Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT) 

Agricultural Statistics Unit

Statistical Service of Cyprus

Michael Karaoli street

1444 Nicosia

Cyprus 

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 the general public, researchers, farmers and policy-makers to better understand the state of the agricultural sector and the impact of agriculture on the environment. The data follow up the developments 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 collection in 2019/2020 (the agricultural census), 2023 and 2026. The data are as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.

Data are arranged in tables using many classifications. Please find below information on the most important ones.

The classifications of variables are available in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1874.

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) (as from 2010 onwards) 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. Data for Cyprus is available at NUTS level 1. Note that the Republic of Cyprus is designated as one region at NUTS levels 1,2 and 3.

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.

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 2019/2020 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1874.

The following groups of variables were collected in 2019/2020:

• for core: location of the holding, the legal personality of the holding, manager, type of tenure of the utilized agricultural area, variables of land, organic farming, irrigation on the 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 "Animal housing and rural development module":  animal housing, nutrient use and manure on the farm, manure application techniques, facilities for manure.

See sub-category below.

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 establishing the statistical classification of economic activities NACE Rev. 2. They belong to NACE 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

- 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.

See sub-categories below.

The thresholds of agricultural holdings covered are provided in the annex.

The same population of agricultural holdings as defined in item 3.6.1 is covered for the modules ‘Labour force and other gainful activities’ and ‘Rural development’. Data on the module ‘Machinery and equipment’ were not collected in 2020.

The same population of agricultural holdings as defined in item 3.6.2.

See sub-categories below.

Republic of Cyprus.

Not applicable.

Not available.

Farm structure statistics in Cyprus cover the period from 2003 onwards. Older time series are described in the previous quality reports (national methodological reports).

The 2020 data are processed (by Eurostat) with 2017 standard output coefficients (calculated as a 5-year average of the period 2015-2019). 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 specific characteristics.

See sub-categories below.

Land characteristics refer to areas used in the reference period of 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020. 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.

The total irrigable area refers to areas used in the reference period of 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020.

Reference period for other variables of irrigation and soil management practices is not applicable for 2019/2020.

For variables on livestock and animal housing, the reference day is 31 December 2020.

The 12-month period ended on 31 December 2020. This period includes the reference day used for livestock and animal housing.

The 12-month period of 1 September 2019 - 31 August 2020.

The three-year period ending on 31 December 2020.

The reference day is 31 December 2020.

See sub-categories below.

The Official Statistics Law of 2021 (Law No. 25(I)/2021) provides the legal basis for the development, production and dissemination of official statistics in Cyprus. This law specifies the tasks of the Statistical Service and defines its role and function as the agency responsible for the production of official statistics.

The link to The Official Statistics Law is provided below. 

The purpose of the new Law, which entered into force on the 18th of March 2021, was to review and modernize the legislation governing the development, production, and dissemination of official statistics in Cyprus. Its provisions are in line with Regulation (EC) No. 223/2009 on European Statistics, with an emphasis on its latest amendment by Regulation (EU) 2015/759. The new law also attempted to include recommendations that were highlighted during the peer review process of the national statistical system, conducted in Cyprus in March 2015.

Article 3 of the National Official Statistics Law, No. 25(I) of 2021 defines the functions of the Statistical Service of Cyprus regarding the production and dissemination of official statistics. Moreover, Article 13, explicitly stipulates the mandate for data collection and introduces a mandatory response to statistical inquiries by stipulating the obligation of respondents to reply to surveys and provide the data required. This relates not only to national but also to European statistics which, by virtue of Article 8 of the said Law, are incorporated in the annual and multiannual programs of work without any further procedure.

Official statistics compiled by the Statistical Service and the other national authorities on the basis of data resulting from a survey or from other sources shall be published in such a manner as to render impossible the direct or indirect disclosure of the identity of the persons who provided the data or the statistical units to which the data relate.

Official statistics are released in accordance with the confidentiality provisions laid down in the following:

• Official Statistics Law of 2021 (Law No. 25(I)/2021), Article 16 on protection of confidential data.
• Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and its later amendment (especially Chapter 5 on statistical confidentiality).
• European Statistics Code of Practice (especially Principle 5 on statistical confidentiality).
• CYSTAT's internal Code of Practice for the Collection, Publication, and Storage of Statistical Data.

See sub-categories below.

See sub-categories below.

The treatment of confidential data is regulated by CYSTAT's Code of Practice for the Collection, Publication and Storage of Statistical Data. The rules and measures provided shall apply, in order to ensure that confidential data are exclusively used for statistical purposes and to prevent their unlawful disclosure.

Eurofarm data are sent through Edamis encrypted. The summary tables show only aggregates for the whole country and no microdata are included in order to ensure confidentiality.

See sub-categories below.

