VEGETABLE GROWING SURVEY TO STUDY INDUSTRY’S FUTURE
April 19, 2013
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) vegetable growing survey could provide keys to unlocking the potential of the industry in the future according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said ABARES has commenced its annual survey on the $3 billion nationwide industry and was seeking input from local growers.
He said the survey is co-funded by the Federal Government and Horticulture Australia Limited using the vegetable levy.
“The horticulture industry is a key employer and contributor to the economy in Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“There are a number of vegetable growing operations within the region which support employment and they provide flow-on benefits for other local small businesses within the food retail, manufacturing and transport industries.
“The ABARES survey is about gathering information directly from growers to study the performance of the industry and gain a better understanding of its progress over time.
“I understand local growers are very busy but I hope they can take some time to participate for the benefit of the industry in the future.”
As part of the survey, ABARES field collectors will conduct face-to-face interviews with growers and all information provided will remain confidential and survey findings will not identify individuals or their businesses.
The survey began on April 8, 2013, and is expected to be completed by mid-June. The results will be released in September 2013.
Results from the past five surveys of vegetable growing farms are available on the ABARES website www.daff.gov.au/abares