1.1. Contact organisation
Statistics Estonia
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Economic and Environmental Statistics Department
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Tatari 51, 10134 Tallinn, Estonia
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
2 October 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
6 March 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
2 October 2024
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 “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.
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.
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”
Not applicable for our country, according to Article 7(7) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
3.6.5. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Soil management practices”
The same population of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.1.
3.6.6. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Orchard”
Not applicable for our country, according to 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
The main building for productionThe most important parcel by physical size
The residence of the farmer (manager) not further than 5 km straight from the farm
Other
3.7.4. Additional information reference area
Within criteria used to establish the geographical location of the holding, 'other' means the location which is reported by the holder (on the level of settlement) as the main location of the holding. This information is based on IACS and it is used as additional information while determining the geographical location of the holding.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Farm structure statistics in our country cover the period from 2001 onwards. Older time series are described in the previous quality reports (national methodological reports).
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 use of land refers to the reference year 2023. In the case of successive crops from the same piece of land, the land use refers to a crop that is harvested during the reference year, regardless of when the crop in question is sown.
5.2. Reference period for variables on irrigation and soil management practices
The 12-month period ending on 1 September within the reference year 2023.
5.3. Reference day for variables on livestock and animal housing
The reference day is 1 September within the reference year 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 1 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 is 1 September 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
Official Statistics Act
Government Regulation "List of Statistical Activities of Statistics Estonia for 2023-2027"
6.1.3. Link to national legal acts and other agreements
- Riigiteataja website.
- Riigiteataja website (in Estonian).
6.1.4. Year of entry into force of national legal acts and other agreements
Official Statistics Act - 2010
Government Regulation "List of Statistical Activities of Statistics Estonia for 2023-2027" - 2023
6.1.5. Legal obligations for respondents
Yes6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Subsection 28 (4) of Official Statistics Act: At the request of a producer of official statistics, controllers of databases shall submit the data collected in the administrative records and databases specified in subsection 29 (1) of this Act.
Section 29 of Official Statistics Act. Use of administrative records and databases
(1) Upon the performance of statistical activities, a producer of official statistics shall primarily use data collected in administrative records and databases as well as data generated or collected in the course of the activities of state and local government authorities, legal persons in public law and private law, if such data allow the performance of statistical activities complying with the quality criteria of official statistics.
(2) A producer of official statistics has the right to make proposals for amending the composition of data and the classifications used in the administrative records and databases, if the coverage of data and the composition, level of detail and quality of data in the administrative records and databases do not allow the production of official statistics complying with the quality criteria of official statistics.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Data that permit direct or indirect identification of a statistical unit, thereby disclosing individual information, are confidential data.
The treatment of confidential data is regulated by the Procedure for Protection of Data Collected and Processed by Statistics Estonia.
The producer of official statistics disseminates data collected for the production of official statistics for public use only in a form that precludes the possibility of direct or indirect identification of a statistical unit.
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)Dominance rule (The n largest contributions make up for more than k% of the cell total)
Secondary confidentiality rules
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
The data are published and transmitted without characteristics that permit identification of respondents, and are classified into groups of at least three holdings. Also, the data are not published if the share of data relating to a particular holding in the aggregate data is too high.
7.2.2. Microdata
See sub-categories below.
7.2.2.1. Use of EU methodology for microdata dissemination
No7.2.2.2. Methods of perturbation
Removal of variables7.2.2.3. Description of methodology
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in sections 34 and 35 of the Official Statistics Act.
Scientists can, under special contracts, use confidential microdata for research purposes at the safe centre on Statistics Estonia's premises or through remote access. They can make the analysis but only an employee of Statistics Estonia can send the research results to the user's e-mail address after the disclosure control has been performed.
8.1. Release calendar
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on the website.
8.2. Release calendar access
8.3. Release policy - user access
All users have been granted equal access to official statistics: the dissemination dates of official statistics are announced in advance and no user category is provided access to official statistics before other users. Official statistics are first published in the statistical database. If there is also a news release, it is published simultaneously with data in the statistical database. Official statistics are available on the website at 8:00 a.m. on the date announced in the release calendar.
