1.1. Contact organisation
Service d'Economie Rurale (SER)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Division of Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Markets and External Relations
Unit of macroeconomical statistics
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
BP 2102, L-1021 Luxembourg
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
10 June 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
22 July 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
10 June 2025
3.1. Data description
The data describes the structure of agricultural holdings providing the general characteristics of farms and farmers and information on their land, livestock and labour force. It also describes production methods, rural development measures and agro-environmental aspects that look at the impact of agriculture on the environment.
The data is used by the 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 follows up the changes in the agricultural sector and provides 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 is 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 is as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.
3.2. Classification system
Data is arranged in tables using many classifications. Please find below information on most classifications.
The classifications of variables are available in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286.
The farm typology means a uniform classification of the holdings based on their type of farming and their economic size. Both are determined on the basis of the standard gross margin (SGM) (until 2007) or standard output (SO) (from 2010 onward) which is calculated for each crop and animal. The farm type is determined by the relative contribution of the different productions to the total standard gross margin or the standard output of the holding.
The territorial classification uses the NUTS classification to break down the regional data. The regional data is available at NUTS level 2.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The statistics cover agricultural holdings undertaking agricultural activities as listed in item 3.5 below and meeting the minimum coverage requirements (thresholds) as listed in item 3.6 below.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The list of core variables is set in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
The descriptions of the core variables as well as the lists and descriptions of the variables for the modules collected in 2023 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286.
The following groups of variables are collected in 2023:
- for core: location of the holding, legal personality of the holding, manager, type of tenure of the utilised agricultural area, variables of land, organic farming, irrigation on cultivated outdoor area, variables of livestock, organic production methods applied to animal production;
- for the module "Labour force and other gainful activities": farm management, family labour force, non-family labour force, other gainful activities directly and not directly related to the agricultural holding;
- for the module "Rural development": support received by agricultural holdings through various rural development measures;
- for the module “Soil management practices”: tillage methods, soil cover on arable land, crop rotation on arable land, ecological focus area;
- for the module “Machinery and equipment”: internet facilities, basic machinery, use of precision farming, machinery for livestock management, storage for agricultural products, equipment used for production of renewable energy on agricultural holdings.
3.5. Statistical unit
See sub-category below.
3.5.1. Definition of agricultural holding
The agricultural holding is a single unit, both technically and economically, that has a single management and that undertakes economic activities in agriculture in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006 belonging to groups:
- A.01.1: Growing of non-perennial crops
- A.01.2: Growing of perennial crops
- A.01.3: Plant propagation
- A.01.4: Animal production
- A.01.5: Mixed farming or
- The “maintenance of agricultural land in good agricultural and environmental condition” of group A.01.6 within the economic territory of the Union, either as its primary or secondary activity.
Regarding activities of class A.01.49, only the activities “Raising and breeding of semi-domesticated or other live animals” (with the exception of raising of insects) and “Bee-keeping and production of honey and beeswax” are included.
3.6. Statistical population
See sub-categories below.
3.6.1. Population covered by the core data sent to Eurostat (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
The thresholds of agricultural holdings are available in the annex.
Annexes:
3.6.1. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
3.6.1.1. Raised thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
No3.6.1.2. Lowered and/or additional thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
Yes3.6.2. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the modules “Labour force and other gainful activities”, “Rural development” and “Machinery and equipment”
The same population of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.1.
3.6.3. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Animal housing and manure management”
Restricted from publication
3.6.4. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Irrigation”
Not applicable for our country, according to Article 7(7) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
3.6.5. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Soil management practices”
The same population of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.1.
3.6.6. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Orchard”
Not applicable for our country, according to Article 7(5) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
3.6.7. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Vineyard”
Restricted from publication
3.7. Reference area
See sub-categories below.
3.7.1. Geographical area covered
UAA managed by Luxembourgish holdings, this may include areas in border countries.
3.7.2. Inclusion of special territories
Not applicable.
3.7.3. Criteria used to establish the geographical location of the holding
The main building for productionThe majority of the area of the holding
The residence of the farmer (manager) not further than 5 km straight from the farm
Other
3.7.4. Additional information reference area
The main criterion to establish the geographical location of the holding was the main production building. If there was no information, the grid with the most utilised agricultural area was used. In some cases, the residence of the farmer was used when there was no other reliable information.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Farm structure statistics in our country cover the period from 1953 onwards. Older time series are described in the previous quality reports (national methodological reports).
