1.1. Contact organisation
FPS Economy SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy - Statbel (Directorate-general Statistics - Statistics Belgium)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Thematic Directorate Economie
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 16, North Gate III,
1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
16 January 2026
2.2. Metadata last posted
2 February 2026
2.3. Metadata last update
16 January 2026
3.1. Data description
The data describe the structure of agricultural holdings providing the general characteristics of farms and farmers and information on their land, livestock and labour force. They also describe production methods, rural development measures and agro-environmental aspects that look at the impact of agriculture on the environment.
The data are used by public, researchers, farmers and policy-makers to better understand the state of the farming sector and the impact of agriculture on the environment. The data follow up the changes in the agricultural sector and provide a basis for decision-making in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other European Union policies.
The statistical unit is the agricultural holding (farm). The aggregated results are disseminated through statistical tables. The data are presented at different geographical levels and over periods.
The data collections are organised in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and have a new structure, consisting of a core data set and several modules. The regulation covers the data collections in 2019/2020 (the agricultural census), 2023 and 2026. The data are as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.
3.2. Classification system
Data are arranged in tables using many classifications. Please find below information on most classifications.
The classifications of variables are available in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286.
The farm typology means a uniform classification of the holdings based on their type of farming and their economic size. Both are determined on the basis of the standard gross margin (SGM) (until 2007) or standard output (SO) (from 2010 onward) which is calculated for each crop and animal. The farm type is determined by the relative contribution of the different productions to the total standard gross margin or the standard output of the holding.
The territorial classification uses the NUTS classification to break down the regional data. The regional data is available at NUTS level 2.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The statistics cover agricultural holdings undertaking agricultural activities as listed in item 3.5 below and meeting the minimum coverage requirements (thresholds) as listed in item 3.6 below.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The list of core variables is set in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
The descriptions of the core variables as well as the lists and descriptions of the variables for the modules collected in 2023 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286.
The following groups of variables are collected in 2023:
- for core: location of the holding, legal personality of the holding, manager, type of tenure of the utilised agricultural area, variables of land, organic farming, irrigation on cultivated outdoor area, variables of livestock, organic production methods applied to animal production;
- for the module "Labour force and other gainful activities": farm management, family labour force, non-family labour force, other gainful activities directly and not directly related to the agricultural holding;
- for the module "Rural development": support received by agricultural holdings through various rural development measures;
- for the module “Irrigation”: availability of irrigation, irrigation methods, sources of irrigation water, technical parameters of the irrigation equipment, crops irrigated during a 12 months period;
- for the module “Soil management practices”: tillage methods, soil cover on arable land, crop rotation on arable land, ecological focus area;
- for the module “Machinery and equipment”: internet facilities, basic machinery, use of precision farming, machinery for livestock management, storage for agricultural products, equipment used for production of renewable energy on agricultural holdings;
- for the module “Orchards”: apples area, pears area, each one by age of plantation and density of trees.
3.5. Statistical unit
See sub-category below.
3.5.1. Definition of agricultural holding
The agricultural holding is a single unit, both technically and economically, that has a single management and that undertakes economic activities in agriculture in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006 belonging to groups:
- A.01.1: Growing of non-perennial crops
- A.01.2: Growing of perennial crops
- A.01.3: Plant propagation
- A.01.4: Animal production
- A.01.5: Mixed farming or
- The “maintenance of agricultural land in good agricultural and environmental condition” of group A.01.6 within the economic territory of the Union, either as its primary or secondary activity.
Regarding activities of class A.01.49, only the activities “Raising and breeding of semi-domesticated or other live animals” (with the exception of raising of insects) and “Bee-keeping and production of honey and beeswax” are included.
In some cases, it occurs that a few farmers are doing one declaration for several single units.
3.6. Statistical population
See sub-categories below.
3.6.1. Population covered by the core data sent to Eurostat (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
The thresholds of agricultural holdings are available in the annex.
Annexes:
3.6.1 Thresholds of agricultural holdings
3.6.1.1. Raised thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
No3.6.1.2. Lowered and/or additional thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
No3.6.2. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the modules “Labour force and other gainful activities”, “Rural development” and “Machinery and equipment”
The same population of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.1.
3.6.3. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Animal housing and manure management”
Restricted from publication
3.6.4. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Irrigation”
The subset of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.2 with irrigable area.
3.6.5. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Soil management practices”
The subset of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.2 with arable land, permanent grassland and permanent crops.
3.6.6. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Orchard”
The subset of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.2, with any of the individual orchard variables that meet the threshold specified in Article 7(5) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
3.6.7. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Vineyard”
Restricted from publication
3.7. Reference area
See sub-categories below.
3.7.1. Geographical area covered
The entire territory of the country.
3.7.2. Inclusion of special territories
Not applicable.
3.7.3. Criteria used to establish the geographical location of the holding
Other3.7.4. Additional information reference area
The administrative building (this is mostly also the residence of the farmer)
3.8. Coverage - Time
Farm structure statistics in Belgium cover the period from 1980 onwards. This concerns the information published online; older farm structure information is available, partly as far back as 1846, but only in paper publications.
3.9. Base period
The 2023 data are processed (by Eurostat) with 2020 standard output coefficients (calculated as a 5-year average of the period 2018-2022). For more information, you can consult the definition of the standard output.
Two kinds of units are generally used:
- the units of measurement for the variables (area in hectares, livestock in (1000) heads or LSU (livestock units), labour force in persons or AWU (annual working units), standard output in Euro, places for animal housing etc.) and
- the number of agricultural holdings having these characteristics.
See sub-categories below.
