Big ag census coming to an end

This large-scale census is done every four years with the purpose of providing vital insights and the most up-to-date data about agriculture's contribution to New Zealand. It is compulsory for all large scale farming, foresty and horticultural businesses and is not a random survey.

The manager of the survey, Ana Krpo, says Stats NZ has a system that identifies all agricultural businesses in the above categories that meet the requirement for registering for GST, which is $60,000 turnover. Excluded from the survey are the likes of lifestyle farmers, beekeepers, worm farmers and others in minor agri-related operations.

Krpo says the agricultural statistics from the census benefit NZ by supporting evidence-based discussions and decision-making. She told Rural News this data is used by industry organisations, government, researchers, and the wider farming and growing community for industry forecasting, policy advice, planning and investment decisions, trade negotiations and national and international reporting.

All those required to participate in the census were posted out information packs in June. At that stage, they were given the option of doing the survey online or requesting a paper form.

The official deadline for completing the survey is July 19, although Stats NZ says it will accept some latecomers.

As the data is received by Stats NZ, it is collated and validated. The hope is that a provisional result focusing on major national issues will be released in December.

The final census results should be out in May 2023.