3.9. Base period
The 2023 data is 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
Even though land is measured at the reference date 1 February 2023, the measurement covers the crop year is the 12-month period covering the whole cultivation period (from seed to harvest) of the main arable crops cultivated in Luxembourg. The cultivation period lasts from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023.
5.2. Reference period for variables on irrigation and soil management practices
The reference date for soil management is 1 February 2023, furthermore the measurement covers the crop year is the 12-month period covering the whole cultivation period (from seed to harvest) of the main arable crops cultivated in Luxembourg. The cultivation period lasts from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023.
Variables on irrigation are not part of the IFS 2023 collection. This variable is flagged as NSNE ("Non-significant/non-existing variables") for Luxembourg. Thus, a reference period is not applicable for LU.
5.3. Reference day for variables on livestock and animal housing
The reference day for livestock variables is 1 February within the reference year 2023. The animal housing variables are not applicable for 2023.
5.4. Reference period for variables on manure management
The manure management variables are not applicable for 2023.
5.5. Reference period for variables on labour force
The 12-month period ending on 1 February within the reference year 2023.
5.6. Reference period for variables on rural development measures
The three-year period ending on 31 December 2023.
5.7. Reference day for all other variables
The general reference day is 1 February 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
Other formal agreement6.1.2. Name of national legal acts and other agreements
Law of the SER
Law of STATEC
Grand-ducal regulation on the public statistics committee
6.1.3. Link to national legal acts and other agreements
Law of the SER (only available in French)
Law of STATEC (only available in French)
Grand-ducal regulation on the public statistics committee (only available in French)
6.1.4. Year of entry into force of national legal acts and other agreements
Law of the SER: 1980
Law of STATEC: 2011
Grand-ducal regulation on the public statistics committee: 2013
6.1.5. Legal obligations for respondents
No6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
All data required for IFS 2023 is available in the SER or in the Ministry of Agriculture, so no data sharing arrangement is necessary. An agreement with the National Statistical Institute (STATEC) on the exchange of former farm statistics microdata (linked to years 2010/2013/2016) exists, as STATEC was responsible for farm statistics collection before 2020.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
According to Article 16 of STATEC's law, the dissemination of confidential data is forbidden and subject to criminal penalty. The definition of confidential data is in line with the Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European Statistics. As a member of the Luxemburgish Statistical System, the SER applies this article in all respects. In addition, all employees of the SER are public servants engaging them for confidentiality in every aspect.
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
Tabular data is protected using the following approaches:
- Table design: very detailed tables are avoided (e.g. data published by municipality) unless the data is not confidential (e.g. number of agricultural holdings, total UAA, etc.). On a national level, almost any data (i.e. low occurrence variables) can be published. Problems arise with national data broken down by one or more spanning variables (farm type, size class, municipality, etc.). The table design usually results in a compromise between relevance and confidentiality;
- In case of confidentiality problems, tables are either redesigned or cells are suppressed. This is case-dependent.
7.2.2. Microdata
See sub-categories below.
7.2.2.1. Use of EU methodology for microdata dissemination
Not applicable7.2.2.2. Methods of perturbation
None7.2.2.3. Description of methodology
Not applicable.
8.1. Release calendar
No release calendar available at the time of IFS 2023. Aggregated data is published as soon as possible. However, in the course of 2025, we will work together with the National Statistical Institute (STATEC) on the creation of release calendar for national statistics, including IFS.
8.2. Release calendar access
Not applicable.
8.3. Release policy - user access
No release policy. Aggregated data is published as soon as possible.
8.3.1. Use of quality rating system
No8.3.1.1. Description of the quality rating system
Not applicable.
Yearly
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
See sub-categories below.
10.1.1. Publication of news releases
No10.1.2. Link to news releases
Not applicable.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
See sub-categories below.
10.2.1. Production of paper publications
Yes, but not in English10.2.2. Production of on-line publications
Yes, but not in English10.2.3. Title, publisher, year and link
Annual report 2023 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture published in 2024.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
See sub-categories below.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not available.
10.3.2. Accessibility of online database
Yes10.3.3. Link to online database
Link to the national statistical database, managed by STATEC.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
See sub-category below.
10.4.1. Accessibility of microdata
No10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not available.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
See sub-categories below.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.6.2. Availability of national reference metadata
No10.6.3. Title, publisher, year and link to national reference metadata
Not applicable.
