Farm structure (ef)

1.1. Contact organisation

Statistics Norway

1.2. Contact organisation unit

Division for property, housing, spatial and agricultural statistics

1.3. Contact name

Confidential because of GDPR

1.4. Contact person function

Confidential because of GDPR

1.5. Contact mail address

Postboks 1400 Rasta, 2225 Kongsvinger, Norway

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

24 April 2026

2.2. Metadata last posted

18 May 2026

2.3. Metadata last update

24 April 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 “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 holding.

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 or
• A.01.5: Mixed farming.

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.

Related to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, Article 2(a), there are three minor differences between the national definition and the EU definition of the holding. See items 15.1.2.1 and 15.1.2.2.

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

Yes

3.6.1.2. Lowered and/or additional thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091

No

3.6.2. 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. The module "Rural development" is not relevant in Norway. The rural development measures addressed in this module are governed by EU policies and funding and therefore, they do not apply to Norway.

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 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 whole mainland of Norway is covered. Agriculture does not exist in the islands Svalbard and Jan Mayen.

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 production

3.7.4. Additional information reference area

Not available.

3.8. Coverage - Time

Farm structure statistics in our country cover the period from 1999 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 12-month period ending on 31 December 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 30 September 2023.

5.3. Reference day for variables on livestock and animal housing

The reference day 1 October within the reference year 2023 for livestock variables. The variables on animal housing are not applicable in 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

Not applicable for Norway. The rural development measures are governed by EU policies and funding.

5.7. Reference day for all other variables

The reference day 1 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 act

6.1.2. Name of national legal acts and other agreements

The Statistics Act of 21 June 2019 No 32.

6.1.3. Link to national legal acts and other agreements

The Statistics Act (EN / NO)

6.1.4. Year of entry into force of national legal acts and other agreements

2019

6.1.5. Legal obligations for respondents

Yes

6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing

The Statistics Act of 21 June 2019 No 32, Section 10, states the right of Statistics Norway to collect data from administrative data systems. Statistics Norway has entered into contracts with all relevant organisations regarding delivery and quality of administrative data and holds annual meetings with these organisations. Metadata for important administrative sources are stored. This concerns characteristics, definitions, classifications, instructions, etc. The form of metadata is written documentation for each source, copies of forms and instructions.

7.1. Confidentiality - policy

The Statistics Act provides Statistics Norway's rights and obligations as a producer of statistics. Particularly related to confidentiality are:

Section 7. Statistical confidentiality in dissemination of official statistics

1. Official statistics shall be disseminated in such a manner that it is not possible to directly or indirectly identify a statistical unit and thus disclose individual data.
2. The first subsection shall not apply when the exception follows from an obligation to produce statistics pursuant to the EEA Agreement.
3. An exception may be made from the first subsection if the statistical unit is a public authority, and the interests of the public sector are protected. An exception may also be made from the first subsection if the statistical unit has granted consent or if the data are available to the public.

Section 8. Obligation of secrecy

1. Any person who performs or has performed work or services for Statistics Norway shall prevent third parties from gaining access to data on statistical units that have been collected for official statistics.
2. A corresponding duty of confidentiality shall apply to any person who performs or has performed work or services for a different public authority which is responsible for the development, production or dissemination of official statistics, when this concerns data that have been exclusively collected for such purposes.
3. The obligation of secrecy does not prevent data from being given to other authorities when such access follows from an obligation to produce statistics pursuant to the EEA Agreement.
4. The obligation of secrecy in relation to data on personal matters will lapse after 100 years. The obligation of secrecy in relation to other data will lapse after 60 years. In some cases, Statistics Norway may make an exception from the first and second sentences if there are special grounds for such.
5. Sections 13 to 13 e of the Public Administration Act do not apply to data that are collected for official statistics.

Section 12. Use of data

Statistics Norway may use data that have been provided voluntarily and pursuant to section 10 for the purposes of developing, producing and disseminating official statistics and for statistical results and analyses which the agency has an obligation to produce under other Acts.