8.3.1. Use of quality rating system
Yes, the EU quality rating system8.3.1.1. Description of the quality rating system
The methodology is described in the EU handbook.
Data are disseminated at the national level 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
Stat website - Utilised-agricultural-area-holding-estonia-one-biggest-europe.
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
The online data tables of the Farm Structure Survey / Integrated Farm Survey were used 2,667 times during the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
10.3.2. Accessibility of online database
Yes10.3.3. Link to online database
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
See sub-category below.
10.4.1. Accessibility of microdata
Yes10.5. Dissemination format - other
The data serve as input for other statistical activities, such as Crop Production and Economic Accounts for Agriculture.
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
Yes10.6.3. Title, publisher, year and link to national reference metadata
The quality report is published on Eurostat's webpage. ESMS metadata are published at Stat website - Methodology-and-quality.
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
The quality report is delivered to Eurostat.
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
Designated quality manager, quality unit and/or senior level committee
Compliance monitoring
Self-assessment
11.1.3. Description of the quality management system and procedures
Statistics Estonia is guided by the requirements stipulated in section 7 “Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics” of the Official Statistics Act.
Statistics Estonia performs all statistical activities according to an international model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process; this information can take many forms, including feedback from users, process metadata, system metrics and suggestions from employees. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality problems related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.
11.1.4. Improvements in quality procedures
Validation rules will be improved, as well as the software for describing questionnaires.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
In general, the data quality is good.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Eurostat performs the consultations with EU-level and international users. At the national level, the main user of these data is the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. The Ministry of the Climate is also a user of environment-related data.
12.1.1. Main groups of variables collected only for national purposes
The national characteristics are mostly not used in this survey. Still, land use data are collected in more detail than required by the IFS legislation in order to fulfil the requirements of crop statistics legislation. The sown areas of the following crops were surveyed: separately, winter wheat and spring wheat (instead of CLND 004), winter barley and spring barley (instead of CLND 007), field peas and field beans (instead of CLND 015), winter rape and turnip rape and spring rape and turnip rape (instead of CLND 022), fresh vegetables outdoor or under low protective cover and strawberries outdoor or under low protective cover (instead of CLND 043), black fallow and green fallow (instead of CLND 049). These characteristics were added as they are required by Regulation (EC) No 543/2009. The reason is that it is not possible to request the data twice – separately for the IFS and then in more detail for the Crop Production Survey.
12.1.2. Unmet user needs
There is no information about unmet user needs.
12.1.3. Plans for satisfying unmet user needs
Not applicable.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Statistics Estonia conducts reputation and user satisfaction surveys.
12.2.1. User satisfaction survey
Yes12.2.2. Year of user satisfaction survey
2021
12.2.3. Satisfaction level
Satisfied12.3. 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 europa website.
13.2.2. Reasons for non-compliant precision requirements in relation to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
We do not have cases where estimated RSEs are above threshold.
13.2.3. Reference on method of estimation
Information about the method used for the estimation of relative errors is presented in the annex.
Annexes:
13.2.3. Formulas_EE
13.2.4. Impact of sampling error on data quality
Low13.3. 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 europa website.
- 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 periodCeased activities
Merged to another unit
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 unitsOther
13.3.1.1.3. Additional information over-coverage error
Units in take-all strata were surveyed as a census, no re-weighting was used and, therefore, ineligible units were just not taken into account when calculating totals.
All other strata were surveyed through a sample, ineligible units were also not taken into account and weights of all units were recalculated considering the corrected population.
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
Under-coverage is estimated to be very low as the quality of the statistical farm register is good (most units are registered in administrative registers).
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)
Units with outdated information in the frame (variables below thresholds in the frame but above thresholds in the reference period)13.3.1.3.3. Actions to minimise the under-coverage error
Under-coverage is estimated to be very low as the statistical farm register is regularly updated on the basis of many sources.
13.3.1.3.4. Additional information under-coverage error
Not available.
13.3.1.4. Misclassification error
Yes13.3.1.4.1. Actions to minimise the misclassification error
The misclassification error is estimated to be low as all stratification variables are updated before compiling the survey frame.
