Farmers across Australia are being urged to participate in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Agricultural Census to provide an accurate and timely picture of the nation’s agricultural activity.
Head of Agriculture Statistics at the ABS, Amanda Clark said that, this month, the Bureau would be asking farmers about their agricultural production, land and water use in 2020-21.
Ms Clark said farmers’ participation was critical to ensure the statistics accurately reflected the reality of what was happening in the agricultural sector.
“Farmers have been through so much in the past year – drought, flood, pests and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,” Ms Clark said.
“The Agricultural Census will provide information that can help Government and industry understand and support the agriculture industry through challenging periods and into the future,” she said.
“The ABS acknowledges and appreciates the time it takes to participate in the Agricultural Census.”
Ms Clark said the ABS had listened to feedback and made changes to the survey.
“It’s simpler to complete and farmers can choose whether to respond online or with a paper form,” she said.
Ms Clark said Agricultural Census forms were being sent out, with farmers encouraged to complete and return the survey by 5 August.