5.1. Reference period for land variables
The 12-month reference period for the land variables (main crop variables) refers to the calendar year 2023 (from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023). Farmers declared their main crops to IACS between the end of February and 30 April 2023. If a crop was not sown at the time of declaration, they indicated the area that would be sown. Second crops were not taken into account for IFS.
5.2. Reference period for variables on irrigation and soil management practices
The 12‑month period ending on 30 September 2023 applies to both irrigation and soil management variables.
5.3. Reference day for variables on livestock and animal housing
The reference day for livestock is 15 October within the reference year 2023.
The animal housing variables are not applicable for 2023.
5.4. Reference period for variables on manure management
The manure management variables are not applicable for 2023.
5.5. Reference period for variables on labour force
The 12-month period ending on 30 September within the reference year 2023.
5.6. Reference period for variables on rural development measures
The three-year period ending on 31 December 2023.
5.7. Reference day for all other variables
The reference day 15 October within the reference year 2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
See sub-categories below.
6.1.1. National legal acts and other agreements
Legal act6.1.2. Name of national legal acts and other agreements
The legal basis of the agricultural survey was laid down in the Royal decree of 29 June 2014 relating to the organisation of agricultural surveys carried out by the Directorate General Statistics - Statistics Belgium. This Royal decree was based on the law of 4 July 1962 concerning public statistics, modified by the laws of 1 August 1985 and 22 March 2006.
6.1.3. Link to national legal acts and other agreements
Royal decree of 29 June 2014 (from pages 66 to 78) (in Dutch, and in French)
Royal decree of 29 June 2014 (in French, and does not include the annexes of the legislation)
6.1.4. Year of entry into force of national legal acts and other agreements
2014
6.1.5. Legal obligations for respondents
Yes6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
For all administrative data that were used, agreements were made between the Directorate General Statistics - Statistics Belgium and the different organisations, namely:
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Flemish Government
- SPW Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment (Wallonia)
- Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Strict confidentiality of all collected data is laid down by the Statistics law of 4 July 1962.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
See sub-categories below.
7.2.1. Aggregated data
See sub-categories below.
7.2.1.1. Rules used to identify confidential cells
Threshold rule (The number of contributors is less than a pre-specified threshold)7.2.1.2. Methods to protect data in confidential cells
Cell suppression (Completely suppress the value of some cells)7.2.1.3. Description of rules and methods
Tables according to the size classes of holdings (e.g. based on utilised agricultural area or livestock); classes with fewer than 3 holdings are regrouped. If regrouping is not possible, the value is replaced by ":".
Results at municipal level: the results for a municipality are not published when there are fewer than 5 holdings in that municipality. Municipalities with fewer than 5 holdings are aggregated into one category called ‘confidential municipalities'.
7.2.2. Microdata
See sub-categories below.
7.2.2.1. Use of EU methodology for microdata dissemination
Yes7.2.2.2. Methods of perturbation
Recoding of variablesRemoval of variables
Reduction of information
Merging categories
Rounding
Micro-aggregation
7.2.2.3. Description of methodology
Microdata are disseminated only with an official agreement of the Commission for the protection of Privacy. Requests for microdata are therefore dealt on case-by-case basis.
Only anonymous or pseudonymised microdata are transmitted.
Procedure for requesting microdata:
- Contact Statbel via statbel@economie.fgov.be or contact directly the statistician in charge of your study field, if you have his contact details.
- After consulting the statistician, you should submit an official data request with the request form and a conformity declaration.
- You should send the signed documents, by e-mail to statbel.datarequests@economie.fgov.be.
- Statbel's Data Protection Officer team will evaluate the request and issue an opinion. Finally, as data controller, Statbel's director-general will decide if the data can be delivered.
- If the evaluation is positive, Statbel draws up the final contract, that you need to sign.
- After receipt of the original signed contract, Statbel will deliver the requested microdata within the set timeframe.
8.1. Release calendar
There is a release calendar covering all statistical domains. However, there is no dedicated calendar specifically for the Integrated Farm Statistics (IFS).
The release of IFS 2023 data was carried out in multiple phases:
- A preliminary press release presenting key national figures was published on 22 August 2024.
- Final results were made publicly available in July 2025.
8.2. Release calendar access
The release calendar is on the homepage of Statbel.
8.3. Release policy - user access
There is no prior access before official data release.
Users are informed by the release calendar on the website of Statbel.
8.3.1. Use of quality rating system
No8.3.1.1. Description of the quality rating system
Not applicable.
In Belgium, farm structure statistics are published on an annual basis. These publications include the number of farms by size, crop production and livestock at different geographical levels.
Data on topics such as labour force and organic farming are only published for the years in which an Integrated Farm Statistics (IFS) survey is conducted, every 3-4 years.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
See sub-categories below.
10.1.1. Publication of news releases
Yes10.1.2. Link to news releases
A preliminary press release presenting key national figures was published on 8 August 2024: Fewer spring cereals due to poor weather conditions in the spring of 2023.
Final results were made publicly available in July 2025: Belgian agriculture continues to evolve.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
See sub-categories below.
10.2.1. Production of paper publications
No10.2.2. Production of on-line publications
No10.2.3. Title, publisher, year and link
Not applicable.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
See sub-categories below.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
We do not monitor and record the number of consultations of data tables.
10.3.2. Accessibility of online database
Yes10.3.3. Link to online database
Tables on agricultural data on different geographical level for 2023 (only available in French, and in Dutch). The tables in French can be found on the FR version of the website, whereas the tables in Dutch can be found on the EN, NL, and DE versions of the website.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
See sub-category below.