Further guidelines are included in Statistics Norway’s internal safety manual. All Statistics Norway employees must sign a confidentiality agreement.

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

Table redesign (Collapsing rows and/or columns)
Cell suppression (Completely suppress the value of some cells)

7.2.1.3. Description of rules and methods

Due to the continuous fall in the number of agricultural holdings and increased specialisation at holding level, confidentiality is an increasing problem when disseminating agricultural statistics. Procedures applied are:

1. Aggregation of information, i.e., less detailed statistics
2. Suppression of cells based on less than three observations

7.2.2. Microdata

See sub-categories below.

7.2.2.1. Use of EU methodology for microdata dissemination

Yes

7.2.2.2. Methods of perturbation

Recoding of variables
Removal of variables
Reduction of information
Merging categories
Rounding
Micro-aggregation

7.2.2.3. Description of methodology

The methodology is described in the dedicated section of Eurostat's website.

8.1. Release calendar

There is no separate release calendar concerning IFS, but Statistics Norway has a statistics calendar with all upcoming releases and publications.

8.2. Release calendar access

The statistics calendar can be accessed from Statistics Norway's website (EN / NO) or directly via the 'Upcoming releases and publications' page (EN / NO).

8.3. Release policy - user access

The general data release policy for Statistics Norway is that no external users have access to statistics or analyses before they are announced in the statistics calendar and published available for everyone on its website at 08.00 (CET). This is one of Statistics Norway’s key principles for ensuring that all users are treated equally. The media is never given access to statistics or analyses prior to their release. This release policy also applies to Integrated Farm Statistics. The complete principles for equal treatment of users in releasing statistics and analyses, and a few limited exceptions i.e. advance access for external users, can be found on the 'Principles for equal treatment of users in releasing statistics and analyses' page.

8.3.1. Use of quality rating system

No

8.3.1.1. Description of the quality rating system

Not applicable.

Core data derived from administrative sources are disseminated annually. Module data as well as core variables derived from surveys are disseminated according to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, i.e. every 3-4 years.

10.1. Dissemination format - News release

See sub-categories below.

10.1.1. Publication of news releases

Yes

10.1.2. Link to news releases

Stabil nedgang i arbeidsinnsats i jordbruket (Steady decline in agricultural labour input)

Mange jordbruksbedrifter driv med tilleggsnæringar (Many agricultural holdings engage in other gainful activities)

10.2. Dissemination format - Publications

See sub-categories below.

10.2.1. Production of paper publications

No

10.2.2. Production of on-line publications

No

10.2.3. Title, publisher, year and link

Not applicable.

10.3. Dissemination format - online database

See sub-categories below.

10.3.1. Data tables - consultations

The total number of accesses to data tables in 2024 is:

• Structure of agriculture (the population of agricultural holdings): 5 900
• Sample Survey of Agriculture: 600

10.3.2. Accessibility of online database

Yes

10.3.3. Link to online database

Structure of agriculture (the population of agricultural holdings): Holdings, agricultural area and livestock (EN / NO)

Sample Survey of Agriculture: Sample survey of agriculture and forestry (EN / NO)

10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

See sub-category below.

10.4.1. Accessibility of microdata

Yes

10.5. 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

No

10.6.3. Title, publisher, year and link to national reference metadata

Not applicable.

10.6.4. Availability of national handbook on methodology

No

10.6.5. Title, publisher, year and link to handbook

Not applicable.

10.6.6. Availability of national methodological papers

No

10.6.7. Title, publisher, year and link to methodological papers

Not applicable.

10.7. Quality management - documentation

Not available.

11.1. Quality assurance

See sub-categories below.

11.1.1. Quality management system

No

11.1.2. Quality assurance and assessment procedures

None

11.1.3. Description of the quality management system and procedures

Not applicable.

11.1.4. Improvements in quality procedures

Not applicable.

11.2. Quality management - assessment

Not available.

