Farm operators across Canada will soon be asked to take part in an important national survey aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.

In May 2026, producers will receive a letter inviting them to complete the 2026 Census of Agriculture, conducted by Statistics Canada. The invitation will include a Secure Access Code allowing respondents to complete the questionnaire online.

Participation in the census is required under the Statistics Act, and all information provided is kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes.

Supporting Canada’s agricultural future

The Census of Agriculture has been conducted since 1921 and provides a detailed snapshot of farming across the country. The information collected helps guide policies, programs and research that support farmers and rural communities.

Data gathered through the census helps decision-makers:

• Develop farm support programs and policies
• Strengthen economic growth and international competitiveness
• Respond quickly to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, storms and wildfires
• Support research, planning and advocacy within the agriculture sector

Farm organizations also rely heavily on census data when developing policy recommendations, conducting market research and communicating with their members.

What’s new for 2026

For the upcoming census, improvements have been made to make the questionnaire shorter, faster and easier to complete. In many cases, questions have been reduced by using high-quality alternative data sources, helping lower the response burden for producers.

Farm operators will only be asked questions that are relevant to their specific farming activities.

The questionnaire will still collect important information on topics such as:

• Land use
• Crops and livestock
• Agricultural labour
• Machinery and equipment
• Land management practices
• Farm finances

Input from the agricultural community

In 2022, Statistics Canada conducted a national consultation to ensure the census meets the needs of the agricultural sector. The agency received 847 comments and suggestions from farming organizations, businesses, government departments and academics.

The feedback helped shape the improvements being introduced for the 2026 census.

How to complete the census

Beginning in early May, farm operators will receive a letter with instructions on how to access the questionnaire online.

Producers will be able to:

• Visit the census website
• Enter the Secure Access Code included in their letter
• Complete the questionnaire online

Anyone responsible for or knowledgeable about the day-to-day management of a farm can complete the questionnaire.

By participating, farmers help provide vital information that supports agricultural communities and ensures the continued growth and sustainability of the sector.

More information about the Census of Agriculture is available at the census website at www.census.ca.