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2010-11 AGRICULTURAL CENSUS CONTENT- USER FUNDED SUBMISSION REQUESTS

Based on the responses to Agricultural Census: ABS Views on Content and Procedures, 2010-11, the ABS will be proceeding with the collection of the essential items list as outlined in the paper. The ABS will also be testing the collection of information relating to land certification (organics but possibly other) and non- farm income. If these questions test successfully they too will be included as part of the ABS funded component.

Other outcomes from the consultation process include the possible addition of one or two commodities, amendments to question wording and improvements in form design.

In relation to output, the ABS is working to expand the range and flexibility of data access for the 2010-11 Agricultural Census to enable the release of the fullest possible on-line data set. Further information will be available as this output strategy develops.

Important notification

It is anticipated that there will be some capacity for the inclusion of 'user- funded' questions on the 2010-11 Agricultural Census questionnaire.

If you would like to discuss the types of questions appropriate for collection on an ABS Agricultural Census questionnaire please contact Katie Hutt, ABS Environment and Agriculture Business Statistics Centre on 03 6222 5866. It is estimated that broad costing for the inclusion of questions (depending on the complexity) will be in the range of $250,000 to $300,000 per page.

Users of agricultural statistics interested in pursuing this option should contact Katie Hutt at katie.hutt@abs.gov.au by the 31st March 2010. During April 2010, the ABS will prepare a quote and seek in-principle agreement from funders to proceed with question development and testing. Following this process, the form content will be finalised in October 2010, with confirmation of user funded questions by November 2010.