1.1. Contact organisation
FPS Economy SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy - Statbel (Directorate-general Statistics - Statistics Belgium)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Thematic Directorate Economie
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 16, North Gate III ,
1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
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
28 February 2022
2.2. Metadata last posted
28 February 2022
2.3. Metadata last update
28 February 2022
3.1. Data description
The data describe the structure of agricultural holdings providing the general characteristics of farms and farmers and information on their land, livestock and labour force. They also describe production methods, rural development measures and agro-environmental aspects that look at the impact of agriculture on the environment.
The data are used by public, researchers, farmers and policy-makers to better understand the state of the farming sector and the impact of agriculture on the environment. The data follow up the changes in the agricultural sector and provide a basis for decision-making in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other European Union policies.
The statistical unit is the agricultural holding (farm). The aggregated results are disseminated through statistical tables. The data are presented at different geographical levels and over periods.
The data collections are organized 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 2020 (the agricultural census), 2023 and 2026. The data are as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.
3.2. Classification system
Data are arranged in tables using many classifications. Please find below information on most classifications.
The classifications of variables are available in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 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) (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 3.
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 2020 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1874.
The following groups of variables are collected in 2020:
- 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 "Animal housing and rural development module": animal housing, nutrient use and manure on the farm, manure application techniques, facilities for manure.
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.
In some cases it occurs that a few farmers are doing one declaration for several single units.
3.6. Statistical population
See sub-categories below.
3.6.1. Population covered by the core data sent to Eurostat (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
The thresholds of agricultural holdings are available in the annex.
Annexes:
3.6.1. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
3.6.1.1. Raised thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
No3.6.1.2. Lowered and/or additional thresholds compared to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
No3.6.2. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the modules “Labour force and other gainful activities”, “Rural development” and “Machinery and equipment”
The same population of agricultural holdings defined in annex item 3.6.1
The above answer holds for the modules ‘Labour force and other gainful activities’ and ‘Rural development’. The module ‘Machinery and equipment’ is not collected in 2020.
3.6.3. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Animal housing and manure management”
The subset of the population of agricultural holdings defined in item 3.6.2 with at least one of the following: bovine animals, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry.
3.6.4. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Irrigation”
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
3.6.5. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Soil management practices”
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
3.6.6. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Orchard”
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
3.6.7. Population covered by the data sent to Eurostat for the module “Vineyard”
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
3.7. Reference area
See sub-categories below.
3.7.1. Geographical area covered
The entire territory of the country.
3.7.2. Inclusion of special territories
Not applicable
3.7.3. Criteria used to establish the geographical location of the holding
Other3.7.4. Additional information reference area
The administrative building (this is mostly also the residence of the farmer)
3.8. Coverage - Time
Farm structure statistics in Belgium cover the period from 1st October 2019 until 30th September 2020 onwards. Older time series are described in the previous quality reports (national methodological reports).
3.9. Base period
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 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
From the end of February until the end of April 2020, the farmers declared their main crops to IACS. If a crop was not sown at the moment of the declaration, they must give the area of crops that would be sown.
Second crops were not taken into account for IFS.
5.2. Reference period for variables on irrigation and soil management practices
The 12-month period ending on 15 October within the reference year 2020.
5.3. Reference day for variables on livestock and animal housing
The reference day 15 October within the reference year 2020.
5.4. Reference period for variables on manure management
The 12-month period ending on 15 October. This period includes the reference day used for livestock and animal housing.
5.5. Reference period for variables on labour force
The 12-month period ending on 30 September within the reference year 2020.
5.6. Reference period for variables on rural development measures
The three-year period ending on 31 December 2020.
5.7. Reference day for all other variables
The reference day 15 October within the reference year 2020.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
See sub-categories below.
6.1.1. National legal acts and other agreements
Legal act6.1.2. Name of national legal acts and other agreements
The legal basis of the agricultural survey was laid down in the Royal decree of June 9, 2014 relating to the organisation agricultural surveys carried out by the Directorate-general Statistics - Statistics Belgium. This Royal decree was based on the law of July 4, 1962 concerning public statistics, modified by the law of August 1, 1985 and (modified by the law of) March 22, 2006.