13.3.1.5. Contact error
Yes13.3.1.5.1. Actions to minimise the contact error
The contact error was low as contact data were updated before data collection on the basis of many sources.
13.3.1.6. Impact of coverage error on data quality
Low13.3.2. Measurement error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.2.1. List of variables mostly affected by measurement errors
The most difficult question was MMEQ 029 "Storage of seeds (cereals, oilseeds and pulses)". The reason is that holders do not have information about these quantities, and if they try to give an estimate, these estimations may not be accurate. The largest storages were checked through additional phone calls to holders. The data were checked also on the aggregated level.
Questions related to soil management practices (from MSMP 002 to MSMP 009) are also difficult due to the necessary exclusions and inclusions.
Information about other major measurement errors is not known. The questionnaires were carefully designed, they were in the electronic format and included several arithmetical and logical checks. The majority of the information was collected by trained interviewers.
13.3.2.2. Causes of measurement errors
Complexity of variables13.3.2.3. Actions to minimise the measurement error
Pre-testing questionnairePre-filled questions
Explanatory notes or handbooks for enumerators or respondents
On-line FAQ or Hot-line support for enumerators or respondents
Training of enumerators
Other
13.3.2.4. Impact of measurement error on data quality
Low13.3.2.5. Additional information measurement error
Several validation rules are used during data collection and data processing in order to minimise the risk of measurement errors.
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 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
Failure to make contact with the unitRefusal to participate
Inability to participate (e.g. illness, absence)
13.3.3.1.2. Actions to minimise or address unit non-response
Follow-up interviewsReminders
Imputation
Weighting
13.3.3.1.3. Unit non-response analysis
The unit non-response rate was very low and no special analysis was made.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Item non-responses cannot exist as only electronic questionnaires were used and they were designed so that it was not possible to proceed without answering the necessary questions.
13.3.3.2.1. Variables with the highest item non-response rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2.2. Reasons for item non-response
Not applicable13.3.3.2.3. Actions to minimise or address item non-response
None13.3.3.3. Impact of non-response error on data quality
None13.3.3.4. Additional information non-response error
Not available.
13.3.4. Processing error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.4.1. Sources of processing errors
None13.3.4.2. Imputation methods
Nearest neighbour imputationPrevious data for the same unit
Other
13.3.4.3. Actions to correct or minimise processing errors
Due to several arithmetical and logical checks, it is practically impossible for processing errors to exist in the data.
13.3.4.4. Tools and staff authorised to make corrections
Only specialists from the Data Acquisition and Processing Department and the Economic and Environmental Statistics Department, who were directly involved in data processing, were authorised to make corrections.
13.3.4.5. Impact of processing error on data quality
Low13.3.4.6. Additional information processing error
Units take-all-stratums were imputed if their lands or livestock were registered in administrative registers. So the most important information used during imputation was the data on crops and livestock (of the same unit) available from the administrative register.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
See sub-categories below.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
All results were released on 13 February 2024, i.e. about 1.5 month from the last day of the reference year.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
All results were released on 13 February 2024, i.e. about 1.5 month from the last day of the reference year. Still, the results will be final only after their final acceptance by Eurostat.
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
Data are published according to the planned timetable.
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
There are no differences in the definition of an agricultural holding when compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.1.2.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.1.3.1. Proofs that the EU coverage requirements are met
While compiling the frame, the threshold of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 was used. It means that the smallest units were not covered. Approximately 0.7% of utilized agricultural area and 0.1% of livestock units were not covered.
15.1.3.2. Differences between the national thresholds and the thresholds used for the data sent to Eurostat
There are no differences between the national threshold and the threshold of agricultural holdings used for the data sent to Eurostat. Still, within the module "Soil management practices", the topics "Drainage on the agricultural holdings" and "Ecological focus areas" covered all holdings, not only those with arable land.
15.1.3.3. Reasons for differences
The reason for differences in the coverage of the topics "Drainage on the agricultural holdings" and "Ecological focus areas" is that these variables exist also in holdings without arable land.
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 are no deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and the 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 europa website.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 national livestock coefficients are used.