10.6.4. Availability of national handbook on methodology
No10.6.5. Title, publisher, year and link to handbook
Not applicable.
10.6.6. Availability of national methodological papers
No10.6.7. Title, publisher, year and link to methodological papers
Not applicable.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Not available.
11.1. Quality assurance
See sub-categories below.
11.1.1. Quality management system
No11.1.2. Quality assurance and assessment procedures
Use of best practicesPeer review
11.1.3. Description of the quality management system and procedures
We regularly participate in the European Commission's peer review of the NSI as an Other National Authority. At different points of the data processing, we perform consistency checks; if these checks fail, we proceed to identify the root cause and take the necessary measures. We also carry out checks on the aggregated data, including comparisons between years; if we notice anything implausible, we start a deeper investigation. We take valuable learning lessons from unsuccessful practices and experiences.
11.1.4. Improvements in quality procedures
None to report.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Not available.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The final data is used for policy measures. Data on land and livestock is used to monitor the agricultural evaluation. General variables and variables on labour force are used for the economic accounts for agriculture. Data on soil management practices is essential for the calculation of emissions in agriculture. Data on land is additionally used for crop production statistics. Main groups of users include the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture; the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity; the Chamber of Deputies (parliamentary questions); agricultural organisations; journalists; researchers; and students.
12.1.1. Main groups of variables collected only for national purposes
Although there is no obligation for LU to collect data on irrigation, some basic irrigation data has been surveyed for national purposes. Furthermore, other gainful activities related or not to the agricultural holding are asked for all regular personnel types. Data on soil management has been collected in a more detailed manner for quality reasons and emission calculations. Finally, some data on the quantities of cereal stocks has been collected together with the stock capacities.
12.1.2. Unmet user needs
All relevant user needs are met.
12.1.3. Plans for satisfying unmet user needs
Not applicable.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
No satisfaction survey.
12.2.1. User satisfaction survey
No12.2.2. Year of user satisfaction survey
Not applicable.
12.2.3. Satisfaction level
Not applicable12.3. Completeness
Information on not collected, not-significant and not-existent variables is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: Additional data - Eurostat (europa.eu).
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable for Integrated Farm Statistics as the not collected variables, not-significant variables and not-existent variables are completed with 0.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
See categories below.
13.2. Sampling error
See sub-categories below.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Please find the relative standard errors on Eurostat’s website, at the link: CircaBC website.
13.2.2. Reasons for non-compliant precision requirements in relation to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
The data meets the precision requirements set in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
13.2.3. Reference on method of estimation
Core and modules are carried out as a census. We did not use a methodology to calculate relative standard errors and we consider that the relative standard errors are equal to zero (or "missing" where the totals of variables are equal to zero).
13.2.4. Impact of sampling error on data quality
None13.3. Non-sampling error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.1. Coverage error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
The over-coverage rate is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: CircaBC.
The over-coverage rate is unweighted.
The over-coverage rate is calculated as the share of ineligible holdings to the holdings designated for the core data collection. The ineligible holdings include those holdings with unknown eligibility status that are not imputed nor re-weighted for (therefore considered ineligible).
The over-coverage rate is calculated over the holdings in the main frame and if applicable frame extension, for which core data is sent to Eurostat.
13.3.1.1.1. Types of holdings included in the frame but not belonging to the population of the core (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
Below thresholds during the reference periodTemporarily out of production during the reference period
Ceased activities
Merged to another unit
13.3.1.1.2. Actions to minimize the over-coverage error
None13.3.1.1.3. Additional information over-coverage error
The population frame consists of all holdings listed in IACS. All these holdings receive an IFS questionnaire, but some of them are below all thresholds, have ceased activities, merged with another holding or temporarily stopped production. However, this information is not available before the start of the data collection.
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
No rate available. However, the under-coverage is assumed to be minor to inexistent.
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 birthsNew units derived from split
Other
13.3.1.3.3. Actions to minimise the under-coverage error
None.
13.3.1.3.4. Additional information under-coverage error
There could be some units of the population to be covered by IFS that do not apply for payments within CAP and thus are not listed in IACS. As the IACS serves as basis for the frame, these units are not covered in this case. Also, there might be some new farms or new units derived from splits being listed in IACS afterwards but not when starting data collection. Data from administrative sources is then available, but data collected by questionnaires might be missing and has to be imputed. In addition, data on bovine animals is collected through the bovine animal register (SANITEL). Some units are not part of the frame as they are not listed in IACS. However, they are part of the core when they hold more than 1.7 livestock units (e.g. livestock dealers).
