Dr Steve Hatfield-Dodds
(Photo: Linked In)
February 23, 2018
The Federal Government is working to modernise the agricultural statistics system to improve the accuracy and quality of data.
ABARES Executive Director Dr Steve Hatfield-Dodds said a “roadmap” to improve the statistics system had been developed.
“It will better support the agriculture sector by improving access to current, accurate and concise information so farmers, industry and government can best prepare for any future challenges,” Dr Hatfield-Dodds said.
“Industry, government and other stakeholders have been using the current system for more than a century.
“We need a system which uses modern data collection methods that continues to support the best possible on-farm, industry and policy decisions.
“This continues the work we have undertaken to improve access to agricultural data, including the land use mapping information we updated last year to show how Australia’s landscape is being used.
“This comprehensive land mapping data covers over 585 million hectares, or 76 per cent of Australia, and is the best available.
“Electronic data systems like the agricultural statistics system and land mapping information are critical tools for assisting producers prepare and plan for the future.”
