Deakin University is currently working to help the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) understand the respondent burden on farmers completing ABS Agricultural Census questionnaires and survey forms, and to look toward alternative sources of agricultural data.

Deakin is very keen to speak with horticulture industry participants across Australia for their insights and feedback. There are group feedback sessions where growers can join a conference call with others at set times, or individual over-the-phone feedback sessions that can be arranged with a large degree of flexibility.

The set focus groups have already begun. The next sessions are on Wednesday November 14 2019 at 11:00am or 4:00pm. Group sessions are also being organised for November 27 and 28.

One-on-one phone sessions can be organised for virtually any time between now and early December.

For more information, contact Jennifer Jones at Deakin University on 03 9246 8383 (dial the extension 95216 when prompted) or at jennifer.jones@deakin.edu.au, or contact Rose Elphick-Darling 03 9246 8810 or at rose.elphickdarling@deakin.edu.au.

Results from the discussions will influence the development of the 2021 Agricultural Census program.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 13 November 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!