13.3.1.4. Misclassification error
No13.3.1.4.1. Actions to minimise the misclassification error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.5. Contact error
No13.3.1.5.1. Actions to minimise the contact error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.6. Impact of coverage error on data quality
Low13.3.2. Measurement error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.2.1. List of variables mostly affected by measurement errors
There were some difficulties detected when it came to soil management practices as no administrative sources were available and holdings often do not keep record of these practices.
13.3.2.2. Causes of measurement errors
Complexity of variablesUnclear questions
Respondents’ inability to provide accurate answers
13.3.2.3. Actions to minimise the measurement error
Pre-testing questionnaireExplanatory 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
Moderate13.3.2.5. Additional information measurement error
Not available.
13.3.3. Non response error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
See item 13.3.1.1.
The unit non-response rate is unweighted.
The unit non-response rate is calculated as the share of eligible non-respondent holdings to the eligible holdings. The eligible holdings include those holdings with unknown eligibility status which are imputed or re-weighted for (therefore considered eligible).
The unit non-response rate is calculated over the holdings in the main frame and if applicable frame extension, for which core data is sent to Eurostat.
13.3.3.1.1. Reasons for unit non-response
Failure to identify the unitRefusal to participate
13.3.3.1.2. Actions to minimise or address unit non-response
RemindersImputation
13.3.3.1.3. Unit non-response analysis
Most non-respondents are either small farms or livestock dealers. Some small farms do not apply for payments within CAP and do not answer any questionnaires. Some livestock dealers do not consider themselves as agricultural holdings and thus refuse to participate.
One has to emphasise that parts of the information are drawn from administrative sources (e.g. IACS). Only information surveyed by questionnaire is not available and needs to be imputed.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Item non-response is very low to inexistent.
13.3.3.2.1. Variables with the highest item non-response rate
Soil management practices
13.3.3.2.2. Reasons for item non-response
RefusalFarmers do not know the answer
13.3.3.2.3. Actions to minimise or address item non-response
Follow-up interviewsImputation
13.3.3.3. Impact of non-response error on data quality
Low13.3.3.4. Additional information non-response error
In case some answers were missing, the unit was contacted by telephone or mail. This reduced item non-response to an absolute minimum as there are validation rules not allowing to transmit the questionnaire when questions are not answered.
13.3.4. Processing error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.4.1. Sources of processing errors
Data entryImputation methods
Data processing
13.3.4.2. Imputation methods
Random hot deck imputationPrevious data for the same unit
13.3.4.3. Actions to correct or minimise processing errors
Questionnaires are online only. This increased data quality as data entry can be validated simultaneously.
13.3.4.4. Tools and staff authorised to make corrections
Data processing and corrections are done by using STATA. Corrections are only done by qualified statisticians.
13.3.4.5. Impact of processing error on data quality
Low13.3.4.6. Additional information processing error
Not available.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
See sub-categories below.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
No publication of first results. However, a first data set is ready for use in the end of the reference year serving as input for preliminary economic accounts for agriculture, and for production statistics (approximately 7 months after the end of the data collection period).
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
The final results were released end of November 2024, i.e. 11 months after 31 December 2023.
14.2. Punctuality
See sub-categories below.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
See sub-categories below.
14.2.1.1. Punctuality - delivery
Not requested.
14.2.1.2. Punctuality - publication
The punctuality cannot be measured as there is no release calendar.
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
None.
15.1.2.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.1.3.1. Proofs that the EU coverage requirements are met
The individual thresholds of Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 have been respected. We used IACS data from 2023 to apply the thresholds of Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 to determine the farms falling within the scope of IFS 2023.
15.1.3.2. Differences between the national thresholds and the thresholds used for the data sent to Eurostat
No differences.
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 other deviations than those discussed in the sub-categories.
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
LU applies the coefficients set in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091. However, there might be small differences in the characteristics of the animals:
- We include other chicken and cocks in the coefficient for laying hens as we cannot clearly distinguish them. This has only minor influence, as these only represent approximately 500 animals.
- We include sows between 30 and 50 kg in the category of breeding sows over 50 kg, as they are considered as sows at a national level. This again has only minor influence, as they only represent 100 animals.
