The Census of Agriculture begins in early May 2026. Farm operators will receive a letter with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. To access the questionnaire, farm operators can visit the Statistics Canada's website.

Since 1921, the Census of Agriculture has provided a detailed portrait of the agricultural industry across Canada. Census data are key to strengthening the economic growth, international competitiveness, and sustainability of the agricultural sector and to ensuring that farm operators have the support they need to continue producing fresh, healthy food for Canadians. Census data are Canada's sole source of community-level data on agriculture.

Key decision-makers – including farm businesses – use this information to act in the interest of farm operators, farming communities and agricultural associations across Canada. Farm organizations are also heavy users of census data, drawing on this information to formulate policy recommendations, develop communications and outreach work, and conduct market research. Government policy advisors use Census of Agriculture data to develop strong farm support programs, evaluate the impacts of external events on the agricultural sector, and provide rapid, effective assistance in times of natural disasters—such as floods, droughts, storms and wildfires.

Farm operators can support their community by filling out the Census of Agriculture questionnaire in May 2026. The questionnaire can be completed by anyone who is responsible for, or knowledgeable about, the day-to-day management decisions of the farm's operations.

Source: Statistics Canada 2026 news release