- Who needs to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire?
- Why does Statistics Canada conduct the Census of Agriculture?
- Why is the Census of Agriculture conducted in May, such a busy time for farm operators?
- How is a farm or an agricultural operation defined?
- What is the definition of a farm operator?
- Are hobby farms included in the Census of Agriculture?
- Are cannabis operations included in the Census of Agriculture?
- Why do small agricultural operations have to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire?
- How do I complete the questionnaire if I do not know what products my operation will be producing this early in the year?
- Why did I receive multiple questionnaires?
- How is the response burden being reduced?
- Why is Statistics Canada allowed to obtain administrative data without authorization from respondents?
- How does the Census of Agriculture benefit farm operators?
- What is Statistics Canada’s legal authority for conducting the Census of Agriculture?
- Is it mandatory to complete and return the questionnaire?
- Can a person be identified by the information they provide?
- What is the difference between the Census of Agriculture and other Statistics Canada surveys?
- Why aren't there different questionnaires for different types of agricultural operations?
- How much does the Census of Agriculture cost?
- Will data on farm operating revenues, operating expenses and paid labour be published by the 2026 Census of Agriculture?
- Why are other agriculture surveys conducted at the same time as the census?
- What other agriculture surveys are being conducted during the 2026 Census collection period?
- How many agricultural operations were counted in the last Census of Agriculture?
- How are Census of Agriculture data used?
- What is different about the 2026 Census of Agriculture compared with 2021?
- Does the Census of Agriculture ask any questions that could be used to assess farming’s impact on the environment?
- How is my information protected when my Census of Agriculture questionnaire is completed online?
- What steps are taken to ensure that all agricultural operations are counted?
- When will the 2026 Census of Agriculture data be available to the public, and how can I keep track of releases?
- Why does it take a year to release results from the Census of Agriculture?
- For which geographic areas are Census of Agriculture data available?
1. Who needs to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire?
Any person responsible for operating a farm or an agricultural operation should complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire. One questionnaire should be completed for every census farm.
2. Why does Statistics Canada conduct the Census of Agriculture?
Statistics Canada is required by law to conduct a Census of Agriculture every five years. The Census of Agriculture provides a comprehensive and integrated profile of the physical, economic, social and environmental aspects of Canada's agriculture sector. It provides a wide range of data at the national, provincial and subprovincial levels. The Census of Agriculture is the only official source for high-quality agricultural data for small geographic areas in Canada, publishing information such as:
- the number of farms by farm types, land use and practices
- agriculture commodities from various crops and livestock to other agriculture products such as mushrooms and bees
- business operating arrangements as well as operating revenues and expenses.
The Census of Agriculture is essential for understanding changes in Canada’s agriculture sector over time. Consequently, it serves as a basis for informed public and private decision making, as well as research and analysis in areas of concern to the people of Canada.
3. Why is the Census of Agriculture conducted in May, such a busy time for farm operators?
With farm operators already facing a particularly busy period in the month of May, the arrival of the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire may feel poorly timed. However, the Census of Agriculture works within the Census of Population timelines to leverage their collection and processing activities, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. The timing of the larger Census of Population is carefully planned to reach the highest number of Canadians at home during collection.
4. How is a farm or an agricultural operation defined?
The Census of Agriculture “census farm” concept refers to an operation that produces agricultural products during the year of the census for which it will report revenues or expenses to the Canada Revenue Agency for tax purposes.
The census farm is the main unit of analysis for the Census of Agriculture.
A census farm is also known as a farm, a farm operation, an agricultural operation and an agricultural holding.
Agricultural products covered by the census farm definition include:
- crops, such as grains, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, fruits, nuts, greenhouse products, cultivated mushrooms, sod, nursery products, cultivated Christmas trees, fodder crops, hemp, maple syrup and other crop products.
- livestock, such as dairy and beef cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, other poultry, eggs, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys and mules, bison, elk, deer, llamas and alpacas, rabbits, mink, bees, honey and other animal products.