The methodology is described in the dedicated section of Eurostat's website: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/microdata

CYSTAT has rendered its website as the main tool for the dissemination of statistical information. CYSTAT΄s website is available to everyone with Internet access, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

CYSTAT publishes on its website two types of release calendar: A weekly release calendar, which contains the dates of the announcements of the Statistical Service which are scheduled to be released in the following week, and a quarterly release calendar.

The statistical data are available in tables and publications, under various statistical subthemes, that users can either view or download. In addition, all released announcements can be found on the "Release Calendar" web page and also in the corresponding statistical subtheme.

CYSTAT΄s website is available in both Greek and English and all information and services are available free of charge. It is updated at 12:00 noon every working day.

Access to the release calendar can be found below.

As provided in article 4(1) of the Official Statistics Law (Law No. 25(I)/2021) regarding the principle of impartiality, statistics are disseminated in such a way that all users have equal and simultaneous access to the data. CYSTAT΄s main channel for dissemination of statistics is the website which offers the same conditions to everyone and is updated at the same time every working day. All users have equal access to statistical releases at the same time.

Not applicable.

Summary tables of the results of the Farm Structure Surveys are disseminated every 3-4 years. The results of the Census of Agriculture 2020 are scheduled to be uploaded on the website by the end of 2022. 

See sub-categories below.

A news release accompanies the results of the Census of Agriculture 2020 and the link is provided below:

https://www.cystat.gov.cy/en/PressRelease?id=68214

See sub-categories below.

Title: CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE - SUMMARY TABLES, 2020

Publisher: Statistical Service of Cyprus

Year: 2023

Link: https://www.cystat.gov.cy/en/KeyFiguresList?s=28

Title: CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE - DETAILED TABLES, 2020

Publisher: Statistical Service of Cyprus

Year: 2023

Link: https://www.cystat.gov.cy/en/KeyFiguresList?s=28

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See sub-category below.

Not available.

Not requested.

See sub-categories below.

Not requested.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not available. 

See sub-categories below.

Statistics are produced in accordance with the provisions of the European Statistics Code of Practice and in line with the statistical principles governing its implementation.

No further planned improvements at the moment.

The quality of statistics is assessed according to the following quality criteria: relevance, accuracy, timeliness, punctuality, accessibility and clarity, coherence and comparability. The quality indicators are assessed taking into account Eurostat's defined methodology and recommendations. On the basis of the above criteria, the statistics are assessed as being of very good quality.

Data are used by Eurostat, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the United Nations, FAO, media, researchers, scientists, enterprises, individuals, trade unions, National Accounts.

The data collection is organized in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and the questionnaire included all the characteristics set out by the Regulation.

Some characteristics were added to the questionnaire which are not mentioned in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 but are necessary for national purposes. These were the following:

1) first name and surname, personal identification code, and contact details of the holders;

2) detailed data on agricultural crops were recorded with respect to the different local authorities where the actual areas were located;

3) areas were recorded with regard to the production of lentils, chick peas, cowpeas, haricot beans, louvana, beetroot, dasheen (kolocasi), groundnuts, sesame, pome fruits by type (apples, pears, etc.), stone fruits by type (peaches, plums, cherries, etc,), tropical fruits by type (bananas, avocados, etc.), nuts by type (almonds, walnuts, etc.), carobs and citrus fruits by type (oranges, lemons, etc.);

4) number of trees for all permanent crops.

To the best of our knowledge, all major user needs were met. 

Not applicable.

A user satisfaction survey is carried out on an annual basis, but is not specific to particular statistical products. Hence, it does not allow for adequate conclusions to be made with regard to the agricultural census.

Not applicable.

Information on low- and zero prevalence variables is available on: Eurostat's website.

Not applicable for Integrated Farm Statistics as the not collected variables, not-significant variables and not-existent variables are completed with 0.

See categories below.

See sub-categories below.

The relative standard errors for the main variables are included in the annex.

The core and modules data collection for the year 2020 was carried out as a Census, therefore there are no cases where the estimated RSEs are above thresholds.

The core and modules data collection for the year 2020 was carried out as a Census and no adjustments or calibration was needed.

See sub-categories below.

See sub-categories below.

The over-coverage rate is provided in the annex. 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. 

Since core and modules data collection was carried out as a census, no weights were used and all ineligible holdings were removed from the Agricultural Register. 

Not requested.

See sub-categories below.

The undercoverage rate is 0.7%.

Coverage errors are taken into account for purposes of updating the farm register in those cases where the cause of the error is fully clarified. Coverage and other errors were minimized during the multi-stage checking process that took place concurrently with data collection and data entry. Furthermore, the large volume of information that was already available in the Agricultural Register assisted in minimizing such errors. 

Not available.

Not applicable.

