Posted on 01/06/2012 8:50:18 AM PST by matt1234
Are you ready for the vegetable census? Yesterday I received the “2012 National Agricultural Classification Survey” from the US Dept. of Agriculture. It was accompanied by a cover letter stating (in large, bold font) that my response is required by law; and, if I do not reply, I “may be personally visited.” I am not and have never been a farmer or rancher. My land has never been farmed or ranched. I do, however, have a vegetable garden that I built in 2009. This garden is private and noncommercial. There is no illegal activity whatsoever on my property.
The survey is 4 pages consisting of dozens of questions. Among the pressing concerns of the USDA are the gender and ethnic origin of my “operators.” (I have none.)
I have no idea how I appeared on the USDA’s radar. Possibilities are aerial surveillance or monitoring of seed purchases.
In full disclosure, the survey states that a recipient can opt out of the main portion of the survey if he answers “No” to the first four questions. However, the way they are written, it seems impossible for a landowner or renter to answer “No.” For example, one of these questions is “Do you own, rent, or operate cropland, pastureland, or land with the potential for agricultural production?” Ponder that. Doesn’t all “land” have “the potential for agricultural production”? If so, a landowner or renter cannot answer “No” and thereby opt out. (Even a lot covered completely by a building has “the potential for agricultural production” because you can grow food on the roof or windowsills, or you can tear down the building.) So, the way I read this, if you own or rent land, you cannot opt out. Moreover, according to another of the first four questions, if you own one or more livestock animals, even a chicken or a horse, you cannot opt out.
This survey is patently absurd, in my case as a simple gardener, and in EVERY case, as evidenced by the survey’s language described in the preceding paragraph.
Questions to fellow FReepers:
1. Does anyone have experience with this survey?
2. Any suggestions about my course of action?
3. What would John Galt do?
Only briefly to see if there's an online copy to satisfy spokeshave's request at post 22. To access the online survey form, it appears you have to first enter your unique survey code. I did not do that.
I did telephone their help number a couple times...and got a busy signal.
I’ve received them in the past and did receive one this year as well. It has already been duly processed by my paper shredder as were my past ones. Only once did anyone come knock on my door - they were immediately told to leave and did (it was a contractor similar to what the census used).
The maximum fine for non-compliance is $100.00 - they can KMA. Even if they wanted to fine me, which they haven’t, I wouldn’t pay.
Well, I’d sit on it. If they won’t tell you what US code is behind this, I see no reason to comply. If someone does visit, pull it out and insist on the US code that requires this. Tell them it’s an invasion of privacy, you have no commercial business, and what you grow for your own consumption is your own business. At least, that’s what I’d do.
That is one of the funniest posts I’ve read in a while.
thanks
They can't have we serfs having the audacity to be self sufficient enough to NOT DIE during their next planned kill off.
They've not kept it a secret that they want to drastically reduce the world's population.
NWO Commandment #1 from the Georgia Guidestones
Any idea how you were selected as a recipient? Are they doing aerial photography and looking for defoliation? I'm going to call them and ask them how I was selected.
I’ve gotten it many times over the course of the past 9 years and each time I get it I do the same thing - file it in the round file. Ignore it.
Alternatively, answer every question “NOYFB” and send it back.
I got my first one back in 2004 or 2005.
Good info. Thanks.
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That's my guess as well.
JustA, have you seen this thread yet? Take a look if you haven’t!
Chuck it.
If they call, hang up on them.
If they personally visit your property, pick up the phone and dial the business number of the Sheriff’s dept. and while on the line, tell the gov’t person to please leave your property.
If they refuse to leave immediately, tell the Sheriff’s office person on the line that you’ve asked them to leave and they’ve refused and to send a deputy over to arrest the person for trespassing.
Handle subsequent personal visits similarly and any continued phone calls as harassment.
They can always make an appointment to talk with you at your lawyer’s office. [ grin ] If they can get a hold of you via registered mail each time.
Off topic but interesting and may pertain to many of us.
Do they have proof-positive that you even received the document?
My neighbor thinks we got this because we have tractors and and the DMV or DOL ratted us out. When I got my form, yesterday, I called my ‘bleeding heart liberal US Representative and told them I considered it an unconstitutional violation of my right to privacy. I guess I should wait by the door for the Ag Police to come get me and send me to the Big House. Anyone wanna volunteer to send me a cake in a file after they take me away in handcuffs?
USDA: “There is no evidence that this land was ever used for any kind of agriculture!”
You (falling to knees): “Oh GAWD don’t rub it in!” (begin wailing to the heavens)
Are you ready for the vegetable census? Yesterday I received the “2012 National Agricultural Classification Survey” from the US Dept. of Agriculture.
It was accompanied by a cover letter stating (in large, bold font) that my response is required by law; and, if I do not reply, I “may be personally visited.” I am not and have never been a farmer or rancher. My land has never been farmed or ranched. I do, however, have a vegetable garden that I built in 2009. This garden is private and noncommercial. There is no illegal activity whatsoever on my property.
The survey is 4 pages consisting of dozens of questions..."
More at article.
Thanks azishot.
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