The census farm concept excludes operations that are wholly dedicated to certain activities, such as growing cannabis; harvesting wild plants or mushrooms on unmanaged land; providing support activities for crop production; providing support activities for animal production; providing horseback riding lessons; practising forestry and logging; hunting and trapping; fishing or practising aquaculture; selling compost and topsoil; harvesting peat moss; raising pet animals (including kennels), racing pigeons, animals for pet stores (such as crickets, rats, mice and birds), and laboratory animals; or running a petting zoo business or an animal sanctuary.
5. What is the definition of a farm operator?
The Census of Agriculture “farm operator” concept refers to a person aged 15 or older who is responsible for the operational management decisions of a census farm. Farm operators can be owners, tenants or hired managers of the agricultural operation, including those responsible for management decisions pertinent to particular aspects of the operation—seeding, harvesting, raising animals, marketing and selling products, and making capital purchases and other financial decisions.
The farm operator is the main unit of analysis for Census of Agriculture socioeconomic data.
The farm operator concept excludes accountants, lawyers, veterinarians, crop advisors, herbicide consultants and others who make recommendations that affect the census farm but are not ultimately responsible for management decisions.
6. Are hobby farms included in the Census of Agriculture?
Yes. Farms with very low farm revenues—commonly called “hobby farms”—are included, as long as they produce agricultural products for which they report revenues or expenses to the Canada Revenue Agency.
7. Are cannabis operations included in the Census of Agriculture?
Cannabis operations will not be included in the 2026 Census of Agriculture. Data for cannabis operations were collected for the first time by the 2021 Census of Agriculture. However, due to the complexity of these operations, it is difficult to capture the agricultural activity of cannabis cultivation in its entirety and difficult to separate it from non-agricultural activities.
8. Why do small agricultural operations have to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire?
Since the Census of Agriculture counts the total farm area, inventories for all crops, livestock and other agricultural products in Canada, it is important for the 2026 Census of Agriculture to include all types and sizes of farms.
9. How do I complete the questionnaire if I do not know what products my operation will be producing this early in the year?
If you have not yet seeded, grown, raised or produced agricultural products as of May 12, 2026, but intend to do so this year, please complete this questionnaire with your best estimate, as long as you intend to produce agricultural products for which you will report revenues or expenses to the Canada Revenue Agency.
10. Why did I receive multiple questionnaires?
The Census of Agriculture counts all operations that produce agricultural products for which they report revenues or expenses to the Canada Revenue Agency. If an agricultural operation has multiple business numbers, each one of the business numbers associated with the sale of primary agricultural commodities will receive a separate questionnaire. To ensure accurate reporting, it is essential for respondents to complete each questionnaire using the unique and secure access code provided in each invitation letter.
The Census Help Line is available during collection at 1-855-859-6273 to answer any questions.
11. How is the response burden being reduced?
Statistics Canada is committed to reducing response burden. Farm operators can complete the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire online, at a time that suits them best. In addition, where possible, Statistics Canada will combine census data with information from other Statistics Canada surveys; federal, provincial or territorial ministries or municipal government departments; or agricultural associations to reduce the number of questions.
In 2026, the Census of Agriculture removed seven questions from the questionnaire to reduce respondent burden. Tax data from the Canada Revenue Agency are used to eliminate the need to ask respondents questions about business operating arrangements, operating revenues, operating expenses and paid labour. Administrative data will be used when possible, to replace greenhouse or maple tree taps information.
12. Why is Statistics Canada allowed to obtain administrative data without authorization from respondents?
Sections 13 and 24 of the Statistics Act allow Statistics Canada to access administrative files for statistical and research purposes. Statistics Canada uses existing sources for information such as immigration, income tax and benefits data to ensure the smallest response burden is placed on respondents. Using administrative data reduces the response burden on agricultural operations, saves time and money, and ensures that the Census of Agriculture remains accurate, relevant, and efficient.
All information collected by Statistics Canada is kept confidential and anonymized, and is used for statistical purposes only, in accordance with the Statistics Act.
