The article considers the importance of the all-Russian agricultural censuses of 2006 and 2016 for the improvement of the agrarian policy of the country. The role of the all-Russian agricultural census of 2006 in justification of adoption of the State program of development of agriculture of 2008-2012 is noted. Based on the analysis of the main results of the all-Russian agricultural census of 2016 in comparison with the data of the all-Russian agricultural census of 2006, it is concluded that it is advisable to maintain the current format of agricultural policy while improving it in the following main areas: (1) priority support for peasant (farmer) farms and other forms of small and medium-sized businesses; (2) stimulation of innovative development of agriculture; (3) diversification of rural economy and support of regions with unfavorable socio-demographic development.