2026 Census of Agriculture: A guide for Ontario farmers

Q: WHAT SHOULD ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERS KNOW ABOUT THE 2026 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE?

A: The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years in conjunction with the Census of Population. The census is a five-year snapshot of Canadian agriculture that covers how farms operate, what they produce, and how the industry is changing. This year, the 2026 census will be conducted from May 4 to July 31, 2026, and is expected to collect information from 200,000 Canadian farmers. Under the Statistics Act, all agricultural operations are required to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire.

Ontario farmers can expect to receive an invitation to participate in the mail. This will include a secure code that can be used to fill out the census online through the secure portal. Paper copies of the census can also be requested.

Q: WHAT’S NEW OR DIFFERENT IN THE 2026 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE?

A: The 2026 census will be easier to complete and ask fewer questions. These changes are based on feedback from the 2021 census, and Statistics Canada has streamlined the process to improve the experience for Canadian farmers. This year’s questionnaire consists of 66 questions, plus an additional question that welcomes further comments. Not all questions will apply to every farm operation.

A detailed overview of the changes is provided in the Census of Agriculture:

Changes to the questionnaire, 2026 (you can find this at www.statcan.gc.ca).

Q: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT FARMERS TAKE PART IN THE CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE?

A: When farmers participate in the Census of Agriculture, they help create the most accurate picture of Canadian agriculture. That information is used to guide farm business strategies, shape government policies, and support programs and services that impact farmers and rural communities.

Q: WHAT SHOULD FARMERS KEEP IN MIND WHEN FILLING OUT THE CENSUS?

A: Canadian farmers should be aware that the census questionnaire will be available online from May 4 to July 31, 2026. Farmers will be mailed a letter before May 4, 2026, that includes a secure access code unique to them, allowing them to complete the online census questionnaire.

While we understand that this occurs during some of the busiest months on the farm, the Census of Agriculture is scheduled to align with the Census of Population, and coordinating the two allows Statistics Canada to streamline information collection and processing, saving taxpayers millions.

In an effort to streamline the process, we have provided the questions in advance for those who would like to prepare. The 2026 Census of Agriculture questions are available at www.statcan.gc.ca/en/ statistical-programs/instrument/3438_

Q1_V8. I recommend farmers review the questions ahead of logging in to complete the census so they can come prepared with the necessary information. Farmers can expect the process of answering the census questionnaire to take up to 35 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of each farm operation.

Farmers can be confident that their census information is protected. Under the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is legally prohibited from sharing any information that could identify a person, farm, or business. Census data is used for statistical purposes only.

Q: HOW IS CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE INFORMATION USED?

A: The results of the 2026 Census of Agriculture will be published in May 2027, with additional demographic and community insights scheduled to be released in May 2028.

The information collected is used to provide a complete picture of farming in Canada. Governments, farm organizations, researchers, and industry groups will use the data to make decisions about farm programs, policies, and services, as well as to understand trends in production, finances, and rural communities. By participating, Ontario grain farmers help ensure these decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date information. •