13. How does the Census of Agriculture benefit farm operators?
When an agricultural operation completes and returns a Census of Agriculture questionnaire, it ensures that its reality is reflected in the census data available to all Canadians. Combined, these responses provide a detailed picture of Canada's agriculture sector at the national, provincial and subprovincial levels. This information is essential to farm operators, agricultural organizations, government policymakers and businesses for making informed decisions concerning the sector. The media also use the data to bring current issues to the forefront of public attention.
Although Statistics Canada conducts other agriculture surveys, only the Census of Agriculture provides data for small geographic areas. This information ensures that the issues affecting farm operators, agricultural operations and farming communities are included in the decisions that affect them and their livelihood.
- Operators can use census data to make production, marketing and investment decisions.
- Producer groups and marketing agencies use census data in their non-government organizations to tell Canadians and government how they are doing economically.
- Companies supplying agricultural products and services use the data to determine locations for their service centres.
- Government policy advisors use the data to help develop programs to support agricultural businesses and workers.
- Operators can keep abreast of trends through the analysis of Census of Agriculture data published by the agriculture media.
- Agriculture websites can target their information based on current trends and needs in the sector identified by census data.
- Governments and agricultural organizations use census data to evaluate the impact of natural disasters on agriculture (such as floods, drought and storms) and react appropriately.
14. What is Statistics Canada’s legal authority for conducting the Census of Agriculture?
Statistics Canada is mandated under the Statistics Act to conduct the Census of Agriculture. Specifically, the Act states that:
“A census of agriculture of Canada shall be taken by Statistics Canada
- in the year 1971 and in every tenth year thereafter; and
- in the year 1976 and in every tenth year thereafter, unless the Governor in Council otherwise directs in respect of any such year.”
1970-71-72, c. 15, s. 19.
15. Is it mandatory to complete and return the questionnaire?
Yes, participation in the 2026 Census of Agriculture is mandatory. Under the Statistics Act, all agricultural operators are required to complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire.
16. Can a person be identified by the information they provide?
Statistics Canada does not release any information that identifies an individual, household, business or agricultural operation without their consent, or as authorized by the Statistics Act.
17. What is the difference between the Census of Agriculture and other Statistics Canada surveys?
The Census of Agriculture collects information from every agricultural operation in Canada, while Statistics Canada surveys only collect from some agricultural operations. Under the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is required to conduct a Census of Agriculture every five years.
Collecting information from all agriculture operations means Statistics Canada can publish data for small geographic areas. The Census of Agriculture is therefore the sole source for community level data for the agriculture and agri-food sector. It is important that each agricultural operation complete a Census of Agriculture questionnaire, regardless of size or geographic location.
18. Why aren't there different questionnaires for different types of agricultural operations?
The Census of Agriculture uses the same questionnaire for all agricultural operations across Canada. All respondents are asked to answer the same basic questions. Using one questionnaire ensures consistency across Canada and keeps development costs down. The questionnaire is designed for respondents to answer questions only relevant to their type of operation. Every effort is made to keep the questionnaire as concise as possible to minimize respondent burden.
19. How much does the Census of Agriculture cost?
The budget for the 2026 Census of Agriculture was approved under the federal government’s Budget 2023. The approved budget was $59.5 million, spanning six-years, from 2024 to 2028. The Census of Agriculture is conducted jointly with the Census of Population to realize an estimated cost savings of $7.3 million.
20. Will data on farm operating revenues, operating expenses and paid labour be published by the 2026 Census of Agriculture?
Yes, the 2026 Census of Agriculture Program will continue to publish data on total operating revenues, total operating expenses and paid agricultural workers, as in previous censuses. Although these questions are no longer on the census questionnaire, Statistics Canada will still publish data for these same variables using existing taxation records from the Canada Revenue Agency. The use of administrative data reduces the response burden placed on farm operators while ensuring that the agency continues to meet the highest standards for data quality, accuracy and comparability. Statistics Canada is obligated by law to keep administrative data (such as tax data) private, secure, and confidential. For more information on Statistics Canada’s use of administrative data, visit the webpage on administrative data and the frequently asked questions on using new and existing data for official statistics.
