Sample Cover Letter

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

January 6, 2026

What should I do next?

Complete your survey in one of the following ways:

Online at agcounts.usda.gov. Online reporting is fast and secure. You just need your survey code on the enclosed form to begin.

By mail or fax. Complete the questionnaire and mail it back in the prepaid envelope provided or fax it to 855‑415‑3687.

Why am I getting this letter?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2025 Local Food Marketing Pactices Survey to gather

detailed statistics on local and regional food systems.

The enclosed instructions provide additional details of terms and definitions to help you complete the form. If we do not receive your completed questionnaire by
January XX, 2026, we may contact you for an interview.

How will the data be used?

Survey data will be used to help associations, businesses, and policymakers advocate for your operation and the local agriculture sector for the next several years.

The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes only. This survey is part of the Census of Agriculture Program, and as such is required by law (Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113). These federal laws also require that NASS keeps your identity and your answers confidential. We will publish the data December 16, 2026, in the Quick Stats database at quickstats.nass.usda.gov.

Thank you for your participation and support of U.S. agriculture. For more information about the Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. If you need assistance, please contact us at 888-424-7828.

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Parsons, Administrator

National Agricultural Statistics Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Enclosure

1400 Independence Ave, SW – Washington, DC 20250

www.nass.usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.