10.4.1. Accessibility of microdata
Yes10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not available.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
See sub-categories below.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.6.2. Availability of national reference metadata
No10.6.3. Title, publisher, year and link to national reference metadata
Not applicable.
10.6.4. Availability of national handbook on methodology
No10.6.5. Title, publisher, year and link to handbook
Not applicable.
10.6.6. Availability of national methodological papers
No10.6.7. Title, publisher, year and link to methodological papers
Not applicable.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
There is no documentation available on quality.
11.1. Quality assurance
See sub-categories below.
11.1.1. Quality management system
Yes11.1.2. Quality assurance and assessment procedures
Training coursesUse of best practices
Quality guidelines
Benchmarking
Designated quality manager, quality unit and/or senior level committee
Compliance monitoring
Self-assessment
Peer review
External review or audit
11.1.3. Description of the quality management system and procedures
Statbel’s quality management system is aligned with European standards and focuses on continuous improvement. It includes:
- Standardised methodologies for data collection and analysis
- Documentation of processes and metadata
- Monitoring of key quality indicators such as timeliness, accuracy, and coherence
- User feedback mechanisms to assess relevance and usability
- Training and capacity building for staff to maintain high methodological standards
The system is designed to ensure transparency, comparability, and statistical confidentiality, while promoting efficiency and responsiveness to user needs.
11.1.4. Improvements in quality procedures
Statbel is actively working on several improvements, including:
- Strengthening its role as the National Statistical Institute through enhanced coordination within the Belgian Statistical System
- Developing a national quality policy to harmonise practices across statistical domains
- Expanding the use of administrative data to reduce response burden and improve data quality
- Implementing new digital tools and automation to streamline processes and enhance data validation
- Increasing stakeholder engagement to better align outputs with user expectations
These initiatives aim to further embed quality culture and ensure that Statbel’s statistics remain trustworthy and fit for purpose.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Not available.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The main user groups of agricultural statistics produced by Statbel are policy makers, researchers, universities and the general public.
These users rely on a wide range of agricultural data for various purposes, including:
- Policy support and evaluation: data are used in simulation models and impact assessments to inform agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic policies.
- Scientific research: agricultural data support national and European research projects, sociological studies, and structural analyses of the farming sector.
- Monitoring and reporting: key indicators (economic, structural, social, ecological) are calculated and published in reports such as the legally mandated Agricultural Report.
- EU obligations: microdata are essential for compiling the annual FADN selection plan, which forms the backbone of the Belgian and European Farm Accountancy Data Network.
In summary, the data serve both strategic planning and operational decision-making at regional, national, and EU levels, ensuring evidence-based policy and research.
12.1.1. Main groups of variables collected only for national purposes
Characteristics surveyed only for national purposes:
- The presence of an eventual successor for the farm holder.
- Sales via short supply chain.
The users of those characteristics are: the regional administrations of agriculture and environmental, the national Bank of Belgium, professional organisations, research centres, and universities.
- More detailed information about livestock was surveyed to comply with the Regulation (EC) No 1165/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 concerning livestock and meat statistics.
- Detailed information about horticultural crops for Wallonia was surveyed to comply with the Regulation (EC) No 543/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of18 June 2009 concerning crop statistics.
- Information about milk processing at farm level was surveyed to comply with the Council Directive 96/16/EC of 19 March 1996 on statistical surveys of milk and milk products.
12.1.2. Unmet user needs
All user needs are met.
12.1.3. Plans for satisfying unmet user needs
Not applicable.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
No user satisfaction survey.
12.2.1. User satisfaction survey
No12.2.2. Year of user satisfaction survey
Not applicable.
12.2.3. Satisfaction level
Not applicable12.3. Completeness
Information on not collected, not-significant and not-existent variables is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: Additional data - Eurostat (europa.eu).
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable for Integrated Farm Statistics as the not collected variables, not-significant variables and not-existent variables are completed with 0.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
See categories below.
13.2. Sampling error
See sub-categories below.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Please find the relative standard errors on Eurostat’s website, at the link: CircaBC website.
13.2.2. Reasons for non-compliant precision requirements in relation to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
There is no case of non-compliant precision requirements.
13.2.3. Reference on method of estimation
Standard analytical formulas for the calibration estimator using the POULPE tool (see the file in the annex).
Annexes:
13.2.3. Methodology used to calculate relative standard errors
13.2.4. Impact of sampling error on data quality
None13.3. Non-sampling error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.1. Coverage error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
The over-coverage rate is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: CircaBC.
The over-coverage rate is unweighted.
The over-coverage rate is calculated as the share of ineligible holdings to the holdings designated for the core data collection. The ineligible holdings include those holdings with unknown eligibility status that are not imputed nor re-weighted for (therefore considered ineligible).
The over-coverage rate is calculated over the holdings in the main frame and if applicable frame extension, for which core data are sent to Eurostat.
13.3.1.1.1. Types of holdings included in the frame but not belonging to the population of the core (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
Below thresholds during the reference periodTemporarily out of production during the reference period
Ceased activities
13.3.1.1.2. Actions to minimize the over-coverage error
Removal of ineligible units from the records, leaving unchanged the weights for the other units13.3.1.1.3. Additional information over-coverage error
Not available.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested.
13.3.1.3. Under-coverage error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.1.3.1. Under-coverage rate
0%
13.3.1.3.2. Types of holdings belonging to the population of the core but not included in the frame (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
None13.3.1.3.3. Actions to minimise the under-coverage error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.3.4. Additional information under-coverage error
Not available.