21. Why are other agriculture surveys conducted at the same time as the census?
Governments and agriculture organizations and associations need timely information on the agriculture sector to make informed policy and program decisions, while farm operators need the information to make decisions concerning their operations and activities. To meet this need, Statistics Canada continues to conduct annual, quarterly and monthly sample surveys during the census. The Census of Agriculture collects information from every agricultural operation in Canada, and collection, follow-up, validation, tabulation and publication of data takes about a year following Census Day. Sample surveys ensure that users continue to have access to timely information during this period.
The census cannot replace smaller-scale surveys, which have a much more rapid turnaround time. Sample surveys are also relatively more economical, particularly in cases where the agency seeks to collect information specific to certain regions or population groups.
22. What other agriculture surveys are being conducted during the 2026 Census collection period?
Between mid-April and the end of July, Statistics Canada will conduct the following agriculture surveys:
- the Maple Products Survey (sample size of approximately 625 farms from Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia)
- the Biannual Potato Area and Yield Survey (sample size of approximately 250 farms from the Atlantic region, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia)
- the June Field Crop Survey (Field Crop Reporting Series) (sample size of approximately 24,900 farms in Canada)
- the July Livestock Survey (sample size of approximately 7,300 farms in Canada)
- the Monthly Grains and Specialty Crops Prices Survey (sample size of a little more than 50 farms in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta)
- Farm Financial Survey (sample size of approximately 10,000 farms in Canada).
23. How many agricultural operations were counted in the last Census of Agriculture?
The 2021 Census of Agriculture recorded 189,970 agricultural operations.
| Geography | 2021 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Number | ||
| Canada | 189,970 | 193,650 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 344 | 407 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,195 | 1,353 |
| Nova Scotia | 2,741 | 3,478 |
| New Brunswick | 1,851 | 2,255 |
| Quebec | 29,380 | 28,919 |
| Ontario | 48,346 | 49,600 |
| Manitoba | 14,543 | 14,791 |
| Saskatchewan | 34,128 | 34,523 |
| Alberta | 41,505 | 40,638 |
| British Columbia | 15,841 | 17,528 |
| Yukon | 88 | 142 |
| Northwest Territories | 8 | 16 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 0 |
|
Source:
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24. How are Census of Agriculture data used?
The Census of Agriculture provides a comprehensive picture of Canada’s agriculture sector at the national, provincial and subprovincial levels. The information gathered during the Census of Agriculture is essential for understanding changes over time in the industry, which plays an important role in supporting the sector’s economic growth, recovery, and sustainability, especially as it relates to international trade, competitiveness, and advancing agricultural science innovation, such as research on climate change.
Census of Agriculture data are used by:
- farm operators, to formulate production, marketing and investment decisions
- agricultural producer groups, to inform their members about sector trends and developments, to put the viewpoint of operators before legislators and the Canadian public, and to defend their interests in international trade negotiations
- governments, to make policy decisions concerning agricultural credit, crop insurance, farm support, transportation, market services and international trade
- Statistics Canada, to provide Canadians with annual estimates between censuses for the agriculture sector
- businesses, to market products and services and to make production and investment decisions
- academics, to conduct research on the agriculture sector
- the media, to portray the agriculture sector to the broader Canadian public.
25. What is different about the 2026 Census of Agriculture compared with 2021?
To reduce the response burden, the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire has been shortened compared with the previous census. The questions on paid labour, operating revenues and operating expenses have been removed from the questionnaire, as administrative data will be used to produce this information instead. In addition, some electronic questionnaire respondents will not be required to provide information on their greenhouse areas and maple tree taps because this information is available to Statistics Canada from other Statistics Canada surveys, or to other federal, provincial or municipal government departments or farm associations.
Additionally, following user consultations and rigorous testing, some questions have been modified to better reflect recent changes in the agriculture industry. Others have been slightly reworded to make them more understandable and easier for respondents to answer. For example:
- The categories nectarines and hazelnuts have been added to the list of products included in the fruits, berries and nuts question.
