Twelve years after the last general agricultural census in 2012, agriculture in New Caledonia has undergone significant change. To obtain an accurate and up-to-date picture of the sector, the government of New Caledonia is launching a new agricultural survey at the end of 2025.
The survey, led by the Directorate of Veterinary, Food and Rural Affairs (DAVAR) in coordination with the provinces, the Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries of New Caledonia (CAP-NC), and the Rural Agency, will be conducted with a representative sample of farms registered with the CAP-NC.
Unlike the comprehensive general census of 2012, the 2025 agricultural survey adopts an innovative and targeted approach. Nearly 1,500 farms will be interviewed out of the 3,200 registered with the CAP-NC. The information collected will include details on land area, crops, livestock, equipment, labour, and more.
Investigators from the partner organisations started fieldwork in October.
A Crucial Investigation
By providing a better understanding of the agricultural sector, the 2025 survey is a strategic tool for:
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Updating agricultural data by municipality, territorial entity, and province;
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Supporting public decision-making, including targeting aid, measuring impacts, and adjusting agricultural policies;
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Establishing a reliable database for future studies and monitoring sector developments;
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Meeting the information needs of professionals.
“By participating, operators contribute to raising awareness of the realities on the ground and preparing for the future of their sector,” the survey organisers said.
Coverage of the Entire Territory
Although the survey is not exhaustive, it will cover all areas of New Caledonia, including both large commercial farms and smaller non-commercial units located in tribal or peri-urban areas. The only requirement is registration in the CAP-NC agriculture and fishing register.
Guaranteed Confidentiality
As with all official surveys, the information collected will be protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and statistical confidentiality. No individual data will be disclosed without the written consent of the individuals surveyed.
Results Calendar
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April 2026: Publication of a general overview of the results;
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September 2026: Detailed thematic analyses;
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December 2026: Publication of the full final report.
The survey is expected to provide a much-needed, contemporary snapshot of New Caledonia’s agricultural landscape, guiding policy decisions and supporting sector growth over the coming decade.