12.1. Relevance - User Needs

The main groups of users are authorities involved in agriculture at national and regional level, the farmers' associations and research institutions. The main groups of variables are used for monitoring the development in agriculture, e.g., related to the distribution of holdings, different crops and livestock by region, amount of farm work and work in OGA both on and off the holding. This information may result in changes in agricultural policy.

12.1.1. Needs at national level

Characteristics surveyed only for national purposes:

• Man-hours in forestry on the holding for labour force directly employed by the holding
• Man-hours in OGA on the holding for labour force directly employed by the holding
• Non-family labour employed on a non-regular basis by gender
• Farm work by persons not directly employed by the holding distributed by kind of work
• Other gainful activities of the holding: there are three more categories than listed in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091. Some of them are out of scope for IFS:
• Rental of agricultural land
• Cultivation and sales of Christmas trees and greenery
• Fur farming

12.1.2. Unmet user needs

Important user needs are met. Needs prioritised lower by the users are considered to be included in future surveys depending on response burden and internal resources.

12.1.3. Plans for satisfying unmet user needs

Not applicable.

12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction

In advance, an advisory committee with participation from important users was consulted regarding topics and variables to include in the survey in order to satisfy national user needs.

12.2.1. User satisfaction survey

No

12.2.2. Year of user satisfaction survey

Not applicable.

12.2.3. Satisfaction level

Not applicable

12.3. 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 are a few cases where estimated RSEs are above thresholds: for "Piglets live weight of under 20 kg and other pigs" (A3110_3130_LSU) and "Live poultry excluding cocks and chicks of chicken" (A5000X5120_5130_LSU) in region NO0A. In Norway, units with swine and poultry are classified in the same farm type. Stratifying the IFS sample based on farm type results in large variation in numbers for these animals within strata, as the same farms rarely have both swine and poultry. For the upcoming surveys, we will increase the number of holdings drawn in these strata and possibly split the farm type if necessary.

13.2.3. Reference on method of estimation

RSEs were calculated using the ReGenesees package in R. Documentation of the package is available at ReGenesees' website.

13.2.4. Impact of sampling error on data quality

Low

13.3. 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 period

13.3.1.1.2. Actions to minimize the over-coverage error

None

13.3.1.1.3. 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

The population of agricultural holdings does not seem to have significant under-coverage.

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)

New births
New units derived from split

13.3.1.3.3. Actions to minimise the under-coverage error

The bulk of the holdings are applying governmental production subsidies and hence subject to thorough checks organised by the Norwegian Agricultural Authority. The status of the additional holdings is more uncertain. This sub-population is based on data from different registers. It is rather easy to identify that some activity has taken place during the calendar year 2023, while it is rather difficult to prove whether the holding was active at the survey date (1 October), had stopped farming before that date or had started farming later. Furthermore, for some of these holdings it is difficult to estimate an accurate agricultural area by crop and the number of different livestock categories. Various checks were done to avoid such an error.

13.3.1.3.4. Additional information under-coverage error

Not available.

13.3.1.4. Misclassification error

No

13.3.1.4.1. Actions to minimise the misclassification error

Not applicable.

13.3.1.5. Contact error

No

13.3.1.5.1. Actions to minimise the contact error

Not applicable.

13.3.1.6. Impact of coverage error on data quality

Unknown

13.3.2. Measurement error

See sub-categories below.

13.3.2.1. List of variables mostly affected by measurement errors

• WH_HLD_AWU_PC Working hours by holder - % band Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_M_PC1T24 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Male - 1-24% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_M_PC25T49 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Male - 25-49% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_M_PC50T74 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Male - 50-74% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_M_PC75T99 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Male - 75-99% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_M_PC100 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Male - 100% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_F_PC1T24 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Female - 1-24% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_F_PC25T49 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Female - 25-49% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_F_PC50T74 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Female - 50-74% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_F_PC75T99 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Female - 75-99% Annual work unit (AWU)
• FLF_D_RFAM_F_PC100 Family farm labour force directly employed by the farm on a regular basis - Female - 100% Annual work unit (AWU)

