Coupled with information from other sectors of the sugar industry, this survey will assist in the development of strategies and research and development programs to improve the long term viability of the sugar industry.

"ABARE has been asked to collect information about risks and challenges facing sugar cane growers, so that the industry can develop strategies to address these issues," explained ABARE" s Executive Director, Phillip Glyde.

"Obviously cost of production is a key factor dictating profitability, so the survey includes questions on costs and returns," Mr Glyde added.

ABARE interviews are conducted in person by identified ABARE field collectors. All information provided remains confidential. The information collected will only be published or released as farm averages.

ABARE's sugar cane growing industry benchmarking survey is conducted on behalf of the Sugar Industry Oversight Group (IOG) in collaboration with CANEGROWERS and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

CANEGROWERS provided valuable input into the final form of the ABARE survey. The survey will update the 1996 ABARE sugar cane industry survey commissioned by the Sugar Research and Development Corporation.

Mr Bruce Vaughan, Chairman of the IOG says the ABARE survey puts into action the recommendation in the IOG"s strategic vision to undertake comprehensive surveys of industry business practices and costs to allow for domestic industry benchmarking.

"I strongly encourage growers to participate because this survey while respecting confidentiality, will give the industry and Regional Advisory Groups the information needed to develop plans for the future," he said.

The survey is scheduled to begin on 12 March 2007 and is expected to be completed by the end of March. Survey results are expected to be released at the end of June.