In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS) released preliminary findings from the 2012 census. Conducted every five years, the Ag Census provides the most comprehensive data available about agriculture in Vermont and across the nation. These early census show Vermont agriculture is trending in a positive direction. Some highlights:
• The overall number of farms in Vermont has increased by 5 percent in the last five years, from 6,984, to 7,338.
• Vermont agricultural land base has also increased 1 percent in the past five years, from 1,233,313 acres to 1,251,713 acres
• The overall market value of Vermont agricultural products sold has grown 15 percent, from $673,713,000 to $776,105,000.