13.3.2.2. Causes of measurement errors

Complexity of variables
Respondents’ inability to provide accurate answers

13.3.2.3. Actions to minimise the measurement error

Pre-testing questionnaire
Pre-filled questions
Explanatory notes or handbooks for enumerators or respondents
On-line FAQ or Hot-line support for enumerators or respondents

13.3.2.4. Impact of measurement error on data quality

Low

13.3.2.5. Additional information measurement error

Serious systematic measurement errors are neither discovered in the questionnaires nor during the editing process. Nevertheless, some characteristics are difficult to answer accurately for the respondents. This particularly concerns the amount of work carried out by holder, spouse/cohabitant of holder and family members. There is great variation in the amount of work carried out by the labour force on holdings and thus it is difficult to assess, and possibly correct information reported. The editing process included checks to detect obvious errors. Total farm work was compared with farm type and size of the holding. Extremely high or low values (outliers) were corrected. Extremely high values (outliers) of the aggregate of farm work, work related to OGA and other work per person were corrected.

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 participate
Inability to participate (e.g. illness, absence)

13.3.3.1.2. Actions to minimise or address unit non-response

Reminders
Legal actions

13.3.3.1.3. Unit non-response analysis

Out of the gross sample of 6 526 units, 531 did not respond at all or the questionnaire was filled in so poorly that the information was useless. Reasons for non-response have not been investigated. The most probable reason is that some respondents are generally unwilling to complete questionnaires. Furthermore, non-respondents have not been analysed with respect to survey variables.

13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate

The item non-response rates are not calculated. Item non-responses were relatively low on most questions due to validation checks and mandatory completion checks in the electronic questionnaire. In some cases where the initial question was answered incorrectly, no further questions were opened.

13.3.3.2.1. Variables with the highest item non-response rate

Not available.

13.3.3.2.2. Reasons for item non-response

Refusal
Skip of due question

13.3.3.2.3. Actions to minimise or address item non-response

Reminders

13.3.3.3. Impact of non-response error on data quality

Unknown

13.3.3.4. Additional information non-response error

Not available.

13.3.4. Processing error

See sub-categories below.

13.3.4.1. Sources of processing errors

None

13.3.4.2. Imputation methods

None

13.3.4.3. Actions to correct or minimise processing errors

Not applicable.

13.3.4.4. Tools and staff authorised to make corrections

Data were checked and edited using a general data editing software application called DYNAREV, developed in Statistics Norway. Only staff at Statistics Norway involved in the IFS Sample Survey were authorised to make corrections.

13.3.4.5. Impact of processing error on data quality

None

13.3.4.6. 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 population of agricultural holdings 2023: release of preliminary statistics on 16 February 2024, i.e. 1 month, 16 days.

The IFS Sample Survey: release of preliminary statistics on 14 March 2024, i.e. 2 months, 14 days.

14.1.2. Time lag - final result

The population of agricultural holdings 2023: release of final statistics on 26 November 2024, i.e. 10 months, 26 days.

The IFS Sample Survey: release of final statistics on 16 October 2024, i.e. 9 months, 16 days.

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

The publications were done on the planned dates.

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

Related to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, Article 2(a), there are three minor differences between the national definition and the EU definition of the holding.

The Norwegian definition:

• excludes cultivation of Christmas trees (NACE, class 01.29);
• excludes holdings exclusively maintaining agricultural land in good agricultural and environmental condition (NACE, class 01.61);
• excludes holdings exclusively raising animals for the production of fur.

15.1.2.2. Reasons for deviations

• Excluding cultivation of Christmas trees (NACE, class 01.29): According to Norwegian legislation, area for cultivation of Christmas trees is defined as forest area (even if the area has been agricultural land before planting of Christmas trees).
• Excluding holdings exclusively maintaining agricultural land in good agricultural and environmental condition (NACE, class 01.61): There is no subsidy scheme for such agricultural land in Norway. Thus, the area is included in unutilised agricultural land.
• Excluding holdings exclusively raising animals for the production of fur: Holdings with only fur animals are not included in our data collection because they do not meet the thresholds.