13.3.1.4. Misclassification error
No13.3.1.4.1. Actions to minimise the misclassification error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.5. Contact error
No13.3.1.5.1. Actions to minimise the contact error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.6. Impact of coverage error on data quality
None13.3.2. Measurement error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.2.1. List of variables mostly affected by measurement errors
There is no specific list of characteristics. Measurement errors are detected and corrected. It can occur to every numeric characteristic.
Some variables are sometimes reported in incorrect units, for example:
- Seasonal workers: number of hours instead of number of days.
- Regularly employed workers: number of hours worked per week instead of number of persons.
- Irrigated area and type of tenure of the UAA, orchard area: hectares or square meters instead of ares.
13.3.2.2. Causes of measurement errors
Respondents’ inability to provide accurate answers13.3.2.3. Actions to minimise the measurement error
Pre-filled questionsExplanatory notes or handbooks for enumerators or respondents
13.3.2.4. Impact of measurement error on data quality
None13.3.2.5. Additional information measurement error
Not available.
13.3.3. Non response error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
See item 13.3.1.1.
The unit non-response rate is unweighted.
The unit non-response rate is calculated as the share of eligible non-respondent holdings to the eligible holdings. The eligible holdings include those holdings with unknown eligibility status which are imputed or re-weighted for (therefore considered eligible).
The unit non-response rate is calculated over the holdings in the main frame and if applicable frame extension, for which core data are sent to Eurostat.
13.3.3.1.1. Reasons for unit non-response
Refusal to participateInability to participate (e.g. illness, absence)
13.3.3.1.2. Actions to minimise or address unit non-response
Reminders13.3.3.1.3. Unit non-response analysis
None.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
The item non-response rate is very low because most farmers completed their questionnaire online. In the online version, the questionnaire uses routing and checks that make answering mandatory. For most questions in these sections, respondents cannot leave the section without answering all questions. This increases the administrative burden for farmers, but on the other hand, item non-response is very low.
In the soil management module, answers were allowed to be missing for soil tillage, soil coverage, and crop rotation.
13.3.3.2.1. Variables with the highest item non-response rate
The highest item non-response was observed for soil cover: 17% of farms did not answer these questions.
It concerns following variables:
- SC_WNTCR - Soil cover: normal winter crop;
- SC_COV_INTCR - Soil cover: catch crop, intermediate crop or cover crop in arable land;
- SC_PLRES - Soil cover: plant residues and/or mulching;
- SC_BARE - Soil cover: bare soil after main crop.
13.3.3.2.2. Reasons for item non-response
Skip of due questionFarmers do not know the answer
13.3.3.2.3. Actions to minimise or address item non-response
RemindersImputation
13.3.3.3. Impact of non-response error on data quality
Low13.3.3.4. Additional information non-response error
Not available.
13.3.4. Processing error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.4.1. Sources of processing errors
Data processing13.3.4.2. Imputation methods
Deductive imputationRatio imputation
Sequential hot deck imputation
Previous data for the same unit
13.3.4.3. Actions to correct or minimise processing errors
To improve data quality, we encourage farmers as much as possible to complete the questionnaires online.
13.3.4.4. Tools and staff authorised to make corrections
Standard software tools are used (SAS, Excel). Only staff involved in the processing of farm statistics is authorised to make corrections.
13.3.4.5. Impact of processing error on data quality
Low13.3.4.6. Additional information processing error
Not available.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
See sub-categories below.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
The first results were released on 22 August 2024: 8 months after 31 December 2023.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
The final results were released in July 2025: 19 months after 31 December 2023.
14.2. Punctuality
See sub-categories below.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
See sub-categories below.
14.2.1.1. Punctuality - delivery
Not requested.
14.2.1.2. Punctuality - publication
In time.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
See sub-categories below.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable, because there are no mirror flows in Integrated Farm Statistics.
15.1.2. Definition of agricultural holding
See sub-categories below.
15.1.2.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
The agricultural activities are the same as the ones from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091. The majority of the holdings in the farm structure survey are single units. In IACS which is used as population, there are a few farmers who are doing one declaration for several single units. This means that the data recorded in a single record (agricultural holding) covers more than one agricultural holding. But the reverse also happens. The problem occurs for only a few cases. It is impossible to convert the data because in the administrative data on area it is impossible to see which parcel belongs to which single unit.
15.1.2.2. Reasons for deviations
Reasons for deviations are due to the data available in IACS.
15.1.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.1.3.1. Proofs that the EU coverage requirements are met
| Total | Covered by the thresholds | Attained coverage | Minimum requested coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3=2*100/1 | 4 | |
| UAA excluding kitchen gardens | 1 356 351.2 |
1 353 406 | 99.8% | 98% |
| LSU | 3 397 326.63 | 3 397 326.63 | 100% | 98% |
All holdings meeting at least one of the physical thresholds listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 are covered.
15.1.3.2. Differences between the national thresholds and the thresholds used for the data sent to Eurostat
The thresholds applied for the national data collection are the same as the thresholds applied for the data sent to Eurostat.
15.1.3.3. Reasons for differences
Not applicable.
15.1.4. Definitions and classifications of variables
See sub-categories below.
15.1.4.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and EU handbook
There is no deviation from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286 and EU handbook.
15.1.4.1.1. The number of working hours and days in a year corresponding to a full-time job
The information is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: CircaBC.
The number of working hours and days in a year for a full-time job correspond to one annual working unit (AWU) in the country. One annual work unit corresponds to the work performed by one person who is occupied on an agricultural holding on a full-time basis. Annual working units are used to calculate the farm work on the agricultural holdings.
15.1.4.1.2. Point chosen in the Annual work unit (AWU) percentage band to calculate the AWU of holders, managers, family and non-family regular workers
See item 15.1.4.1.1.
