Statistics Estonia

 Economic and Environmental Statistics Department

Tatari 51
10134 Tallinn

Estonia

See sub-categories below.

The data on agricultural use of pesticides are collected by a web-based statistical questionnaire „Crop farming and grasslands maintenance” through the eSTAT web application. The data collected include name of used pesticide (preparation), crop treated, quantity of preparation used on the crop and crop area treated with pesticide preparation.

The quantities of preparations used are recalculated to quantities of active substances of these preparations using the active substance rates derived from the register of the Plant Protection.

The reference period of the survey was 2020 growing season.

Official Statistics Act, Passed 10.06.2010, RT I 2010, 41, 241 Entry into force 01.08.2010

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/ee/506012015002/consolide/current

Statistics Estonia

2010

yes

no

DIRECTLY APPLICABLE LEGAL ACTS

Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 concerning statistics on pesticides

Regulation (EU) No 1264/2014 of 26 November 2014 amending Regulation (EU) No 408/2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides, as regards transmission format

Commission Regulation (EU) No 656/2011 of 7 July 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides, as regards definitions and list of active substances (Text with EEA relevance)

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/269 of 16 February 2017 amending Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides, as regards the list of active substances

OTHER LEGAL ACTS

Commission Regulation (EU) No 408/2011 of 27 April 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides, as regards transmission format (Text with EEA relevance)

OTHER AGREEMENTS

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

The classification used for pesticides corresponds to Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1185/2017-03-09) of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The classification system for crops derives from the annual crop statistics survey in 2020.

As we collected data on use of pesticides as one module of Crop Statistics survey, the same crops were selected as in Crop Statistics survey. This means that the survey on the use of pesticides covered the entire utilised agricultural area in Estonia.

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

Not covered

The data reported are the quantity of each active substances listed in Annex III of Regulation 1185/2009 contained in plant protection products used on a selected crop, expressed in kg. The area treated with each substance are expressed in hectares.

Agricultural holding and agricultural small unit.

All agricultural holdings growing the crops.

See sub-categories below.

The entire territory of the country.

Not relevant

Current report refers for 2020 years crops.

Not applicable for Pesticide Use Statistics, because it is not based on an index number of time series.

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes

The data on agricultural use of pesticides are collected by a web-based statistical questionnaire linked to annual „Crop production” through the eSTAT web application and by paper-based postal survey.

 Survey questionnaire is described and tested for web-based application eSTAT according to previously agreed rules. The questionnaire and information about data submission are available on Statistics Estonia’s website (in Estonian) just for the year 2020: https://www.stat.ee/en/submit-data/questionnaires/13062020

 https://www.stat.ee/sites/default/files/kysimustikud/2020/21214130620_Questionnaire_as_a_PDF_file_en.pdf

Once during 5 years period

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

Collected data undergo several validation processes. Data are checked for any obvious errors upon receipt.  Arithmetical and logical control procedures were used during the filling in of the questionnaire and also during the data processing.

Checking procedure includes checking of the usage rates against the maximum allowed rate. When inconsistencies are found, for example where there are too high rates of application or not allowed preparation usage, data are checked first with the farm records and if needed the respondent were contacted and data were revised. Checking of data completeness (that all necessary fields are filled) was performed by statisticians as well.

Mistakes were corrected and unclear items were cleared out by a repetitive questions to the farmers (by telephone or email).

Automatic and manual validation measures were both applied. Automatic controls were applied as a first measure. Arithmetical and logical control procedures were used during the filling in of the questionnaire and also during the data processing. Checking procedure includes checking of the usage rates against the maximum allowed rate.

Data were checked for any obvious errors upon receipt. When inconsistencies are found, for example where there are too high rates of application or not allowed preparation usage, data are checked first with the farm records and if needed the respondents were contacted and data were revised.

Validation measures target the outliers, completness and the consistency with the rates per hectar values.