15.1.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings

See sub-categories below.

15.1.3.1. Proofs that the EU coverage requirements are met

Prior to the data collection, Statistics Norway got approval from Eurostat to raise specific thresholds, and provided Eurostat the numeric proofs mentioned in Article 3(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.

Statistics Norway annually establishes a population of agricultural holdings. Several data sources are used, the most important of which is the administrative data of holdings applying for national subsidies for agricultural land and livestock. The population is updated twice per year. However, greenhouse area is not included in the administrative source. Due to this, greenhouse areas are obtained from the yearly survey on horticultural production and supplemented by data from the Norwegian Gardeners Association. Other sources involved are the administrative data on slaughtered animals and the deliveries of grain, field peas, beans, lupins, rape and turnip rapeseeds.

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 equal to 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

No deviations.

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 differences. The coefficients used for calculating LSUs are the same as in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.

15.1.4.1.5. Livestock included in “Other livestock n.e.c.”

No differences between the types of livestock that we include 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

No differences.

15.1.5.2. Reasons for deviations

Not applicable.

15.1.6. Common land

The concept of common land does not exist

15.1.6.1. Collection of common land data

Not applicable

15.1.6.2. Reasons if common land exists and data are not collected

Not applicable.

15.1.6.3. Methods to record data on common land

Not applicable

15.1.6.4. Source of collected data on common land

Not applicable

15.1.6.5. 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 differences 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

No differences.

15.2. Comparability - over time

See sub-categories below.

15.2.1. Length of comparable time series

There have been no changes in time series since the Agricultural Census 2010, i.e. 13 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 changes

15.2.2.2. 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 changes

15.2.3.2. 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 changes

15.2.4.2. 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 changes

15.2.5.2. 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 changes

15.2.6.2. 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 changes

15.2.7.2. Description of changes

Not applicable.

15.2.8. Explanations for major trends of main variables compared to the last data transmission to Eurostat

The land and livestock data are correct. Some variables relate to products that are not commonly produced, so their values vary depending on the sample units selected.

The other gainful activities data are also correct. The observed changes between 2020 and 2023 reflect the shift from a census in 2020 to a sample survey in 2023. The opposite trend occurred between 2016 and 2020, when the 2016 data were based on a sample, while 2020 used a full census. For 2023, the likely explanation is a sampling bias towards larger units, as these holders are less frequently engaged in OGA_HLD_NRH (Other gainful activities not related to the holdings of the sole holders who are also managers). This bias may also contribute to the decline in FLF_D_RFAM_HLD_F (Female holders directly employed by the farm) and FLF_MANXGRP_F (Female farm managers, excluding group holdings).

15.2.9. Maintain of statistical identifiers over time

Yes

15.3. 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

No

15.3.3.2. Results of analysis at micro level

Variables already collected under other data collections are used directly in IFS. Thus, there is no need to analyse their coherence with those collections.

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

Yes

15.3.4.2. Results of analysis at macro level

Coherence cross-domain: IFS vs ORGANIC CROP PRODUCTION (hectares) in relative terms

There are few holdings with organic production, and these were not specifically targeted in the sample design, which may explain the observed differences.

Coherence cross-domain: IFS vs ORGANIC ANIMAL PRODUCTION (heads) in relative terms

There are few holdings with organic production, and these were not specifically targeted in the sample design, which may explain the observed differences.

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

At Statistics Norway there are no other questionnaire-based surveys with the same kind of questions as in the IFS.

However, other non-governmental research institutions may carry out surveys with equal or similar questions as Statistics Norway, e.g., the Institute for Rural and Regional Research conducts a trend survey in agriculture every second year. This survey includes to a certain degree the same kind of questions. Thus, because there is no direct coordination with other organisations, agricultural holdings may be asked the same questions more than once.

16.2. Efficiency gains since the last data transmission to Eurostat

None

16.2.1. Additional information efficiency gains

Not available.

16.3. Average duration of farm interview (in minutes)

See sub-categories below.

16.3.1. Core

Not available.