6.1.3. Link to national legal acts and other agreements
http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/mopdf/2014/07/14_1.pdf#Page66
6.1.4. Year of entry into force of national legal acts and other agreements
2014
6.1.5. Legal obligations for respondents
Yes6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
For all administrative data that were used, Agreements were made between the Directorate-general Statistics - Statistics Belgium and the different organisations, namely:
- Departement Landbouw en Visserij
- Mestbank
- Wallonie Agriculture SPW
- Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Strict confidentiality of all collected data is laid down by the Statistics law of July 4, 1962.
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
Cell suppression (Completely suppress the value of some cells)7.2.1.3. Description of rules and methods
For tables with size classes, the classes with less than 3 holdings are regrouped. If it isn’t possible to regroup them we put ‘:’.
Results at municipal level: the results are not disseminated when there are less than 5 holdings in the municipality. We aggregate all these municipalities to one municipality called ‘confidential municipalities’.
7.2.2. Microdata
See sub-categories below.
7.2.2.1. Use of EU methodology for microdata dissemination
Yes7.2.2.2. Methods of perturbation
Removal of variablesReduction of information
7.2.2.3. Description of methodology
Micro-data are disseminated only with an official agreement of the Commission for the protection of Privacy. Requests for micro-data are therefore dealt on case by case basis.
Only anonymous microdata are transmitted.
8.1. Release calendar
Crops and animals : 5 August 2021
Other characteristics : March 2022
8.2. Release calendar access
https://statbel.fgov.be/en/calendar/2021
https://statbel.fgov.be/en/calendar
8.3. Release policy - user access
Users are informed by the release calender on the website from Statbel : https://statbel.fgov.be/en
8.3.1. Use of quality rating system
No8.3.1.1. Description of the quality rating system
Not applicable
Crops and animals : yearly
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
See sub-categories below.
10.1.1. Publication of news releases
Yes10.1.2. Link to news releases
http://statbel.fgov.be/en/news/cereal-crops-decreased-almost-3-2020
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
See sub-categories below.
10.2.1. Production of paper publications
No10.2.2. Production of on-line publications
Yes, in English also10.2.3. Title, publisher, year and link
http://statbel.fgov.be/en/news/cereal-crops-decreased-almost-3-2020
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
No10.3.3. Link to online database
Not applicable
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
See sub-category below.
10.4.1. Accessibility of microdata
Yes10.5. 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
There is no documentation available on quality.
11.1. Quality assurance
See sub-categories below.
11.1.1. Quality management system
No11.1.2. Quality assurance and assessment procedures
None11.1.3. Description of the quality management system and procedures
Not applicable
11.1.4. Improvements in quality procedures
Not available
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Not available
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The list of characteristics for the census is determined by a group of experts on agriculture.
Several IFS characteristics are integrated to meet other EU-requirements and national information needs.
12.1.1. Main groups of variables collected only for national purposes
Characteristics surveyed only for national purposes:
- The presence of an eventually successor for the farm holder
- Short food supply scheme
The users of those characteristics are: the regional administrations of agriculture and environmental, the national Bank of Belgium, professional organisations, research centers, universities.
- More detailed information about livestock was surveyed to comply with the Regulation (EC) No 1165/2008 of 19 November 2008 concerning livestock and meat statistics and repealing Council Directives 93/23/EEC, 93/24/EEC and 93/25/EEC.
- Detailed information about horticultural crops for Wallonia was surveyed to comply with the Regulation (EC) No 543/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of concerning crop statistics.
- Information about milk processing at farm level was surveyed to comply with the milk statistics.
12.1.2. Unmet user needs
All user needs are met
12.1.3. Plans for satisfying unmet user needs
Not applicable
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Not available
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 low- and zero prevalence variables is available on: Eurostat's website.
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 for the main variables in the annex.
Annexes:
13.2.1. Relative Standards Errors
13.2.2. Reasons for non-compliant precision requirements in relation to Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
There is no case of non-compliant precision requirements for BE.
13.2.3. Reference on method of estimation
Usual analytical formulas for post-stratified estimator with post-strata identical to sampling strata.
Annexes:
13.2.3. Formulae for relative standard errors
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 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.