Contact errors were assessed by checking the data reported against the prior information available in the existing Agricultural Register, which is of fundamental importance to the Census of Agriculture 2020, and, in many cases, by re-contacting the holder by telephone. The need for such corrections was minimal. Information on holders who were unable to be reached was also gathered by contacting local authorities, follow-up visits, and telephone interviews were carried out during the data collection process. 

The analytical checking process in conjunction with the intensive call-back strategy minimised almost entirely missing and inaccurate data as well as the number of missing cases.

See sub-categories below.

When cases of measurement errors were found, they were corrected at the very moment they were found, therefore by the end of the Census the measurement errors in the data were minimized.

Not available.

See sub-categories below.

The unit non-response rate is provided in the annex under 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 that 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.

Since the non-response rate was minimal, there was no need to carry out a non-response analysis.

Non-response in the sense of only partially completed questionnaires was non-existent. 

Not applicable.

Not available.

See sub-categories below.

Data collection and data entry were organized in such a way as to take place almost simultaneously. 

Processing errors were not an issue because of two main reasons:

• several checks were made by area supervisors on the paper questionnaires before the data entry process
• the data entry program was designed in such a way as to identify any possible errors (consistency, value, range, arithmetic, etc.) that the questionnaires might have. The errors that were made during the data entry process (typing errors) were easily corrected through the re-typing of the correct data.

By the end of the survey and the finalization of the data, all errors were eliminated. 

As mentioned in 13.3.4.3. several checks were made by area supervisors on the paper questionnaires before starting the data entry process. 

The data entry software was designed by the national coordinator and an officer from the Data Processing Unit of the Statistical Service of Cyprus using Microsoft Office Access. The data entry program itself was designed in a way so as to identify any possible errors (consistency, value, range, arithmetic, etc.) that the questionnaires might have, as well as typing errors. The data entry was monitored and checked daily for any errors, missing items, changes, and inaccuracies. When the validation of microdata started, a team of 3 persons was formed in order to check and correct any other processing errors and finally validate all microdata.

Not available.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Cystat did not publish the first results for the Census of Agriculture 2020. Final results have been published on Cystat's website with a time lag of 30 months after the end of the survey reference year (December 2020 - June 2023). 

The final results were sent to Eurostat by the end of March 2022.

Summary tables with summary and detailed results of the Census of Agriculture 2020 have been published on Cystat's website with a time lag of 30 months after the end of the survey reference year (December 2020 - June 2023). 

See sub-categories below.

See sub-categories below.

The data are provided to Eurostat by 31 March 2022, within the deadline specified in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable, because there are no mirror flows in Integrated Farm Statistics.

See sub-categories below.

There are no deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 regarding the definition of agricultural holding.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Cyprus lowered the thresholds compared to the EU Regulation thresholds and covered 100% of the total utilized agricultural area (excluding kitchen gardens) and 100% of the livestock units in the country. 

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

The same definitions and classification of variables as included in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1874, and EU handbook were applied; therefore there are no deviations.

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.

The information is available in the annex.

The information is available in the annex under item 15.1.4.1.1. 

The information is available in the annex under item 15.1.4.1.1. 

Cyprus uses the LSU coefficients set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.

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.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Data is collected, sent to Eurostat, and published in compliance with the reference periods/days set in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The common land is recorded proportionally to the use by each holding based on their livestock units. The area of common land used by a specific holding is included in the UAA of this holding.

No particular problems in the collection of data on common land were faced, since hectares of utilised agricultural area used by a holding on which common rights apply are minimal in Cyprus. Please also note that based on the results of IFS 2020 common land is non-significant.

See sub-categories below.

There are no deviations in the national standards and rules for certification of organic products from Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007.

Not applicable.

There are no differences in the methods used across regions within the country. Cyprus is one region at NUTS1,2 and 3 levels.

See sub-categories below.

The number of reference periods is 1.

See sub-categories below.

Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 newly considers agricultural holdings with only fur animals. However, in Cyprus, there are no fur animals.

See sub-categories below.

The main differences in the thresholds concern only the area variables.

In the Census of 2020, agricultural holdings were considered and surveyed only if they had utilized agricultural area equal or greater than two decares (0.2 ha) or if they had at least one hundred square meters (100m²=0.01 ha) of greenhouse or at least one decare (0.1 ha) of vineyards or at least one hundred square meters (100m²=0.01 ha) mushrooms.

Instead, in the Farm Structure Survey of 2016 agricultural holdings were considered and surveyed only if they had utilized agricultural area equal to or greater than one decare (1 decare = 0.1 ha) or if they had at least half decare (0.05 ha) of greenhouse.