15.1.4.1.3. AWU for workers of certain age groups
See item 15.1.4.1.1.
15.1.4.1.4. Livestock coefficients
No deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.1.4.1.5. Livestock included in “Other livestock n.e.c.”
- Rabbits
- Bees
- Equidae
- Other (alpaca, bisons)
15.1.4.2. Reasons for deviations
Bees, bisons and breeding female rabbits are classified under ‘Other livestock n.e.c.’ because these variables are non-significant in Belgium.
15.1.5. Reference periods/days
See sub-categories below.
15.1.5.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
The collected data, data sent to Eurostat and published data are in compliance with the reference periods/days set in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.1.5.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.6. Common land
The concept of common land does not exist15.1.6.1. Collection of common land data
Not applicable15.1.6.2. Reasons if common land exists and data are not collected
Not applicable.
15.1.6.3. Methods to record data on common land
Not applicable15.1.6.4. Source of collected data on common land
Not applicable15.1.6.5. Description of methods to record data on common land
Not applicable.
15.1.6.6. Possible problems in relation to the collection of data on common land and proposals for future data collections
Not applicable.
15.1.7. National standards and rules for certification of organic products
See sub-categories below.
15.1.7.1. Deviations from Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
There are no deviations in the national standards and rules for certification of organic products from Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007.
15.1.7.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.8. Differences in methods across regions within the country
There are no differences in methods used across regions within the country.
15.2. Comparability - over time
See sub-categories below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Definition of agricultural holding: >50 years
Thresholds: 12 years
Geographical coverage: >50 years
Definition and classification of variables: >50 years
Reference periods/dates for animals: 9 years
Reference periods/dates for labour force: 7 years
Reference periods/dates for crops: >50 years
15.2.2. Definition of agricultural holding
See sub-categories below.
15.2.2.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.2.2. Description of changes
There are no changes as both 2020 and 2023 are data collection years covered by the same Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.2.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.2.3.1. Changes in the thresholds of holdings for which core data are sent to Eurostat since the last data transmission
There have been no changes15.2.3.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
15.2.4. Geographical coverage
See sub-categories below.
15.2.4.1. Change in the geographical coverage since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.4.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
15.2.5. Definitions and classifications of variables
See sub-categories below.
15.2.5.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.5.2. Description of changes
There are no changes as both 2020 and 2023 are data collection years covered by the same Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.2.6. Reference periods/days
See sub-categories below.
15.2.6.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been some changes but not enough to warrant the designation of a break in series15.2.6.2. Description of changes
In 2023, the 12-month irrigation reference period was changed: it now ends on 30 September, whereas for the 2020 reference year, it ended on 15 October.
15.2.7. Common land
See sub-categories below.
15.2.7.1. Changes in the methods to record common land since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.7.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
15.2.8. Explanations for major trends of main variables compared to the last data transmission to Eurostat
- For C1200T (Rye and winter cereal mixtures (maslin) - outdoor): Rye is a minor crop in Belgium, and the largest increase occurred between 2022 and 2023.
- For C1400T (Oats and spring cereal mixtures (mixed grain other than maslin) - outdoor): Oats is a minor crop in Belgium and has shown a yearly decline between 2020 and 2023.
- For C1600T (Triticale - outdoor) + C1700T (Sorghum - outdoor) + C1900T (Other cereals not elsewhere classified (buckwheat, millet, canary seed, etc.) - outdoor): The sharp decline is due to changes in crop codes in the parcel declaration (IACS) in 2022 for other cereals in Wallonia. The crop code ‘mixtures of cereals and mixtures of cereals and leguminous plants’ was split into ‘mixtures of cereals’ and ‘mixtures of cereals and leguminous plants’. The latter was moved to ‘other dried pulses’.
- For I1110T (Rape and turnip rape seeds - outdoor): A significant increase in rapeseed area occurred between 2022 and 2023, mainly in Wallonia.
- For I1140T (Linseed (oilflax) - outdoor): Linseed is a minor crop in Belgium, and its area decreases annually.
- For I1190T (Other oil seed crops n.e.c. - outdoor): These crops are mainly grown in Wallonia. While the area in Flanders decreases annually, it is increasing in Wallonia. This category includes sunflower seeds, soybeans, and other oilseeds. A significant increase in sunflower seeds was observed in Wallonia between 2021 and 2022.
- For I2100T (Fibre flax - outdoor): The area decreased annually between 2020 and 2023.
- For I2200T (Hemp - outdoor): Hemp was mainly grown in Flanders in 2023, mostly fibre hemp. There was a large increase between 2022 and 2023, while the area in Wallonia decreased. Other hemp for non-human consumption remains constant annually.
- For I5000T (Aromatic, medicinal and culinary plants - outdoor): A decline in fresh culinary plants was mainly observed in Flanders between 2021 and 2023, especially in ‘other culinary herbs’ and angelica.
- For I6000T (Energy crops n.e.c. - outdoor) + I9000T (Other industrial crops n.e.c. - outdoor): An increase in Miscanthus was observed between 2020 and 2022. This crop is mainly grown in Wallonia.
- For V0000_S0000TK (Fresh vegetables (including melons) and strawberries grown in rotation with horticultural crops - outdoor - market gardening): A general decline was observed annually between 2020 and 2022, with the largest drop occurring between 2021 and 2022. However, there was an increase in 2023 compared to 2022. For strawberries, there is a notable shift from open-field to protected cultivation.