15.1.4.1.5. Livestock included in “Other livestock n.e.c.”
There are no differences between the types of livestock included under the heading “Other livestock n.e.c.” and the types of livestock that should be included according to the EU handbook.
15.1.4.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.5. Reference periods/days
See sub-categories below.
15.1.5.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
In case of reference periods/days, there are no deviations from 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 national standards and rules for certification of organic products that deviate 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 across regions within the country.
15.2. Comparability - over time
See sub-categories below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
2
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 some changes but not enough to warrant the designation of a break in series15.2.3.2. Description of changes
Compared to 2020, EE added the threshold W1000T of 0,1 ha in 2023.
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 no changes15.2.6.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
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
Evolution of main aggregates for quantitative variables
CROPS
The data on agricultural crops is based on administrative data (prefilled into the questionnaires).
Changes in the areas of agricultural crops from year to year depend on market conditions and, to some extent, on crop rotation restrictions for certain crops and fallow land.
Weather such as rain and hail can damage cereals and legumes, which are then mown for green fodder, thus altering the production structure.
The decrease in the area of kitchen gardens is proportional to the decrease in the number of farms managed by natural persons, and the reduction in other permanent crops is due to the closure of the main Christmas tree grower in Estonia.
LIVESTOCK
The data on livestock is also primarily based on administrative data (also prefilled into the questionnaires). Livestock farming also depends on market conditions and may vary from year to year.
Overall, livestock farming (in terms of livestock units) has decreased by 5.5%, but for certain types of animals and poultry, the reduction may be significantly larger.
LABOUR FORCE and other gainful activities
Other gainful activities and the number of family members involved in labour force are only surveyed in holdings managed by the natural persons, and thus their decline can be explained by the decrease in the number of holdings of natural persons.
Data about rural supports, including support for organic farming (RDEV_29_11) covers three previous years. These holdings have finished organic farming, but they were active in previous years and received also organic farming supports. It was the first year when our organic farming area decreased.
Both the decrease in the total number of agricultural holdings and the increase in the number of FARM_HLD and (PER_LEG_EG + PER_LEG_NEG) holdings have occurred on account of FARM_HLD_SPOUFAM holdings. The decrease in the number of holdings and the registration of natural persons’ holdings as legal persons’ holdings is a long-term trend.
Support for animal welfare (RDEV_33_14) also covers three previous years. These holdings have finished animal husbandry or they have horses which are not used for human consumption and not used as means of production (and therefore not covered under other animals).
EVOLUTION OF THE HOLDINGS BY LEGAL STATUS
There is a long-term trend of decrease in the number of holdings and the registration of natural persons’ holdings as legal persons’ holdings.
Both the 5.9% decrease in the total number of agricultural holdings and the increase in the number of FARM_HLD and (PER_LEG_EG + PER_LEG_NEG) holdings have occurred at the exenses of FARM_HLD_SPOUFAM holdings.
15.2.9. Maintain of statistical identifiers over time
Partially15.3. 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
Yes15.3.3.2. Results of analysis at micro level
IFS micro level data were compared to the other data collections in agriculture, namely “Annual Crop Statistics” and “Animal Production Statistics”. The reasons for differences were as follows:
a) related to the differences in units (in IFS, parts of units may be merged);
b) differences with animal production statistics occurred due to the different reference dates.
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
CROPS production, IFS vs Annual crops statistics
The data on agricultural crops is based mainly on administrative data (prefilled into the questionnaires). This is a comparison of data from different years, and they may vary. According to IFS data, the area of fallow land in 2020 was less than 10 000 hectares. Additionally, the area of fallow land is relatively small, which is why the percentage changes are significant.
ANIMAL production: IFS vs Anuimals statistics
The data on livestock is mainly based on administrative data (prefilled into the questionnaires). This involves data from different periods: IFS data is as of September 1, while the livestock data is as of December 31, and the number of piglets may change during that time.
ORGANIC production IFS vs Organic statistics
The data on organic livestock is based on administrative data. In addition to comparing data from different years, the main difference is that the organic livestock database contains only the number of fully converted certified organic livestock, while the IFS data includes the number of certified organic livestock both under conversion and fully converted.