- In the land practices and features question, respondents must now report the area dedicated to land practices, such as in-field winter grazing or feeding, rotational grazing, turning in green crops, and planting fall or winter cover crops.
- A greenhouse lettuces subcategory has been added to the greenhouse fruits and vegetables category in the greenhouses question.
- The response categories for the different types of bioenergy produced by agricultural operations have been modified in the renewable energy question.
- A new category, electronic feed monitoring system, has been added to the technologies question.
A detailed explanation of other changes, deletions or additions to the 2026 questionnaire is available by step and in the order that they appear on the 2026 questionnaire. Please consult Census of Agriculture: Changes to the questionnaire, 2026.
26. Does the Census of Agriculture ask any questions that could be used to assess farming’s impact on the environment?
Many of the questions on the census questionnaire provide a picture of agricultural activities in Canada and how they shape the environment.
The Census of Agriculture asks questions about
- farming practices that conserve soil fertility and prevent erosion
- pesticide and fertilizer use
- the land features used to prevent wind or water damage.
The Census of Agriculture questionnaire also collects data on
- manure use
- irrigation
- renewable energy production.
Data from these questions present a picture of the relationship between agriculture and the environment and, by evaluating and comparing the data over time, analysts can assess how agricultural operators are adapting their methods and fulfilling their role as stewards of the land.
27. How is my information protected when my Census of Agriculture questionnaire is completed online?
Statistics Canada takes great precautions to protect your information and employs technologies and practices to ensure that strict security and confidentiality requirements are met.
Access to an online questionnaire is restricted by a unique 16-digit secure access code.
Encryption technologies ensure that the transmission of information passing between respondents’ computers and the agency’s web server meets the required standards of security.
Census of Agriculture data are processed and stored on a high-security network. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems and access control procedures limit access to computer systems and databases.
For more information, please refer to Statistics Canada’s Trust Centre.
28. What steps are taken to ensure that all agricultural operations are counted?
In May 2026, Canada Post will deliver an invitation letter to participate in the census at locations where a farm operator is believed to reside or work. Statistics Canada establishes a list of these locations (and their addresses) through information collected as part of its Business Register, previous censuses, and other agriculture surveys, or through information from other sources.
Farm operators who have not received an invitation letter, have misplaced it or need help in completing the questionnaire are to contact the Census Help Line at 1-855-859-6273.
Farm operators that have not completed their questionnaire will be contacted by Statistics Canada as a reminder and to provide help if required.
29. When will the 2026 Census of Agriculture data be available to the public, and how can I keep track of releases?
The first release of Census of Agriculture data is planned for publication in Statistics Canada's official release bulletin, The Daily, on May 12, 2027, and will provide estimates on all farms and farm operators in Canada.
For a complete list of our products, visit the Census of Agriculture portal. Users with general enquiries may also contact Statistics Canada’s at 1-800-263-1136 (toll free).
30. Why does it take a year to release results from the Census of Agriculture?
The Census of Agriculture is a nation-wide endeavour that involves collecting information from every agricultural operation in Canada. The collection, follow-up, quality checks, processing, validation, tabulation and publication of data from such an extensive process take about one year to complete.
Statistics Canada undertakes these steps to ensure that the data are accurate across all variables, geographies, and farm types. This process is critical as it ensures that local issues affecting farm operators, agricultural operations and farming communities are reflected in the data, and that they can be used effectively to support decision-making by farmers, the agriculture and agri-food industry, and governments at all levels.
31. For which geographic areas are Census of Agriculture data available?
Census of Agriculture data are available on Statistics Canada’s website for Canada, the provinces and territories, and for small geographic areas defined by the following: census agricultural region (group of census divisions), census division (group of census consolidated subdivisions), and census consolidated subdivision (group of one or more municipalities or municipal equivalents). User-defined areas are also available to users upon request. For more information, please call 1-800-263-1136 (toll free) or send an email to infostats@statcan.gc.ca.