Overview
The 2007 Agricultural Production Census collected important statistics about primary production in New Zealand. It covered land use, animal farming (livestock), horticulture, and arable crop growing and forestry in New Zealand, and provides a snapshot of primary production. The Agricultural Production Census was conducted by Statistics New Zealand, and was a joint collection with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Additional tables from the 2007 Census are available. The additional tables follow the first final release of statistics from the 2007 Agricultural Production Census in May 2008.
Background
The 2007 Agricultural Production Census was the second census in the current agricultural statistics programme – the first was held in 2002 when the programme began. The 2007 Census involved approximately 80,000 farmers and foresters. This census updated data that is used for monitoring, planning and forecasting by central and local government, business, researchers, agricultural sector organisations, and the farming and rural communities.
Importance of the census
The agriculture sector is very important to New Zealand’s economy. Agriculture, horticulture and forestry products account for more than half of New Zealand’s export income. The aim of the Agricultural Production Census was to produce up-to-date statistics relating to agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Statistics from the 2007 Census give valuable information to individuals, businesses, and government. The statistics provide a current snapshot of the primary industry.
Use of Agricultural Production Census statistics
Agricultural statistics are widely available and are used by the farming and industrial sectors, government, researchers and other community groups. The private sector uses statistics in the planning of processing requirements, transportation and other agricultural infrastructure issues. Government uses statistics in the national accounts, trade negotiations and in the investigation of current agricultural concerns.
Conduct of the census
Questionnaires were posted to farmers and foresters in early July 2007. They were asked to complete and return them in the envelope provided within 14 days of receipt. The questionnaire is carefully focused to make sure it takes an average of 30 minutes to fill in. The questions cover land use, stock numbers, production yields, and farm management practices such as irrigation and fertiliser use. A survey guide was sent with the questionnaire to help farmers complete the census.
Confidentiality
Under the Statistics Act 1975, the information farmers provide is combined together to produce summary statistics. Only people authorised by the Statistics Act 1975 can see the individual information, and it may only be used for statistical purposes.
More information
The questionnaire
FAQs for survey participants