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
Detailed data about crops were collected in order to avoid duplicate data collection in the Crop Production Survey.
In order to reduce costs, all holdings could provide their data electronically. In order to reduce the burden, administrative data were used as much as possible.
16.2. Efficiency gains since the last data transmission to Eurostat
Further automation16.2.1. Additional information efficiency gains
Efficiency gains are related to new validation and processing rules as well as output tables which were compiled by using R software.
16.3. Average duration of farm interview (in minutes)
See sub-categories below.
16.3.1. Core
The average duration of collection of the IFS 2023 questionnaire was 38 minutes. There is no information about the separate durations for core and modules.
16.3.2. Module ‘Labour force and other gainful activities‘
The average duration of collection of the IFS 2023 questionnaire was 38 minutes. There is no information about the separate duration for core and modules.
16.3.3. Module ‘Rural development’
Not relevant (data were collected from the administrative register).
16.3.4. Module ‘Animal housing and manure management’
Restricted from publication
16.3.5. Module ‘Irrigation’
Not applicable.
16.3.6. Module ‘Soil management practices’
The average duration of collection of the IFS 2023 questionnaire was 38 minutes. There is no information about the separate duration for core and modules.
16.3.7. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’
The average duration of collection of the IFS 2023 questionnaire was 38 minutes. There is no information about the separate duration for core and modules.
16.3.8. Module ‘Orchard’
Not applicable.
16.3.9. Module ‘Vineyard’
Restricted from publication
17.1. Data revision - policy
There are no planned revisions of published data.
17.2. Data revision - practice
There are no planned revisions of published data.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
Annexes:
18. Timetable of statistical process
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
Continuous18.1.2. Core data collection on the main frame
See sub-categories below.
18.1.2.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Sample18.1.2.2. Sampling design
One-stage stratified random sampling of agricultural holdings (a probability sampling design) was used.
18.1.2.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.2.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit specialization
Other
18.1.2.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.2.2.4. Full coverage strata
The full coverage stratum included holdings with a large economic size and holdings with rare types of farming. The full coverage stratum is compiled first and these holdings are excluded from the part that is further stratified for the sampling.
Within the full coverage strata were holdings with: a) SO >= 100,000 euros; b) farming types 2 and 3 and SO >= 25,000 euros; c) farming type 5 and SO >= 4,000 euros; d) farming type 9; e) new holdings.
18.1.2.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
The sample size was 4,578. It was determined based on the expected rate of active holdings, the data collection method and required variables.
18.1.2.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Proportional allocation18.1.3. 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
Sample18.1.4.2. Sampling design
The stratification variables were standard output, type of farming and type of production (organic/conventional), same as in FSS 2016.
18.1.4.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.4.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit specialization
Other
18.1.4.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.4.2.4. Full coverage strata
The full coverage stratum included holdings with a large economic size and holdings with rare types of farming. The full coverage stratum is compiled first and these holdings are excluded from the part that is further stratified for the sampling.
Within the full coverage strata were holdings with: a) SO >= 100,000 euros; b) farming types 2 and 3 and SO >= 25,000 euros; c) farming type 5 and SO >= 4,000 euros; d) farming type 9; e) new holdings.
18.1.4.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
The sample size was 4,578. It was determined based on the expected rate of active holdings, the data collection method and required variables.
18.1.4.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Proportional allocation18.1.4.2.7. 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
Sample18.1.5.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.5.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit specialization
Other
18.1.5.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.5.2.4. Full coverage strata
The full coverage stratum included holdings with a large economic size and holdings with rare types of farming. The full coverage stratum is compiled first and these holdings are excluded from the part that is further stratified for the sampling.
Within the full coverage strata were holdings with: a) SO >= 100,000 euros; b) farming types 2 and 3 and SO >= 25,000 euros; c) farming type 5 and SO >= 4,000 euros; d) farming type 9; e) new holdings.
18.1.5.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
The sample size was 4,578. It was determined based on the expected rate of active holdings, the data collection method and required variables.
18.1.5.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Proportional allocation18.1.5.2.7. 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
Not applicable18.1.7.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.7.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.7.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.7.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.7.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.7.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.7.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.7.2.7. 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
One-stage stratified random sampling of agricultural holdings (a probability sampling design) was used.
