Australia’s agricultural producers are being urged to take part in the 2006 Agricultural Census to be conducted on 30 June.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is currently mailing census forms to about 190,000 agricultural producers nationally.
Launching the census in Canberra today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Chris Pearce, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley, said the five-yearly event provides essential information.
“Information from this census gives our planners and policymakers an understanding of the progress and future prospects of all agricultural industries and their products, and of our farm practices,” Mr Pearce said.
“The Agricultural Census is a once-in-five-year opportunity for agricultural producers to contribute to information about their sector,” Mr Pearce said.
Ms Ley said that agricultural census data is very important to both industry and government.
“For example, it is used by farmers’ organisations to make representations to government regarding the significance of their industry, and by industry groups when negotiating future contracts with international buyers of Australian produce,” Ms Ley said.
“Thanks to the last agricultural census, we had a clear map of the rural economy in Queensland and the Northern Territory affected by tropical cyclones Larry and Monica, and could support the community with their recovery.”
Agricultural producers are asked to return their census forms to the ABS by 14 July.
Media contacts:
ABS Allan Nicholls, Director Agriculture Statistics on 02 6252 5339
Gillian Harvey (Chris Pearce’s office) on 03 9887 3890 or 0411 567 060
Verity Williams (Sussan Ley’s office) on 02 6277 4503 or 0428 213 264