15.1.4.1.5. Livestock included in “Other livestock n.e.c.”
In "other livestock n.e.c." we include equidae, rabbits (except breeding females) and other livestock (without detail, only very few animals). The inclusion of equidae and rabbits (except breeding females) in "other livestock n.e.c." is not a deviation from the EU legislation.
15.1.4.2. Reasons for deviations
See item 15.1.4.1.4.
15.1.5. Reference periods/days
See sub-categories below.
15.1.5.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
No deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.1.5.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.6. Common land
The concept of common land does not exist15.1.6.1. Collection of common land data
Not applicable15.1.6.2. Reasons if common land exists and data are not collected
Not applicable.
15.1.6.3. Methods to record data on common land
Not applicable15.1.6.4. Source of collected data on common land
Not applicable15.1.6.5. Description of methods to record data on common land
Not applicable.
15.1.6.6. Possible problems in relation to the collection of data on common land and proposals for future data collections
Not applicable.
15.1.7. National standards and rules for certification of organic products
See sub-categories below.
15.1.7.1. Deviations from Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
No deviations.
15.1.7.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable.
15.1.8. Differences in methods across regions within the country
No deviations.
15.2. Comparability - over time
See sub-categories below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Time series are comparable for 34 years (from the first year 1990 until 2023) for the data published by STATEC/SER.
15.2.2. Definition of agricultural holding
See sub-categories below.
15.2.2.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.2.2. Description of changes
There are no changes as both 2020 and 2023 are data collection years covered by the same Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.2.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.2.3.1. Changes in the thresholds of holdings for which core data are sent to Eurostat since the last data transmission
There have been no changes15.2.3.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
15.2.4. Geographical coverage
See sub-categories below.
15.2.4.1. Change in the geographical coverage since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.4.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
15.2.5. Definitions and classifications of variables
See sub-categories below.
15.2.5.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.5.2. Description of changes
There are no changes as both 2020 and 2023 are data collection years covered by the same Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.2.6. Reference periods/days
See sub-categories below.
15.2.6.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been some changes but not enough to warrant the designation of a break in series15.2.6.2. Description of changes
There have been the following changes in the reference periods/dates between IFS 2020 and IFS 2023:
| IFS 2020 |
IFS 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Livestock variables |
1 April 2020 |
1 February 2023 |
| Labour force variables |
The 12-month period ending on 1 April within the reference year 2020 |
The 12-month period ending on 1 February within the reference year 2023 |
| All other variables for which reference periods/days are not mentioned in the quality report |
The reference day 1 April within the reference year 2020 |
The reference day is 1 February within the reference year 2023 |
15.2.7. Common land
See sub-categories below.
15.2.7.1. Changes in the methods to record common land since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.7.2. Description of changes
Not applicable.
15.2.8. Explanations for major trends of main variables compared to the last data transmission to Eurostat
With regards to the evolution over time (2023 vs 2020) of the number of holdings by legal personality, despite a relatively little variation over time of the overall number of holdings, there are significant shifts of the shares of holdings by legal form, a sharp decrease of FARM_SPOU and HLD_GRP and a robust increase of FARM_FAM was sought.
The latter seems a trend which is generally decreasing at EU level. Although such trends were confirmed, it was pointed out that small absolute changes can cause large relative changes, when the population is small.
About the evolution of specific variables, the following comments were made:
- The cultivation of soya, sunflowers and vegetables as well as poultry farming is generally on the rise in Luxembourg.
- Also, financial support for the establishment of non-productive areas has led to more land lying fallow.
- Due to diminishing profitability in pig farming, pig production is in decline. Additionally, as commented before, some high relative deviations are explained by small absolute differences (see for example SRCAA - Short rotation coppice areas).
By observing the holdings distribution by class of standard output, it can be observed an increase of share of holdings with upper classes of SO EURO. Is this the result of the combination of a real increase of economic value of the holdings and a result of concentration.
The increase is mostly due to the fact that SO is generally higher for 2023 than for 2020, so that the population has generally moved up the SO class hierarchy, with the highest class increasing and the lowest decreasing proportionally. Furthermore, there is an increasing specialisation of agricultural activity and when farms are closing, it tends to be the smaller ones rather than the larger ones.