18.1.8.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.8.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit specialization
Other
18.1.8.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.8.2.4. Full coverage strata
The full coverage stratum included holdings with a large economic size and holdings with rare types of farming. The full coverage stratum is compiled first and these holdings are excluded from the part that is further stratified for the sampling.
Within the full coverage strata were holdings with: a) SO >= 100,000 euros; b) farming types 2 and 3 and SO >= 25,000 euros; c) farming type 5 and SO >= 4,000 euros; d) farming type 9; e) new holdings.
18.1.8.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
The sample size was 4,578. It was determined based on the expected rate of active holdings, the data collection method and required variables.
18.1.8.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Proportional allocation18.1.8.2.7. 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
One-stage stratified random sampling of agricultural holdings (a probability sampling design) was used.
18.1.9.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.9.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit specialization
Other
18.1.9.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.9.2.4. Full coverage strata
The full coverage stratum included holdings with a large economic size and holdings with rare types of farming. The full coverage stratum is compiled first and these holdings are excluded from the part that is further stratified for the sampling.
Within the full coverage strata were holdings with: a) SO >= 100,000 euros; b) farming types 2 and 3 and SO >= 25,000 euros; c) farming type 5 and SO >= 4,000 euros; d) farming type 9; e) new holdings.
18.1.9.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
The sample size was 4,578. It was determined based on the expected rate of active holdings, the data collection method and required variables.
18.1.9.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Proportional allocation18.1.9.2.7. 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
Not applicable18.1.10.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.10.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.10.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.10.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.10.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.10.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.10.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.10.2.7. 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
The software tool used for sample selection was R.
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
None18.1.14. 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
Telephone, electronic versionUse of Internet
18.3.2. Data entry method, if paper questionnaires
Not applicable18.3.3. Questionnaire
Please find the questionnaire in annex.
Annexes:
18.3.3. Questionnaire in English
18.3.3. Questionnaire in Estonian
18.4. Data validation
See sub-categories below.
18.4.1. Type of validation checks
Data format checksCompleteness checks
Range checks
Relational checks
Comparisons with previous rounds of the data collection
Comparisons with other domains in agricultural statistics
18.4.2. Staff involved in data validation
InterviewersSupervisors
Staff from central department
18.4.3. Tools used for data validation
Validation rules were used in the questionnaires and within special data processing software. Additional validations were done through special queries.
18.5. Data compilation
The weights of the module's sample were adjusted for non-response. Holdings outside the scope (over-coverage) were not taken into account.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
The unweighted imputation rate was 1.1%. The total number of agricultural holdings in the final sample was 4,578 and the number of units in the take-all strata that did not respond to the questionnaire was 49. While imputing data on land and animals, the current year’s administrative data on these holdings were used. The number of units reweighted was 133.
18.5.2. Methods used to derive the extrapolation factor
Non-response adjustment18.6. 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
CAP – Common Agricultural Policy
CAPI – Computer Assisted Personal Interview
CATI – Computer Assisted Telephone Interview
CAWI – Computer Assisted Web Interview
FSS – Farm Structure Survey
IACS – Integrated Administration and Control System
IFS – Integrated Farm Statistics
LSU – Livestock units
NACE – Nomenclature of Economic Activities
NUTS – Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics
PAPI – Paper and Pencil Interview
SO – Standard output
UAA – Utilised agricultural area
CAP – Common Agricultural Policy
CAPI – Computer Assisted Personal Interview
CATI – Computer Assisted Telephone Interview
CAWI – Computer Assisted Web Interview
FSS – Farm Structure Survey
IACS – Integrated Administration and Control System
IFS – Integrated Farm Statistics
LSU – Livestock units
NACE – Nomenclature of Economic Activities
NUTS – Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics
PAPI – Paper and Pencil Interview
SO – Standard output
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.
2 October 2024
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 “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.
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.
The weights of the module's sample were adjusted for non-response. Holdings outside the scope (over-coverage) were not taken into account.
See sub-categories below.
Data are disseminated at the national level every 3-4 years.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
