Two new primers highlight the importance of census data, and the 2030 Census, to Florida�s fortunes.
According to Florida TaxWatch, their state was �one of only six states with a definite undercount in the 2020 decennial census, missing 3.48 percent of its population, and it is not the first time the state experienced an undercount.” A key driver? Low participation rates in Census Bureau surveys: “In 2020, only 67 percent of Floridians responded to their census survey without requiring additional prompting from the Census Bureau.”
That undercount, the group says in a new primer for legislators, “will cost Florida at least $11 billion of federal funds by the end of the decade. Under unusual circumstances, such as natural disasters or pandemics, Florida could lose up to $21 billion in federal funds.� Further, while the state gained a seat in Congressional reapportionment, �with a complete Census count, Florida [could] have gained a second.”
Narrowing down to agricultural issues in another primer, �Florida TaxWatch Census Primer: Agriculture,� Florida TaxWatch noted that, �Florida�s agricultural industry is impacted by a loss of federal funding and data limitations as a result of a census undercount. One-third of Florida farms are in rural counties, areas especially susceptible to undercounts.�
The group noted that agriculture businesses may use American Community Survey (ACS) data directly, or indirectly via insights companies that use ACS data, “to understand where to find the right workforce and customers for its operations.”
Census data is also used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture�s (USDA) Agriculture Census �as a weighted variable.� The once-every-five-years survey illustrates �the characteristics of farms state- and nationwide, including data points such as the number of farms by size and type and the values of crops and livestock.� Census data is also used by the USDA �to plan rural development programs and food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the National School Lunch Program.�
Florida TaxWatch recommended that, if stakeholders want to “support the continued success of Florida�s agriculture industry, and to increase its potential to grow,� they should �consider the following as the 2030 Census approaches”: 1. “Stay up to date on census-related issues”; 2. “Encourage your employees to complete their census surveys”; 3. “Lend your voice”; and 4. “Invest in your community.”
In its legislative primer, Florida TaxWatch recommended that state legislators: �Allocate funding for Complete Count Committees (CCCs)�; �In 2027, support county and state participation in the Local Update of Census Addresses�; and �Encourage your constituents to complete their census survey and spread awareness.�
As outlined in news coverage, the group further urged �stakeholders, including agricultural businesses and community leaders, to stay informed on census issues, promote census survey completion, and invest in community efforts to support a more accurate count.”