16.3.2. Module ‘Labour force and other gainful activities‘

Not available.

16.3.3. Module ‘Rural development’

Not relevant. The rural development measures addressed in this module are governed by EU policies and funding and therefore, they do not apply to Norway.

16.3.4. Module ‘Animal housing and manure management’

Restricted from publication

16.3.5. Module ‘Irrigation’

Not available.

16.3.6. Module ‘Soil management practices’

Not available.

16.3.7. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’

Not available.

16.3.8. Module ‘Orchard’

Not applicable (exemption from data collection).

16.3.9. Module ‘Vineyard’

Restricted from publication

17.1. Data revision - policy

Statistics Norway publishes both preliminary and final results of the Sample Survey of Agriculture 2023 as well as for the population of agricultural holdings. IFS data submitted to Eurostat are based on the final data.

Principles for revisions in Statistics Norway are available on Statistics Norway's website.

17.2. Data revision - practice

Both the population of agricultural holdings and the Sample Survey of Agriculture are disseminated as preliminary and final versions. 

Statistics Norway receives preliminary and final versions of the System of Governmental Production Subsidies. The preliminary data are used to:

• Present up to date statistics on holdings, crop areas, livestock, etc.
• Frame for population to the Sample Survey of Agriculture and other questionnaire-based surveys conducted by Statistics Norway.

The final data of the System of Governmental Production Subsidies and data from other administrative sources are used to establish the final version of the population of agricultural holdings. The population is used to:

• Present final statistics on holdings, crop areas, livestock, etc.
• Frame for adjusting the population from the preliminary version.

IFS data submitted to Eurostat are based on the final data for both the population of agricultural holdings and the Sample Survey of Agriculture.

The final data for IFS 2023 was published on 16 October 2024.

Data revision for 2023 IFS data is not planned.

17.2.1. Data revision - average size

Not requested.

18.1. Source data

See sub-categories below.

18.1.1. Source data - frame population

See sub-categories below.

18.1.1.1. Type of frame

List frame

18.1.1.2. Name of frame

The statistical population of agricultural holdings.

18.1.1.3. Update frequency

Annual

18.1.2. Core data collection on the main frame

See sub-categories below.

18.1.2.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Sample

18.1.2.2. Sampling design

The sample is based on a probability sampling design: one-stage stratified sample of holdings. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type, measurement size groups based on livestock units, the type of farming and NUTS 3 regions.

Within strata, samples are drawn using random sampling.

18.1.2.2.1. Name of sampling design

Stratified one-stage random sampling

18.1.2.2.2. Stratification criteria

Unit size
Unit location
Unit specialization

18.1.2.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

No

18.1.2.2.4. Full coverage strata

Three groups of full coverage strata:

• Holdings with greenhouses
• Holdings with animals, but without agricultural land
• The 3% largest holdings, not included in the previously mentioned groups, measured by agricultural land and livestock

18.1.2.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size

The sample size was determined to present reliable results for main characteristics at county level. Furthermore, resource constraints within Statistics Norway and respondent burden were also emphasised.

18.1.2.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size

Proportional allocation

18.1.3. Core data collection on the frame extension

See sub-categories below.

18.1.3.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Not applicable

18.1.3.2. Sampling design

Not applicable.

18.1.3.2.1. Name of sampling design

Not applicable

18.1.3.2.2. Stratification criteria

Not applicable

18.1.3.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

Not applicable

18.1.3.2.4. 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 applicable

18.1.4. Module “Labour force and other gainful activities”

See sub-categories below.

18.1.4.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Sample

18.1.4.2. Sampling design

The sample is based on a probability sampling design: one-stage stratified sample of holdings. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type, measurement size groups based on livestock units, the type of farming and NUTS 3 regions.

Within strata, samples are drawn using random sampling.