Not relevant

In 2020, model-based calculation was used. The calculations were based on data from a set of sample agricultural holdings what we call panel data. The panel was formed from the agricultural holdings that submitted data for the survey on the use of plant protection products.The data on use of pesticides are collected as one module of Crop Statistics survey.  For the sample agricultural holdings, data were available on economic size (standard output) , crop area and quantities of plant protection products used on different crops. The data of the panel were used for grossing up to entire Estonian crop production. On the basis of the holdings belonging to the panel, a coefficient was found that related the total use of plant protection products  and the total economic size of crop production.The obtained coefficient was applied to the total Estonia economic size of crop production to find the total amount of plant protection products used in Estonia. The use of plant protection products by active substances and crops was found on the basis of the respective distributions of panel agricultural holdings.

Seasonal adjustments were not applied.

See sub-categories below.

To assure the quality of processes and products, Statistics Estonia applies the EFQM Excellence Model, the European Statistics Code of Practice and the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (ESS QAF). Statistics Estonia is also guided by the requirements in § 7. “Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics” of the Official Statistics Act.

Statistics Estonia performs all statistical activities according to an international model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process; this information can take many forms, including feedback from users, process metadata, system metrics and suggestions from employees. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality problems related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Peer review was not conducted regarding 2015 statistical year of data. Link to the last Peer Review: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/64157/4372828/2015-EE-Report/bf7035d3-09f9-4cc7-87a4-675e820508cb

Improvement of the data validation checks will give the bases for the next round of improvemnts in quality of statistics in this domain.

No additional comments

The quality of micro-data was considered quite low. The data provided were inaccurate and incomplete, therefore we decided to use model-based calculation.

The quality of micro-data was considered quite low. The data provided were inaccurate and incomplete, therefore we decided to use model-based calculation.

National users of pesticide use data are: Agricultural Research Centre, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Ministry of Rural Affairs but also Environment and other ministries, research and education institutions, the media, other organizations and companies, as well as private persons who have an interest in pesticide use statistics. No specific feedback regarding the particularities of the data were recieved.

Users need pesticide use data in order to estimate effects of pesticides on the environment and food safety. Data on pesticide usage could be used also for assistment the monitoring of pesticide contamination in surface and ground waters.

 The users’ proposals for the Statistical Programme are collected every year in the system KUNDE, which enables the transparaent handling of the proposals dissemination and subject matter departments to analyse the needs of users.

 In our user’s opinion, the collection of data at five-year intervals does not provide a sufficient overview of the use of plant protection products, because one of the biggests factor influencing the use of plant protection products is the weather in the specific year for which the data were collected. Therefore, drawing conclusions on the use of plant protection products over a longer period of time is difficult and may be inaccurate. Since Article 15 (2) of Directive 2009/128 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, pp. 71-86), Member States and the Commission shall calculate a harmonized risk indicator for each calendar year. The Ministry of Rural Affairs would need to receive an overview of the use of plant protection products every year or at least every second year. It is a measure of the development plan for agriculture and fisheries (ie the national development plan) and is therefore a need for national statistics.

Accuracy and reliability of collected data were initially low and measures were taken to improve the quality of produced statistics.

Timeliness is T+161 in days. This refers to the time lag between the reference time point (or the end of the reference period) and the time for publication of the statistics on a national level in days.

Data publication was timely.

The data are comparable with the statistics of previous years.The data are comparable to the other countries data collected by the means of regulation of European Commission concerning statistics on pesticides.

The data are complete and correspond to data composition requirements prescribed by the regulation of European Commission concerning statistics on pesticides.

The quality could be somewhat lower in case of uncommon crops and for some rare active substances due to sample survey applied. It is possible that some holdings, using uncommon pesticides, were not included to the sample. From other side, some unique pesticides used by single holding might be somehow overestimated due to grossing up the sample.

National users of pesticide use data are: Agricultural Research Centre, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Ministry of Rural Affairs but also other ministries, research and education institutions, the media, other organizations and companies, as well as private persons who have an interest in pesticide use statistics. Users need pesticide use data in order to estimate effects of pesticides on the environment. Data on pesticide usage could be used also for assistment the monitoring of pesticide contamination in surface and ground water.