- For G9100T (Other cereals harvested green (excluding green maize) - outdoor) + G9900T (Other plants harvested green from arable land n.e.c. - outdoor): In preparation for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023-2027), several crop codes were removed and new ones introduced in IACS, primarily related to crop diversification and greening. Consequently, starting in 2022, significant shifts occurred between different categories of fodder crops and mixtures with leguminous crops. These changes primarily impacted the following variables: C1900T (Other cereals not elsewhere classified (buckwheat, millet, canary seed, etc.) - outdoor), G9100T + G9900T, and Q0000T (Fallow land - outdoor).
- For E0000T (Seeds and seedlings - outdoor): The decline is attributed to a decrease in the area dedicated to grass seeds in Flanders.
- For F4000T (Nuts - outdoor): Although the total area of these crops is small, both types of nuts are gaining popularity.
- For PECR9_H9000T (Other permanent crops including other permanent crops for human consumption - outdoor): The large decline is due to Wallonia removing the Christmas tree areas from parcel registration in 2023. These areas were removed without prior consultation, which explains the sharp decrease observed in the figures.
- For PECRS (Permanent crops - under glass or high accessible cover): The increase is due to ornamental plants, including rose trees, ornamental nurseries, and perennial plants. There is also a yearly increase in berries under glass.
- For NUAA (Unutilised agricultural area): This is a small area, representing less than 1% of the total farm area, that is subject to high fluctuation. It is requested in the survey.
- For FA9 (Other areas on the farms): It includes buildings and non-agricultural land on farms. Like unutilised agricultural land, this area is steadily decreasing.
- For A4120 (Other sheep) and A4220 (Other goats): These are small numbers, but there has been a steady increase for years.
- For A3130 (Other pigs): This category has been decreasing by an average of 5% since 2020.
- For OGA_HLD_RH (Holder having other gainful activities (related to the agricultural holding) as main activity) and OGA_HLD_NRH (Holder-manager of the sole holder holding having other gainful activities (not related to the agricultural holding) as main activity): The decrease in the number of natural persons, the trend towards diversification, as well as the evolution of the farm register may explain the observed changes.
- For MOGA_FAM_NRH (Family members of holder-manager of the sole holder holding, who are working on the agricultural holding and have other gainful activities (not related to the agricultural holding) as their main activity) and SOGA_FAM_NRH (Family members of holder-manager of the sole holder holding, who are working on the agricultural holding and have other gainful activities (not related to the agricultural holding) as their secondary activity): The observed decrease is linked to the decrease in family labour force due in part to the decrease in natural persons.
- For SOGA_NFAM_RH (Non-family labour force regularly working on the holding and having other gainful activities (related to the agricultural holding) as their secondary activity): The observed values in 2020 and 2023 are low; as the farm register is evolving, it is normal to have some variability.
- For SRCAA (Short rotation coppice areas): In 2020, a small number of respondents reported short rotation coppice areas. By 2023, only a few of these respondents retained their areas from 2020, while the others did not report any areas dedicated to short rotation coppice.
15.2.9. Maintain of statistical identifiers over time
No15.3. Coherence - cross domain
See sub-categories below.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable to Integrated Farm Statistics, because there are no sub annual data collections in agriculture.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable, because Integrated Farm Statistics have no relevance for national accounts.
15.3.3. Coherence at micro level with data collections in other domains in agriculture
See sub-categories below.
15.3.3.1. Analysis of coherence at micro level
No15.3.3.2. Results of analysis at micro level
In 2023, there was one data collection for all agricultural statistics.
15.3.4. Coherence at macro level with data collections in other domains in agriculture
See sub-categories below.
15.3.4.1. Analysis of coherence at macro level
Yes15.3.4.2. Results of analysis at macro level
A comparison of IFS values against annual data for crop production, animal production, and organic statistics revealed no discrepancies.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The data are internally consistent. This is ensured by the application of a wide range of validation rules.
See sub-categories below.
16.1. Coordination of data collections in agricultural statistics
Belgium uses as far as possible administrative data. For 2023, almost all the cultivated areas were provided by the IACS. Cattle and pigs were provided by SANITEL (registration system of animals).
16.2. Efficiency gains since the last data transmission to Eurostat
On-line surveys16.2.1. Additional information efficiency gains
In order to reduce administrative burden, the same data may only be collected once (‘collect once – use often’). This policy is also applied in the census.
16.3. Average duration of farm interview (in minutes)
See sub-categories below.
16.3.1. Core
The core and the module 'Labour force and other gainful activities' were carried out as a census. As there is one form, it is impossible to separate the average duration to fill the variables for the core and the labour force.
Average: 28 minutes
16.3.2. Module ‘Labour force and other gainful activities‘
See item 16.3.1.
16.3.3. Module ‘Rural development’
Not applicable. The rural development module is based on administrative data.
16.3.4. Module ‘Animal housing and manure management’
Restricted from publication
16.3.5. Module ‘Irrigation’
The agricultural holdings selected in the sample received the core (census), the module labour force (census) and all the other modules. It is not possible to calculate the completion time for the individual modules. The average completion time for farms that completed all modules was 52 minutes.
The following assumptions were made in order to calculate the average completion time:
- Almost all sampled enterprises completed the soil management and machinery modules.
- The average completion time was 44 minutes for farms that completed the irrigation module. This completion time includes the core and labour force variables and the modules 'Soil management practices' and 'Machinery and equipment'.
16.3.6. Module ‘Soil management practices’
The agricultural holdings selected in the sample received the core (census), the module labour force (census) and all the other modules. It is not possible to calculate the completion time for the individual modules. The average completion time for farms that completed all modules was 52 minutes.
The following assumptions were made in order to calculate the average completion time:
- Almost all sampled enterprises completed the soil management and machinery modules.