18.1.4.2.1. Name of sampling design

Stratified one-stage random sampling

18.1.4.2.2. Stratification criteria

Unit size
Unit location
Unit specialization

18.1.4.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

No

18.1.4.2.4. Full coverage strata

Three groups of full coverage strata:

• Holdings with greenhouses
• Holdings with animals, but without agricultural land
• The 3% largest holdings, not included in the previously mentioned groups, measured by agricultural land and livestock

18.1.4.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size

The sample size was determined to present reliable results for main characteristics at county level. Furthermore, resource constraints within Statistics Norway and respondent burden were also emphasised.

18.1.4.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size

Proportional allocation

18.1.4.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling and calibration strategy

Not applicable

18.1.5. Module “Rural development”

See sub-categories below.

18.1.5.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Not applicable

18.1.5.2. Sampling design

Not applicable.

18.1.5.2.1. Name of sampling design

Not applicable

18.1.5.2.2. Stratification criteria

Not applicable

18.1.5.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

Not applicable

18.1.5.2.4. 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 applicable

18.1.5.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy

Not applicable

18.1.6. 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

Sample

18.1.7.2. Sampling design

The sample is based on a probability sampling design: one-stage stratified sample of holdings. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type, measurement size groups based on livestock units, the type of farming and NUTS 3 regions.

Within strata, samples are drawn using random sampling.

18.1.7.2.1. Name of sampling design

Stratified one-stage random sampling

18.1.7.2.2. Stratification criteria

Unit size
Unit location
Unit specialization

18.1.7.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

No

18.1.7.2.4. Full coverage strata

Three groups of full coverage strata:

• Holdings with greenhouses
• Holdings with animals, but without agricultural land
• The 3% largest holdings, not included in the previously mentioned groups, measured by agricultural land and livestock

18.1.7.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size

The sample size was determined to present reliable results for main characteristics at county level. Furthermore, resource constraints within Statistics Norway and respondent burden were also emphasised.

18.1.7.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size

Proportional allocation

18.1.7.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy

Not applicable

18.1.8. Module ‘Soil management practices’

See sub-categories below.

18.1.8.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Sample

18.1.8.2. Sampling design

The sample is based on a probability sampling design: one-stage stratified sample of holdings. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type, measurement size groups based on livestock units, the type of farming and NUTS 3 regions.

Within strata, samples are drawn using random sampling.

18.1.8.2.1. Name of sampling design

Stratified one-stage random sampling

18.1.8.2.2. Stratification criteria

Unit size
Unit location
Unit specialization

18.1.8.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

No

18.1.8.2.4. Full coverage strata

Three groups of full coverage strata:

• Holdings with greenhouses
• Holdings with animals, but without agricultural land
• The 3% largest holdings, not included in the previously mentioned groups, measured by agricultural land and livestock

18.1.8.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size

The sample size was determined to present reliable results for main characteristics at county level. Furthermore, resource constraints within Statistics Norway and respondent burden were also emphasised.

18.1.8.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size

Proportional allocation

18.1.8.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy

Not applicable

18.1.9. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’

See sub-categories below.

18.1.9.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Sample

18.1.9.2. Sampling design

The sample is based on a probability sampling design: one-stage stratified sample of holdings. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type, measurement size groups based on livestock units, the type of farming and NUTS 3 regions.

Within strata, samples are drawn using random sampling.

18.1.9.2.1. Name of sampling design

Stratified one-stage random sampling

18.1.9.2.2. Stratification criteria

Unit size
Unit location
Unit specialization

18.1.9.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

No

18.1.9.2.4. Full coverage strata

Three groups of full coverage strata:

• Holdings with greenhouses
• Holdings with animals, but without agricultural land
• The 3% largest holdings, not included in the previously mentioned groups, measured by agricultural land and livestock

18.1.9.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size

The sample size was determined to present reliable results for main characteristics at county level. Furthermore, resource constraints within Statistics Norway and respondent burden were also emphasised.

18.1.9.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size

Proportional allocation

18.1.9.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy

Not applicable

18.1.10. Module ‘Orchard’

See sub-categories below.

18.1.10.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings

Not applicable

18.1.10.2. Sampling design

Not applicable.

