14 April 2008 |
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| Beekeeper survey starts to help set industry directions |
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| Australia wide surveys of Australian beekeepers begin today as part of a project to provide more information about the state of the industry and set future directions in industry strategy, and research and development. ABARE is undertaking the survey on behalf of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation"s (RIRDC) Honeybee program. The survey will explore the characteristics of honeybee businesses, production efficiency and profitability, and demographic and socioeconomic circumstances of people in the industry. RIRDC Managing Director, Peter O'Brien and ABARE Executive Director, Phillip Glyde highlighted the importance of the survey for the honeybee industry. "This survey will assist in the development of strategies and research and development programs to improve the long term productivity of the honeybee industry," Dr O'Brien said. As well as producing quality honey and honey-related goods for Australian and world markets, the industry plays an important role in agricultural production, with around 65 per cent of Australian crops dependent to some extent on honeybees for pollination. "It is essential that apiarists are well informed and able to develop strategies to address current and future challenges," Dr O'Brien concluded. Mr Glyde said survey results will assist with industry benchmarking to target industry efforts to improve performance. "It is important that we get accurate information from beekeepers about their industry so we can work cooperatively to improve its future. I strongly encourage apiarists to cooperate." Interviews will be conducted by phone by identified ABARE data collectors. All information provided remains confidential. Information collected will only be published or released at a regional data level and will not identify individuals or their businesses. The survey is scheduled to begin on 14 April with survey results expected to be released in July. |
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| For media interviews and information on the honeybee survey please contact: ABARE – Milly Lubulwa, Survey Analysis Section, on 02 6272 2069, mobile 0408 162 395 or email milly.lubulwa@abare.gov.au. RIRDC - Danny O'Brien, Communications Manager, on 02 6271 4175 or mobile 0438 130 445. For general media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260 or email mfinnegan@abare.gov.au. |
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