In our user’s opinion, the collection of data at five-year intervals does not provide a sufficient overview of the use of plant protection products, because one of the biggests factor influencing the use of plant protection products is the weather in the specific year for which the data were collected.

Users are interested in yearly data (every year) and complete timeseries.

Compilation of statistics on the use of pesticides every year depends on financing. Negotiations regarding the budget are going on with Ministry of Finance

No more comments

The users’ proposals for the Statistical Programme are collected every year in the system KUNDE, which enables the transparent handling of the proposals dissemination and subject matter departments to analyse the needs of users.

Yearly

The users’ proposals for the Statistical Programme are collected every year in the system KUNDE, which enables the transparent handling of the proposals dissemination and subject matter departments to analyse the needs of users. 

User satistisfaction is not scaled to evaluate the satisfaction with pesticide use statistics surevy.

See sub-category below.

Not applicable for Pesticide Use Statistics because in this data collection, there is no target on the number of data. Member States are asked to collect data on representative crops without stipulating the number of crops.

Main sources error in pesticide statistical outputs refer for the difficulties in recording these data by agricultural holdings, the burden in delivering complete data by crop fields and quantities of pesticides.   The importance of sampling errors is considered to be minor.

In summary assessment the comparison of the sales and use of pesticides gives the indication of the coverage of most marketed pesticides. However for some pestides like glyphosate, the difference is quite large. In our best current understanding non-agricultural use could be one source of difference. Particulary in case of glyphosate, other uses in addition to the use as herbicide, could contribute to the difference in sales and uses figures as well.

Measurement error and non-response error. Main sources if error in pesticide statistical outputs refer for the difficulties in recording these data by holdings, the burden in delivering complete data by crop fields and quentities of pesticides.   The importance of sampling errors is considered to be minor.

Main sources if error in pesticide statistical outputs refer for the difficulties in recording these data by holdings, the burden in delivering complete data by crop fields and quantities of pesticides.

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

See sub-categories below.

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

Approximately half of total records have been corrected for the mistakes. However, some errors might be unidentified and so the true error rate is unknown. If pesticide use was not indicated it was difficult to figure out if it was mistake or if the pesticides were really not used.

The most common mistakes made by farmers regarding filling in the questinnaire were as follows:

1. Not presenting the data on used pesticeds at all.
2. Presenting not complete dataset (leaving some data fields blank in questionnaire).
3. Expressing quantity of used pesticides in different units than requested in questionnaire (quantities not quantifiable in kilograms or liters).
4. On paper format, some information were not readable due to bad handwriting style.
5. Data about different crops are aggregated under one pesticide use quantity.
6. Use quantity contains data of used active substances other than pesticides (for example on surfactants (additives) which were not substracted before presenting data or diluent used, i.e., the total volume of material in the tank).
7. Records could be sometimes an erroneous duplicate of another record.

The mistakes were corrected as far as possible: these questions were discussed and clarified bilaterally with agricultural holdings

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

See the attached Excel file in the Annexes.

Not relevant

Seasonal adjustment is not applicable to pesticide use statistics since all plant protection treatments associated directly or indirectly with the crop during the reference period are reported.

General revision policy adopted for the organisation and the data disseminated.

The data revision policy and notification of corrections are described in the dissemination policy of Statistics Estonia https://www.stat.ee/en/statistics-estonia/about-us/strategy/principles-dissemination-official-statistics. The published data may be revised if the methodology is modified, if errors are discovered, if new or better data become available.

Data were revised once

4 %

Some discovered  mistakes in dataprocessing

No comments

See sub-categories below.

No lag. The data were released 161 days upon the end of the reference year.

The data are released 161 days upon the end of the reference year (T + 161).

Data were punctual. / Stable /

There is no distinction between first and final results, only final data were publicated.

Data were published in June 2021.

