given increased complexity and other changes in farm business structure in recent decades.