A new initiative by Hort Innovation is examining the potential for a more coordinated approach to collecting grower feedback across the vegetable industry in Australia. The project seeks to address survey fatigue by consolidating surveys from levy-funded research, development, and extension (RD&E) projects into a single, annual survey. This streamlined approach is expected to improve data quality, reduce the time burden on growers, and support more effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of industry projects.
© Hort Innovation
If found feasible, the unified survey would provide a consistent and centralised method for gathering M&E data from growers. This could assist in more accurately tracking the impact of levy-funded projects, aligning them more closely with strategic objectives, and informing decisions about future investments.
Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield explained the rationale behind the project, noting that time constraints among growers have made participation in multiple feedback channels increasingly difficult. The aim is to simplify the process while still capturing the necessary data to assess project outcomes and guide future planning.
The research is being led by Focus Insights, which is expected to complete a feasibility assessment by late 2025. If the consolidated survey model is deemed viable, implementation will follow.
Neil Moody, General Manager at Focus Insights, emphasised the importance of high-quality data in decision-making and project evaluation. According to Moody, a centralised survey could enhance the reach and consistency of data collection, contributing to more comprehensive evaluations of RD&E efforts.
Michael Coote, CEO of AUSVEG, highlighted the importance of grower feedback in shaping relevant and effective research. He noted that a unified survey approach could help reduce redundancy while maintaining the flow of information required for outcome-driven research and development in the vegetable sector.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Shannon O'Mara
Hort Innovation
Tel: +61 427 142 537
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au
