Survey Overview

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is calling for growers to share their experience about pest and disease issues, as part of a major national survey to help inform future research, development and extension (RD&E).

This year, for the first time, GRDC will conduct a large-scale, national survey on the invertebrate pests and diseases impacting Australian growers of cereal, oilseed and pulse crops.

The comprehensive survey, which will be undertaken in February (2022), will build on studies we have historically undertaken every decade, to engage directly with industry to improve our understanding of the costs and impacts of pests and diseases to the grains sector.

Understanding which pests and diseases are causing the most significant economic impact allows GRDC to develop strategic and tailored RD&E investments that meets growers needs and priorities.

Some of the most recent survey figures show pests and disease costs at:

• $913 million per annum in losses from diseases in wheat alone (2009)
• $360 million per annum in losses from invertebrate pest in six major crops (2013)*.

*Aggregated annual loss due to invertebrate pests in the six major crops: wheat, barley, oats, canola, lupins and grain sorghum.

Using a more comprehensive national survey approach this year will ensure we get detailed and accurate information to help inform future GRDC investment decisions.

Previous available reports include:

• The current and potential costs from diseases of wheat in Australia
• The current and potential costs from diseases of barley in Australia
• The current and potential costs from diseases of pulse crops in Australia
• The current and potential costs from diseases of oilseed crops in Australia
• The current and potential costs of invertebrate pests in grain crops
• Impact of weeds on Australian grain production.

Survey FAQs

Why is GRDC conducting this survey?

Every decade, GRDC engages with industry to better understand the costs of pests and diseases to the grains sector.

GRDC’s priority is to invest in research, development and extension (RD&E) that creates enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.

Detailed and accurate information on these economic impacts helps to inform and prioritise future GRDC investment decisions.

Why are grower views important?

This year, we are asking growers to help GRDC improve understanding of the pests and diseases they are dealing with on-farm. Grower knowledge and experience of pest and disease impact and cost and prevalence helps to ensure future research targets growers’ most significant problems.

This survey is industry’s opportunity to help inform and guide research to improve management and control options and reduce the impact of pests and diseases.

Is the survey confidential? How will results be shared?

The data provided will not be identifiable on an individual basis. It will be analysed and reported along with other growers in your region.

The results will be presented in a report on the economic costs of invertebrate pests and a report on diseases. These reports will be similar to those produced previously. When they are completed all survey participants will be sent a copy of both reports.

What data is being collected? And how will it be used?

GRDC would like to collect data from growers on:

• the pests or diseases impacting cropping operations
• how frequently these pests or diseases been an issue over the past five years
• the severity of pest and disease outbreaks
• management and control options in use
• the impact on crop yields

This survey data will be used to estimate economic impact and determine regional pest and disease RD&E priorities.

Do I need to complete every survey question?

While the surveys are national, GRDC recognises that not all crops or all pests and diseases will apply to all growers.

The surveys are structured so you can nominate the crops (or groups of crops e.g. winter cereals, summer pulses etc) you have grown during the past five years. You will only be asked questions related to the crops you selected,  and the pest and disease pressure you’ve experienced in the past five years.

How is the survey being administered?

This is the most comprehensive survey GRDC has conducted on pests and diseases and will run from 8 February 2022 until 22 March 2022. If you are randomly selected to participate, you will receive a personalised link that will enable you to:

• Complete either a pest or a disease survey online that focuses on crop impact
• Complete the survey via your mobile phone or computer
• Complete the survey in one sitting or save and complete as convenient
• Take six weeks to complete the survey
• Contact us for support via email.

Who is eligible to participate in the survey?

As this is a national survey across all major crops we have randomly selected a representative sample of grain growers across the country to receive either the pest or disease survey via email.

Want more information or need help?

If you would like more information about this survey or have any questions please contact: surveys@grdc.com.au

If you need help with completing the survey or are having technical difficulties please visit: https://www.qualtrics.com/support/survey-platform/information-survey-takers/