- The average completion time was 39 minutes for those farms that did not have orchards and irrigation (and therefore did not complete those modules). This completion time includes the core and labour force variables and the module 'Machinery and equipment'.
16.3.7. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’
The agricultural holdings selected in the sample received the core (census), the module labour force (census) and all the other modules. It is not possible to calculate the completion time for the individual modules. The average completion time for farms that completed all modules was 52 minutes.
The following assumptions were made in order to calculate the average completion time:
- Almost all sampled enterprises completed the soil management and machinery modules.
- The average completion time was 39 minutes for those farms that did not have orchards and irrigation (and therefore did not complete those modules). This completion time includes the core and labour force variables and the module 'Soil management practices'.
16.3.8. Module ‘Orchard’
The agricultural holdings selected in the sample received the core (census), the module labour force (census) and all the other modules. It is not possible to calculate the completion time for the individual modules. The farms that completed the orchard module have also completed all the other modules. The average completion time for farms that completed all modules was 52 minutes.
16.3.9. Module ‘Vineyard’
Restricted from publication
17.1. Data revision - policy
Belgium publishes only a revision for their statistics when errors are discovered after data have been placed in the public domain.
17.2. Data revision - practice
There was no revision for the IFS.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
18.1. Source data
See sub-categories below.
18.1.1. Sampling design & Procedure frame
See sub-categories below.
18.1.1.1. Type of frame
List frame18.1.1.2. Name of frame
Statistical Farm Register
18.1.1.3. Update frequency
Quarterly18.1.2. Core data collection on the main frame
See sub-categories below.
18.1.2.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.2.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.2.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.2.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.2.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.2.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.2.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.2.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.3. Core data collection on the frame extension
See sub-categories below.
18.1.3.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Not applicable18.1.3.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.3.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.3.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.3.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.3.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.3.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.3.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.4. Module “Labour force and other gainful activities”
See sub-categories below.
18.1.4.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.4.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.4.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.4.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.4.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.4.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.4.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.4.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.4.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.5. Module “Rural development”
See sub-categories below.
18.1.5.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.5.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.5.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.5.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.5.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.5.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.6. Module “Animal housing and manure management module”
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2. Sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.1. Name of sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.2. Stratification criteria
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.4. Full coverage strata
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Restricted from publication
18.1.7. Module ‘Irrigation’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.7.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Sample18.1.7.2. Sampling design
The sample is a stratified simple random sample of agricultural holding. The stratification is made on 3 criteria: location (NUTS 1), type of farming (8 categories) and size of the holding (2 categories).
The eight farming type groups are defined using an internal classification based on species-level livestock presence and do not align directly with the official farm type classes. The two size strata are defined using a combination of the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) and livestock indicators.
The sample size is determined to ensure that the precision requirements are satisfactorily met, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.7.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.7.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit location
Unit specialization
18.1.7.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.7.2.4. Full coverage strata
In all NUTS 1 and type of farming, the largest units are covered exhaustively.
18.1.7.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Sampling fractions are determined to largely fulfil precision requirements, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.7.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Other18.1.7.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.8. Module ‘Soil management practices’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.8.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Sample18.1.8.2. Sampling design
The sample is a stratified simple random sample of agricultural holding. The stratification is made on 3 criteria: location (NUTS 1), type of farming (8 categories) and size of the holding (2 categories).
The eight farming type groups are defined using an internal classification based on species-level livestock presence and do not align directly with the official farm type classes. The two size strata are defined using a combination of the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) and livestock indicators.
The sample size is determined to ensure that the precision requirements are satisfactorily met, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.8.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.8.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit location
Unit specialization
18.1.8.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.8.2.4. Full coverage strata
In all NUTS 1 and type of farming, the largest units are covered exhaustively.
18.1.8.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Sampling fractions are determined to largely fulfil precision requirements, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.8.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Other18.1.8.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.9. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.9.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Sample18.1.9.2. Sampling design
The sample is a stratified simple random sample of agricultural holding. The stratification is made on 3 criteria: location (NUTS 1), type of farming (8 categories) and size of the holding (2 categories).
The eight farming type groups are defined using an internal classification based on species-level livestock presence and do not align directly with the official farm type classes. The two size strata are defined using a combination of the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) and livestock indicators.
The sample size is determined to ensure that the precision requirements are satisfactorily met, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.9.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.9.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit location
Unit specialization
18.1.9.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.9.2.4. Full coverage strata
In all NUTS 1 and type of farming, the largest units are covered exhaustively.
18.1.9.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Sampling fractions are determined to largely fulfil precision requirements, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.9.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Other18.1.9.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.10. Module ‘Orchard’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.10.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Sample18.1.10.2. Sampling design
The sample is a stratified simple random sample of agricultural holding. The stratification is made on 3 criteria: location (NUTS 1), type of farming (8 categories) and size of the holding (2 categories).
The eight farming type groups are defined using an internal classification based on species-level livestock presence and do not align directly with the official farm type classes. The two size strata are defined using a combination of the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) and livestock indicators.
The sample size is determined to ensure that the precision requirements are satisfactorily met, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.10.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.10.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit location
Unit specialization
18.1.10.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.10.2.4. Full coverage strata
In all NUTS 1 and type of farming, the largest units are covered exhaustively.
18.1.10.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Sampling fractions are determined to largely fulfil precision requirements, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.10.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Other18.1.10.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.11. Module ‘Vineyard’
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2. Sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.1. Name of sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.2. Stratification criteria
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.4. Full coverage strata
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Restricted from publication
18.1.12. Software tool used for sample selection
SAS
18.1.13. Administrative sources
See sub-categories below.
