Councils urged to encourage farmers to participate in Agricultural Census

NSW councils are urged to encourage farmers to participate in the Agricultural Census to provide an accurate and timely picture of the nation’s agricultural activity.

From July, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will be asking farmers about their agricultural production, land and water use in 2020-21.

Amanda Clark, Head of ABS Agriculture Statistics, said farmers’ participation was critical to ensure 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.

“The ABS values the time it takes to participate in the Agricultural Census.

“We’ve 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.”

Agricultural Census forms will be sent to farmers, who should complete and return the survey by 5 August 2021.

Further information

BACK TO NEWS