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	EXPERIMENTAL ESTIMATES OF THE GROSS VALUE OF IRRIGATED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

On 15 May 2009, ABS released Experimental Estimates of Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production (cat. no. 4610.0.55.008). Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production (GVIAP) refers to the gross value of agricultural commodities that are produced with the assistance of irrigation.

Findings from the report show that in 2006-07, irrigated agricultural land comprised less than 0.5% of all agricultural land in Australia. The gross value of production from irrigation was $12,319 million, which represented 34% of the total gross value of agricultural production. In 2000-01, GVIAP was $9,669 million and represented 28% of the total gross value of agricultural production.

In 2006-07, fruit and nuts contributed the highest value to total irrigated production of $2,913 million, followed by vegetables ($2,526 million) and dairy production ($1,697 million). These three commodity groups accounted for 58% of total GVIAP in 2006-07.

During 2000-01, these same commodities contributed significantly to total GVIAP, however in a different order – vegetables accounted for $1,626 million or 17%, dairy production accounted for $1,554 million or 16%, while fruit and nuts accounted for $1,455 million or 15%.

The ABS plans to release GVIAP estimates on an annual basis from 2007-08. For more information about Experimental Estimates of Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production publication, please contact Steven May on (02) 6252 5593.