15.2.9. Maintain of statistical identifiers over time
No15.3. Coherence - cross domain
See sub-categories below.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable to Integrated Farm Statistics, because there are no sub annual data collections in agriculture.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable, because Integrated Farm Statistics have no relevance for national accounts.
15.3.3. Coherence at micro level with data collections in other domains in agriculture
See sub-categories below.
15.3.3.1. Analysis of coherence at micro level
No15.3.3.2. Results of analysis at micro level
The IFS and most other data collections in agriculture share a common source of data or do not overlap. Thus, an analysis of coherence with other data collections is not suitable.
15.3.4. Coherence at macro level with data collections in other domains in agriculture
See sub-categories below.
15.3.4.1. Analysis of coherence at macro level
Yes15.3.4.2. Results of analysis at macro level
No significant cross-domain discrepancies.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The data is 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
The survey questionnaire was going online at the same time as the subsidy application. The idea is to avoid agricultural holdings having to delve twice into their reporting systems and thus to accelerate the response. Moreover, the questionnaires are specialised such that double counting of characteristics is practically minimised.
16.2. Efficiency gains since the last data transmission to Eurostat
On-line surveysFurther automation
16.2.1. Additional information efficiency gains
In 2023, all the questionnaires were answered by means of an online application.
16.3. Average duration of farm interview (in minutes)
See sub-categories below.
16.3.1. Core
No separate average duration available for core or single modules. An average duration is only available for the entire questionnaire. It is around 40 minutes.
16.3.2. Module ‘Labour force and other gainful activities‘
No separate average duration available for core or single modules. An average duration is only available for the entire questionnaire. It is around 40 minutes.
16.3.3. Module ‘Rural development’
Not relevant. Rural development module is collected via administrative sources.
16.3.4. Module ‘Animal housing and manure management’
Restricted from publication
16.3.5. Module ‘Irrigation’
Not applicable (exemption from data collection).
16.3.6. Module ‘Soil management practices’
No separate average duration available for core or single modules. An average duration is only available for the entire questionnaire. It is around 40 minutes.
16.3.7. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’
No separate average duration available for core or single modules. An average duration is only available for the entire questionnaire. It is around 40 minutes.
16.3.8. Module ‘Orchard’
Not applicable (exemption from data collection).
16.3.9. Module ‘Vineyard’
Restricted from publication
17.1. Data revision - policy
No data revision policy.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Several data sets are produced in order to meet provisional data needs (e.g. economic accounts for agriculture, production statistics). Possible errors or updates are implemented little by little until one final data set is disseminated. If we notice errors after dissemination, we investigate the problem and if it is a major issue we proceed to revise the data and republish it with an updated date of publication. If a minor issue is detected at a very late stage, i.e. imprecisions at unit-level that have a negligible impact on aggregated results, we take note of it, but do not republish the results.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
18.1. Source data
See sub-categories below.
18.1.1. Sampling design & Procedure frame
See sub-categories below.
18.1.1.1. Type of frame
List frame18.1.1.2. Name of frame
The frame is created based on the IACS register.
18.1.1.3. Update frequency
Annual18.1.2. Core data collection on the main frame
See sub-categories below.
18.1.2.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.2.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.2.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.2.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.2.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.2.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.2.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.2.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.3. Core data collection on the frame extension
See sub-categories below.
18.1.3.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.3.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.3.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.3.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.3.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.3.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.3.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.3.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.4. Module “Labour force and other gainful activities”
See sub-categories below.
18.1.4.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.4.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.4.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.4.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.4.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.4.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.4.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.4.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.4.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.5. Module “Rural development”
See sub-categories below.
18.1.5.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.5.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.5.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.5.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.5.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.5.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.5.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.6. Module “Animal housing and manure management module”
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2. Sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.1. Name of sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.2. Stratification criteria
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.4. Full coverage strata
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.6.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Restricted from publication
18.1.7. Module ‘Irrigation’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.7.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Not applicable18.1.7.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.7.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.7.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.7.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.7.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.7.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.7.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.7.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.8. Module ‘Soil management practices’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.8.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.8.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.8.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.8.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.8.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.8.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.8.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.8.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.8.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.9. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.9.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Census18.1.9.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.9.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.9.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.9.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.9.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.9.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.9.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.9.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.10. Module ‘Orchard’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.10.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Not applicable18.1.10.2. Sampling design
Not applicable.
18.1.10.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.10.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.10.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.10.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable.
