USDA invites agriculture producers to respond online to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey
USDA invites agriculture producers to respond online to the 2023 ... National Agricultural Statistics Service
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USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Conducts 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 – Today, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed survey codes to a selected sample of irrigators across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey.
The survey is a special study to the 2022 Census of Agriculture and provides the only comprehensive dataset of irrigation activities and water use across American farms, ranches, and horticultural operations. Producer input through this survey will aid USDA’s efforts to promote efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources across the United States.
The survey will be mailed in phases, with paper questionnaires following in January. Producers need only to respond once, whether securely online or by mail. The online option offers timesaving features ideal for busy producers. All responses are due Feb. 15, 2024.
Importance of Water for Agriculture and Horticulture Operations
“Water is arguably the most important resource for agriculture and horticulture operations,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “This survey is an opportunity to provide data that will influence policy decisions that have a tremendous impact on the industry for years to come.”
Convenient Online Respondent Portal
Responding is more convenient than ever due to the USDA NASS Online Respondent Portal at www.agcounts.usda.gov where producers can view and complete NASS surveys, view historical reports, and access other resources.
“I strongly encourage all farmers, no matter how large or small their operation, to promptly complete and return their questionnaire. This is your opportunity to share your voice, uplift the value and showcase the uniqueness of American agriculture,” said Administrator Hamer.
Legal Requirements and Data Confidentiality
Responding to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data for statistical purposes only, and to publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the data on Nov. 14, 2024, at www.nass.usda.gov.
Additional Information
To learn more, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, other special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow NASS on X @usda_nass.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the importance of water resources in agriculture and horticulture operations, indicating a connection to SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. It also mentions the need for efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources, aligning with SDG 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production. Additionally, the survey aims to gather data on irrigation activities, which relates to SDG 15, focusing on life on land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
Based on the article’s content, the targets identified are related to improving water-use efficiency (SDG 6.4), promoting environmentally sound management of water resources (SDG 12.4), and ensuring the sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems (SDG 15.1).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Water-use efficiency: The survey aims to gather data on irrigation activities and water use across American farms, ranches, and horticultural operations. The collected data can be used as an indicator to measure water-use efficiency.
- Environmentally sound management of water resources: The survey’s goal of promoting efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources indicates a focus on environmentally sound management.
- Sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems: The survey’s objective to collect data on irrigation activities and its impact on water resources aligns with the need to ensure the sustainable use of ecosystems.
The article implies indicators such as data on irrigation activities, water use, and the impact of irrigation practices on water resources, which can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | Data on irrigation activities and water use. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Promotion of efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Data on irrigation activities and their impact on water resources. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nass.usda.gov
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