Consequently, several main variables were affected by the change, especially the number of holdings and the labour force.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Legal personality of the agricultural holding

In IFS 2020, there is a new class (“shared ownership”) for the legal personality of the holding compared to FSS 2016, which triggers fluctuations of holdings in the classes of sole holder holdings. However, the impact was minimal.

Other livestock n.e.c.

In FSS 2016, deer were included in this class, but in IFS 2020 they are classified separately. This does not change the data for Cyprus since the variable for deer does not exist.

Also in FSS 2016, there was a class for the collection of equidae. That has been dropped and equidae are included in IFS 2020 in "other livestock n.e.c."

Livestock units

In FSS 2016, turkeys, ducks, geese, ostriches, and other poultry were each considered in a separate class with a coefficient of 0.03 for all the classes except for ostriches (coefficient 0.035). In IFS 2020, the coefficients were adjusted accordingly, with turkeys remaining at 0.03, ostriches remaining at 0.35, ducks adjusted to 0.01, geese adjusted to 0.02, and other poultry fowls n.e.c. adjusted to 0.001. 

Organic animals

While in FSS 2016 only fully compliant (certified converted) animals were included, in IFS 2020 both animals under conversion and fully converted were included.

See sub-categories below.

The main difference concerns the reference day for recording the livestock characteristics. In FSS 2016, the reference day was 1 October 2016, whereas in IFS 2020 the reference day was 31 December 2020.

The two different reference days have about a 3-month time lag between them, which implies there are several changes in the structure of the livestock units and the livestock numbers; hence there is a break in the series, and livestock data are not comparable with previous FSS results.  

Also, the reference period for manure management variables changed. The information collected for some variables in FSS 2016 refers to the reference period from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016, whereas in IFS 2020 the 12-month reference period was ending on 31 December 2020. 

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

Animal production statistics:

There is a break in the series since the reference day for livestock variables has changed from 1 October to 31 December. The main reason for the change in the reference day was to be comparable to the annual livestock statistics.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable to Integrated Farm Statistics, because there are no sub annual data collections in agriculture.

Not applicable, because Integrated Farm Statistics have no relevance for national accounts.

See sub-categories below.

Comparisons were performed between the results of IFS 2020 with those of the annual crop and the animal production statistics. Where significant deviations and discrepancies were identified, further investigations were performed, and the reason was sought. Where necessary, appropriate corrections/amendments were made.

See sub-categories below.

The data are internally consistent since a wide range of validation rules have been applied.

See sub-categories below.

During the data collection of IFS 2020, no other annual surveys were conducted. The collection of all annual agricultural surveys has been postponed after the completion of the Census, in order to minimize the burden on the respondents. 

Not available.

See sub-categories below.

Not available.

Not available.

Not available.

Not available.

CYSTAT's Revision Policy describes the general rules and principles governing the procedure of revising data published by CYSTAT.  As part of this policy, CYSTAT publishes a list of scheduled revisions on an annual basis, which can be found on the release calendar page (see attached link in 8.2.).

In the case of IFS 2020, revisions will be made, if necessary.

Revisions are made, if necessary.

Not requested.

See sub-categories below.

See sub-categories below.

The Register of Agricultural and Livestock Holdings (Agricultural Register).

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable for 2019/2020.

Not applicable for 2019/2020.

Not applicable for 2019/2020.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See sub-categories below.

The information is available on Eurostat's website.

No administrative sources were used.

See the attached Excel file in the Annex.

The information on innovative approaches is available on Eurostat's website.

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.

See sub-categories below.

The questionnaire is provided in annex.

See sub-categories below.

A multilevel checking system of questionnaires was set up.

1. Supervisors had the responsibility of collecting and checking all questionnaires on a daily basis and handing them into the district officers on a weekly basis. The information contained in each questionnaire was checked for errors or inaccuracies including completeness, validations between related variables, acceptable ranges, summations, ratios, and rational checks. Any errors made were identified at an early stage and the necessary clarifications were sought so that the degree of repetition of such errors would be minimized. Coverage checks were also made by contacting 5-10% of the respondents for whom a questionnaire was completed and ensuring that the questionnaire was filled out according to instructions, that is, during the personal visit or telephone call of the enumerator all questions were asked.  

2. Checking teams were also set up, working under the guidance and supervision of the district officers. These teams checked the questionnaires submitted by each supervisor and performed additional checking by comparing all variables in relation to information available from previous surveys or other available information.

3. The data entry software was designed using Microsoft Office Access. The data entry program itself was built in a way so as to identify any possible errors (consistency, value, range, arithmetic, etc.) that the questionnaires may have, as well as errors made during the data entry process (typing errors). The data entry was checked daily for any errors, missing items, changes, and inaccuracies. 

Not available.

Not applicable.

None.

Not applicable to Integrated Farm Statistics, because it collects structural data on agriculture.

See sub-categories below.

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

No additional comments.