Emu Farmers urged to participate in Census of Agriculture

American Emu Association stresses the importance of being included in 2007 Census of Agriculture

(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 21, 2007 ) San Angelo, TX -- The American Emu Association (AEA) is urging emu producers nationwide to ensure they are counted in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Taken every five years, the census first surveyed emu separately from alternative livestock in 2002. The Census provides uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the U. S., which is used by numerous entities serving the agricultural community. Through the Census, emu producers can show the value and importance of this emerging agricultural industry and help to influence decisions that will affect their farms in the future.

Joylene Reavis, AEA Agricultural Chair, reminds emu producers, "The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year."

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin distribution of the 2007 Census of Agriculture on December 28, 2007. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2008. Producers can return the forms by mail, or file online at http://www.agcensus.usda.gov.

According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, participants are guaranteed by law that their individual census records will be kept confidential. The information is used only for statistical purposes and the data is published only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation.

For more information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free (888) 4AG-STAT or (888) 424-7828.

For more information about the emu industry, visit www.aea-emu.org or call 1-541-332-0675.

Founded in 1989, the AEA is a nonprofit organization of breeders, producers and marketers of emu meat, oil and other emu co-products. AEA's mission is to establish value of emu products through research, market development and industry positioning. A Board of Directors elected by its members governs all AEA activities. Through the voluntary efforts of its members, the AEA has worked to develop a consistent numbering system and nomenclature for cuts of meat, gained mandatory USDA inspection of emu meat at processing, gained acceptance for the emu into the National Poultry Improvement Plan, has established international trade rules for emu oil and created an Oil Certification Program to ensure the consumer a safe product. The AEA publishes the EMUpdate, a bimonthly newsletter, several industry flyers and sales aids along with the National Convention handouts.