18.1.10.2.1. Name of sampling design

Not applicable

18.1.10.2.2. Stratification criteria

Not applicable

18.1.10.2.3. Use of systematic sampling

Not applicable

18.1.10.2.4. 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 applicable

18.1.10.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy

Not applicable

18.1.11. 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

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

Problems related to data quality of the source

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 population of agricultural holdings is annually updated. Hence, most of the core data are annually collected. Some core variables are not available in administrative sources, and are collected through surveys according to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, i.e. every 3-4 years.

The Sample Survey of Agriculture with IFS variables is updated according to the frequency of IFS, i.e. every 3-4 years. In other years, the Sample Survey of Agriculture is used for other topics according to national needs, e.g. financial investments and use of fertilisers.

18.3. Data collection

See sub-categories below.

18.3.1. Methods of data collection

Use of Internet

18.3.2. Data entry method, if paper questionnaires

Not applicable

18.3.3. Questionnaire

Please find the questionnaire in annex.

Annexes:
18.3.3 Questionnaire in English
18.3.3 Questionnaire in Norwegian

18.4. Data validation

See sub-categories below.

18.4.1. Type of validation checks

Data format checks
Completeness checks
Routing 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

Staff from central department

18.4.3. Tools used for data validation

DYNAREV data editing system, developed in Statistics Norway, and SAS.

18.5. Data compilation

A combined ratio estimator is used in the production of the IFS statistics. A combined ratio estimator involves estimating ratios between the totals or means of the variables of interest and an auxiliary variable at a higher level than the design strata. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type (3), measurement size groups (5) based on livestock units (the auxiliary variable), the type of farming (9) and region (10). The level at which ratios are estimated is formed by cross-classifying region and the type of farming. This level is chosen by taking account of the publication domains, which are defined by region, type of farming and the whole country.

A set of initial weights are calculated within design strata by dividing the number of agricultural holdings in the population by the number of agricultural holdings in the sample which responded to the survey. This is equivalent to adjusting the design weights, the inverse of the selection probabilities, for non-response within design strata. Then, the initial weights are adjusted by the ratios between the population totals of the auxiliary variable and the sample estimates of these totals within each region and the type of farming. These adjusted weights are used as the final survey weights to get estimates of the population totals of the variables of interest.

18.5.1. Imputation - rate

Not applicable.

18.5.2. Methods used to derive the extrapolation factor

Design weight
Calibration

18.6. 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

CET – Central European Time

EEA – European Economic Area

EU – European Union

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

IFS – Integrated Farm Statistics

LSU – Livestock unit

NACE – Nomenclature of Economic Activities

NUTS – Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics

OGA – Other gainful activities

RSE – Relative standard error

SAS – Statistical Analysis System

SGM – Standard Gross Margin

SO – Standard output

19.2. Additional comments

No additional comments.

Timetable of statistical process

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.

24 April 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 “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 holding.

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.

A combined ratio estimator is used in the production of the IFS statistics. A combined ratio estimator involves estimating ratios between the totals or means of the variables of interest and an auxiliary variable at a higher level than the design strata. The design strata were formed by cross-classifying the unit type (3), measurement size groups (5) based on livestock units (the auxiliary variable), the type of farming (9) and region (10). The level at which ratios are estimated is formed by cross-classifying region and the type of farming. This level is chosen by taking account of the publication domains, which are defined by region, type of farming and the whole country.

A set of initial weights are calculated within design strata by dividing the number of agricultural holdings in the population by the number of agricultural holdings in the sample which responded to the survey. This is equivalent to adjusting the design weights, the inverse of the selection probabilities, for non-response within design strata. Then, the initial weights are adjusted by the ratios between the population totals of the auxiliary variable and the sample estimates of these totals within each region and the type of farming. These adjusted weights are used as the final survey weights to get estimates of the population totals of the variables of interest.

See sub-categories below.

Core data derived from administrative sources are disseminated annually. Module data as well as core variables derived from surveys are disseminated according to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, i.e. every 3-4 years.

See sub-categories below.

See sub-categories below.

See sub-categories below.