18.1.10.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable.
18.1.10.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.10.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.11. Module ‘Vineyard’
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2. Sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.1. Name of sampling design
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.2. Stratification criteria
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.4. Full coverage strata
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Restricted from publication
18.1.11.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Restricted from publication
18.1.12. Software tool used for sample selection
Not applicable.
18.1.13. Administrative sources
See sub-categories below.
18.1.13.1. Administrative sources used and the purposes of using them
The information is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: Additional data - Eurostat (europa.eu).
18.1.13.2. Description and quality of the administrative sources
See the Excel file in the annex.
Annexes:
18.1.13.2 Description and quality of administrative sources
18.1.13.3. Difficulties using additional administrative sources not currently used
None18.1.14. Innovative approaches
The information on the innovative approaches and the quality methods applied is available on Eurostat’s website, at the link: Additional data - Eurostat (europa.eu).
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Luxembourg conducts an annual census that includes land, animal and labour force variables. Other variables are added if needed (e.g. variables on production methods for emission calculations). In every Eurostat year (i.e. every year ending with the digit 0, 3 or 6), Luxembourg further implements all requested core and module variables on a census base.
18.3. Data collection
See sub-categories below.
18.3.1. Methods of data collection
Use of Internet18.3.2. Data entry method, if paper questionnaires
Not applicable18.3.3. Questionnaire
Please find the questionnaire in annex (national version in German and automatic translation to English).
Annexes:
18.3.3 Questionnaire in English
18.3.3 Questionnaire in German
18.4. Data validation
See sub-categories below.
18.4.1. Type of validation checks
Data format checksCompleteness checks
18.4.2. Staff involved in data validation
Supervisors18.4.3. Tools used for data validation
Consistency checks with STATA. Use of the pre-validation transmission in eDamis to conduct different checks, including consistency and correctness checks.
18.5. Data compilation
We carried out a census and imputed missing values where a farm did not comply with responding to our online questionnaire. However, administrative data sources are complete.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Find below the approximate unweighted imputation-rates for some block of questions:
- Labour Force module and information on manager of core module: 6%
- Soil management: 6%
- Machinery and equipment: 5%
18.5.2. Methods used to derive the extrapolation factor
Not applicable18.6. 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
EU – European Union
IACS – Integrated Administration and Control System
IFS – Integrated Farm Statistics
LSU – Livestock unit
NSI – National Statistical Institute
NSNE – Non-significant and non-existent
NUTS – Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics
SER – Service d'économie rurale / Rural Economy Department
SGM – Standard Gross Margin
SO – Standard output
STATEC – Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg / National Institute of statistics and economic studies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
UAA – Utilised agricultural area
19.2. Additional comments
No additional comments.
The data describes the structure of agricultural holdings providing the general characteristics of farms and farmers and information on their land, livestock and labour force. It also describes production methods, rural development measures and agro-environmental aspects that look at the impact of agriculture on the environment.
The data is used by the 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 follows up the changes in the agricultural sector and provides 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 is 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 is as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.
10 June 2025
The list of core variables is set in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
The descriptions of the core variables as well as the lists and descriptions of the variables for the modules collected in 2023 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2286.
The following groups of variables are collected in 2023:
- for core: location of the holding, legal personality of the holding, manager, type of tenure of the utilised agricultural area, variables of land, organic farming, irrigation on cultivated outdoor area, variables of livestock, organic production methods applied to animal production;
- for the module "Labour force and other gainful activities": farm management, family labour force, non-family labour force, other gainful activities directly and not directly related to the agricultural holding;
- for the module "Rural development": support received by agricultural holdings through various rural development measures;
- for the module “Soil management practices”: tillage methods, soil cover on arable land, crop rotation on arable land, ecological focus area;
- for the module “Machinery and equipment”: internet facilities, basic machinery, use of precision farming, machinery for livestock management, storage for agricultural products, equipment used for production of renewable energy on agricultural holdings.
See sub-category below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See categories below.
Two kinds of units are generally used:
- the units of measurement for the variables (area in hectares, livestock in (1000) heads or LSU (livestock units), labour force in persons or AWU (annual working units), standard output in Euro, places for animal housing etc.) and
- the number of agricultural holdings having these characteristics.
We carried out a census and imputed missing values where a farm did not comply with responding to our online questionnaire. However, administrative data sources are complete.
See sub-categories below.
Yearly
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