18.1.13.1. Administrative sources used and the purposes of using them
The information is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: Additional data - Eurostat (europa.eu).
18.1.13.2. Description and quality of the administrative sources
See the Excel file in the annex.
Annexes:
18.1.13.2 Description and quality of administrative sources
18.1.13.3. Difficulties using additional administrative sources not currently used
Resistance to change caused by a general lack of trust in the quality of the sourceThe final validated data in the source would not be in time to meet statistical deadlines or would relate to a period which does not coincide with the reference period
18.1.14. Innovative approaches
The information on the innovative approaches and the quality methods applied is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: Additional data - Eurostat (europa.eu).
18.2. Frequency of data collection
The agricultural census is conducted every 10 years. The decennial agricultural census is complemented by sample or census-based data collections organised every 3-4 years in-between.
18.3. Data collection
See sub-categories below.
18.3.1. Methods of data collection
Postal, non-electronic versionPostal, electronic version (email)
Use of Internet
18.3.2. Data entry method, if paper questionnaires
Manual18.3.3. Questionnaire
Please find the questionnaire in annex.
Due to the availability of different administrative data from the regions, two forms were established. One for the Flemish agricultural holdings and one for the Walloon agricultural holdings.
Annexes:
18.3.3 Questionnaire in English
18.3.3 Questionnaire in French
18.3.3 Questionnaire in Dutch
18.3.3 Questionnaire in German
18.4. Data validation
See sub-categories below.
18.4.1. Type of validation checks
Completeness checksRouting checks
Relational checks
Comparisons with previous rounds of the data collection
18.4.2. Staff involved in data validation
Supervisors18.4.3. Tools used for data validation
Blaise and SAS
18.5. Data compilation
See information in next items
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Imputation rate for some variables:
- TNG_MAN (agricultural training of the farm manager) = 17.6%
- FLF_ND (farm labour force, not directly employed by the farm) = 2.78%
- UAAT_IB (UAA - outdoor - irrigable) = 15.41%
- A2300F (dairy cows) = 11.10%
These imputation rates are unweighted.
18.5.2. Methods used to derive the extrapolation factor
Calibration18.6. Adjustment
Covered under Data compilation.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable to Integrated Farm Statistics, because it collects structural data on agriculture.
See sub-categories below.
19.1. List of abbreviations
AWU – Annual Working Unit
CAP – Common Agricultural Policy
CORE – General, crops and livestock variables of Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
EU – European Union
FADN – Farm Accountancy Data Network
FASFC – Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain
FPS – Federal Public Service
IACS – Integrated Administration and Control System
ICT – Information and communications technology
IFS – Integrated Farm Statistics
LAFO – Labour force and other gainful activities
LSU – Livestock unit
MIRR – Module 'Irrigation'
MMEQ – Module 'Machinery and equipment'
MORC – Module 'Orchards'
MSMP – Module 'Soil management practices'
NUTS – Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics
RDEV – Rural development
SGM – Standard Gross Margin
SME – Self-employed and Energy
SO – Standard output
SPW-ARNE – Public Service of Wallonia – Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment
Statbel – Belgian statistical office
UAA – Utilised agricultural area
19.2. Additional comments
No additional comments.
The data describe the structure of agricultural holdings providing the general characteristics of farms and farmers and information on their land, livestock and labour force. They also describe production methods, rural development measures and agro-environmental aspects that look at the impact of agriculture on the environment.
The data are used by public, researchers, farmers and policy-makers to better understand the state of the farming sector and the impact of agriculture on the environment. The data follow up the changes in the agricultural sector and provide a basis for decision-making in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other European Union policies.
The statistical unit is the agricultural holding (farm). The aggregated results are disseminated through statistical tables. The data are presented at different geographical levels and over periods.
The data collections are organised in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and have a new structure, consisting of a core data set and several modules. The regulation covers the data collections in 2019/2020 (the agricultural census), 2023 and 2026. The data are as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.
16 January 2026
The list of core variables is set in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
The descriptions of the core variables as well as the lists and descriptions of the variables for the modules collected in 2023 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286.
The following groups of variables are collected in 2023:
- for core: location of the holding, legal personality of the holding, manager, type of tenure of the utilised agricultural area, variables of land, organic farming, irrigation on cultivated outdoor area, variables of livestock, organic production methods applied to animal production;
- for the module "Labour force and other gainful activities": farm management, family labour force, non-family labour force, other gainful activities directly and not directly related to the agricultural holding;
- for the module "Rural development": support received by agricultural holdings through various rural development measures;
- for the module “Irrigation”: availability of irrigation, irrigation methods, sources of irrigation water, technical parameters of the irrigation equipment, crops irrigated during a 12 months period;
- for the module “Soil management practices”: tillage methods, soil cover on arable land, crop rotation on arable land, ecological focus area;
- for the module “Machinery and equipment”: internet facilities, basic machinery, use of precision farming, machinery for livestock management, storage for agricultural products, equipment used for production of renewable energy on agricultural holdings;
- for the module “Orchards”: apples area, pears area, each one by age of plantation and density of trees.
See sub-category below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See categories below.
Two kinds of units are generally used:
- the units of measurement for the variables (area in hectares, livestock in (1000) heads or LSU (livestock units), labour force in persons or AWU (annual working units), standard output in Euro, places for animal housing etc.) and
- the number of agricultural holdings having these characteristics.
See information in next items
See sub-categories below.
In Belgium, farm structure statistics are published on an annual basis. These publications include the number of farms by size, crop production and livestock at different geographical levels.
Data on topics such as labour force and organic farming are only published for the years in which an Integrated Farm Statistics (IFS) survey is conducted, every 3-4 years.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