The production process consists of following chronological steps:

1. Data collection (August-November 2020).

2. Data editing (checking of the survey questionnaires, correction of errors) (December 2020-February 2021).

4. Data processing and data compilation (March-May 2021).

5. Dissemination of the data on Statistics Estonia webpage (June 2021).

See sub-categories below.

No time lag. The data have been published at the time announced in the release calender.

No delays

Data are collected on a country level (NUTS 0). Therefore, the data are not comparable on a regional level. The geographical comparability between countries is evaluated by Eurostat.

Not applicable, because there are no mirror flows in Pesticide Use Statistics.

Not applicable for Pesticide Use Statistics, because surveys are occasional and no time series is formed.

2013-2015, 2020(new methodolody as a model based calculations were applied in addition).

Pesticide use data are coherent with agricultural statistics regarding crop production and trade statistics regarding pesticide sales data.

Pesticide use data were compared with pesticide sales data of 2020.

Non-agricultural use covers probably to certain extent the difference between sold and used quantities. Some quantity sold (purched by farmers) might be intended for next year use. As pesticides were not produced in Estonia, sold quantity refers to quantity imported to Estonia by sale companies and some quantity of imported pesticides might be not bought and used by farmes yet.

Not applicable for Pesticide Use Statistics, because the data collection is based on a five-year period.

Not applicable, because it has no relevance for national accounts.

Data are consistent.

https://www.stat.ee/en/uudised

https://www.stat.ee/en/uudised/news-release-2016-135

Not relevant

Not relevant

The data of pesticide used are disseminated via the Statistics Estonia website in June.

Table name is „Quantity of pesticides used and the basic area treated in agricultural holdings by active substance and crop“.

The users of the public database are not required to register themselves. The use of the public database is free of charge. Database is published in Estonian and English.

The public database allows:

• fast and easy access to statistics 24 hours a day;

• to receive besides the newest data also data for previous periods;

• to choose only the required data from tables;

• to view the selected data on the computer screen and save them in one’s own computer in different formats (Excel, PC-AXIS, HTML, etc.).

Electronic automated aid „ITI“ is consulting the users. 

https://www.stat.ee/en

https://andmed.stat.ee/en/stat/keskkond__pollumajanduskeskkond/KK208

https://andmed.stat.ee/en/stat/keskkond__pollumajanduskeskkond/KK2081

https://andmed.stat.ee/en/stat/keskkond__pollumajanduskeskkond/KK2082

Not relevant

Data are used in dashboards of indicators displayed on statistics Estonia website.

The data are supplemented with the description of the methodology and relevant definitions which are available on the Statistics Estonia website.

The quality report has been submitted to Eurostat in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

A common methodology for the collection of pesticide usage statistics within agriculture and horticulture, Eurostat (2008) https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-manuals-and-guidelines/-/ks-ra-08-010

https://www.stat.ee/en/find-statistics/methodology-and-quality/esms-metadata/10502

Not available on a web.

Not available.

Not available

Not available

Not available

Not available

Filling the pesticide use questionnaire is quite big burden to the farmers. It has taken in average 108 minutes for respondents to fill pesticide use questionnaire. The processing of the data is time and labor consuming also for the statistician as there were quite much misunderstandings from farmer’s side during the filling out the questionnaire.

The cost of a statistical work in Statistical Office was estimated at 7,5 thousand euros both in 2020 and 2021.

Not relevant

Develop administrative electronic databases for pesticide use.

The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 32, § 34, § 35, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act.

The treatment of confidential data is regulated by the Procedure for Protection of Data Collected and Processed by Statistics Estonia: http://www.stat.ee/dokumendid/19410. Data protection is guaranteed upon the dissemination of statistics. Data are disseminated or transmitted without characteristics enabling the identification of data subject, data were at least of three data subjects (whereby the role of a person’s data in consolidated data shall not exceed 90%). Data subject is a natural of legal person whose data have been collected.

Not relevant

Not relevant

No comments

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