2001 Agricultural Census: time to send back responses, Jul 2001

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MEDIA RELEASE

July 16, 2001
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
97/2001


2001 Agricultural Census: time to send back responses


Australia's farmers should complete and return their Agricultural Census forms as soon as possible if they have not already done so, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has urged.

"This census, farmers have been exceptionally prompt in returning forms, and ABS has already received 60,000 completed forms," said Agricultural Census Project Manager Jim Williamson.

"We ask farmers who have yet to return their forms to do so now, so that processing of these can be completed. Preliminary estimates from the Agricultural Census, the first in four years, are due to be released soon, and we need all the responses to make this vital snapshot of the nation's rural industry as accurate as possible.

"Any farmers having difficulty with the forms or questions about the Agricultural Census are asked to call the free telephone inquiry number, 1800 647 011," Mr Williamson said.

The Agricultural Census is quite separate from the Census of Population and Housing which will be conducted throughout Australia on 7 August.

Commonwealth and State Governments make extensive use of agricultural statistics in planning rural and regional infrastructure and policy, providing advisory services and developing overseas markets for agricultural commodities.

Farmer organisations and other producer associations use the data to support submissions to government on the industry and to assist them in developing and maintaining markets. Other businesses which service the agricultural industry also use ABS data to better meet the needs of their clients in the farming community.


Agricultural Census media centre: www.aapmedianet.com.au/agcensus.html
(The site provides background with photographs and sound files)

Key contact numbers (Media Only) for the Agricultural Census are:
Steve Dangaard, Director, Media and Public Affairs Unit, ABS
Tel: 02 6252 7197 MOB: 0418 481 757
Jim Williamson, Project Manager (Spokesperson for the Agricultural Census)
Tel: 02 6252 5830 MOB/AH: 0429 460 087

Farmers have access to a free call telephone number: 1800 647 011