Agriculture Victoria is working with the Victorian Farmers Federation to gather information from farmers through an on-line survey to better understand on-farm energy use and the costs to agricultural businesses.

The government said the responses would help inform future programs designed to support Victorian producers. 

Some of the questions include: 

• What actions are farmers taking to reduce their energy use or costs? 

• Are farmers producing energy on-farm? 

• How do farmers access information about saving money on energy and fuel bills, energy efficiency and alternative energy sources? 

Agriculture Victoria agriculture and food industries policy director Megan Higson said details from as many farms as possible were needed to better understand their energy mix, use and costs. 

“Energy is a key input cost on-farm and we’re keen to see what can be done to help producers.” 

“All farms and farmers are different, help us understand your experience by completing this survey,” Ms Higson said. 

The survey can be completed anonymously.

All details will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the purpose of this survey. 

The survey is open to all Victorian farmers until November 6, 2017. 

Farmers can access the survey at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/energysurvey

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell last month said analysis by dairy research and development corporation Dairy Australia showed dairy producers were facing an average energy bill increase of $3760 over the next 12 months.