Annexes:
13.3.1.1 Over-coverage rate and Unit non-response rate
13.3.1.1.1. Types of holdings included in the frame but not belonging to the population of the core (main frame and if applicable frame extension)
Below thresholds during the reference periodCeased activities
13.3.1.1.2. Actions to minimize the over-coverage error
Removal of ineligible units from the records, leaving unchanged the weights for the other units13.3.1.1.3. Additional information over-coverage error
Not available
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested.
13.3.1.3. Under-coverage error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.1.3.1. Under-coverage rate
0%
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)
None13.3.1.3.3. Actions to minimise the under-coverage error
Not available
13.3.1.3.4. Additional information under-coverage error
Not available
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
None13.3.2. Measurement error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.2.1. List of variables mostly affected by measurement errors
When the values were too high or when there was an incoherence in the data we contacted the farmer and asked to correct their data. High values were detected by using thresholds. There is no specific list of characteristics. It can occur to every numeric characteristic.
13.3.2.2. Causes of measurement errors
Respondents’ inability to provide accurate answers13.3.2.3. Actions to minimise the measurement error
Pre-filled questionsExplanatory notes or handbooks for enumerators or respondents
13.3.2.4. Impact of measurement error on data quality
None13.3.2.5. Additional information measurement error
Not available
13.3.3. Non response error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
The unit non-response rate is in the annex of item 13.3.1.1. The unit non-response rate is unweighted.
The unit non-response rate is calculated as the share of eligible non-respondent holdings to the eligible holdings. The eligible holdings include those holdings with unknown eligibility status which are imputed or re-weighted for (therefore considered eligible).
The unit non-response rate is calculated over the holdings in the main frame and if applicable frame extension, for which core data are sent to Eurostat.
13.3.3.1.1. Reasons for unit non-response
Refusal to participateInability to participate (e.g. illness, absence)
13.3.3.1.2. Actions to minimise or address unit non-response
RemindersImputation
13.3.3.1.3. Unit non-response analysis
None
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
It is impossible to calculate the non-response rate because administrative data were combined with survey data. Item non-response was minimized by using built-in routings and checks in the online forms. As much as possible answering was made mandatory.
Concerning the paper forms, telephone follow ups were made with the farmers.
13.3.3.2.1. Variables with the highest item non-response rate
The highest non-response was observed for variables that were considerate as sensitive, such as the importance of the other gainful activities to the agricultural holding and the labour input and variables related to nutrient use and manure on the farm.
Other variables were difficult to answer, especially the number of months a farm can store manure.
13.3.3.2.2. Reasons for item non-response
RefusalSkip of due question
Farmers do not know the answer
13.3.3.2.3. Actions to minimise or address item non-response
RemindersImputation
13.3.3.3. Impact of non-response error on data quality
Low13.3.3.4. Additional information non-response error
Not available
13.3.4. Processing error
See sub-categories below.
13.3.4.1. Sources of processing errors
Imputation methods13.3.4.2. Imputation methods
Deductive imputationRatio imputation
Sequential hot deck imputation
Previous data for the same unit
13.3.4.3. Actions to correct or minimise processing errors
Not applicable
13.3.4.4. Tools and staff authorised to make corrections
Imputation with SAS
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
Final results area and livestock : T + 7 M
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Final results other characteristics : T + 16 M
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
- 30 days
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
The agricultural activities are the same as the ones from the Regulation 2018/1091. The majority of the holdings in the farm structure survey are single units. In IACS which is used as population, there are a few farmers who are doing one declaration for several single units. This means that the data recorded in a single record (agricultural holding) covers more than one agricultural holding. (But the reverse also happens.) The problem occurs for only a few cases. It’s impossible to convert the data because in the administrative data on area we cannot see which parcel belongs to which single unit.
15.1.2.2. Reasons for deviations
Not available (IACS)
15.1.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.1.3.1. Proofs that the EU coverage requirements are met
UAA excluding kitchen garden:
Total : 1377016 ha
covered by the thresholds: 1368122 ha
Attained coverage: 99.35%
LSU :
Total : 3681717,34
covered by the thresholds: 3663334,24
Attained coverage: 99,50%
15.1.3.2. Differences between the national thresholds and the thresholds used for the data sent to Eurostat
The thresholds applied for the national data collection are the same from the thresholds applied for the data sent to Eurostat.
15.1.3.3. Reasons for differences
Not applicable.
15.1.4. Definitions and classifications of variables
See sub-categories below.
15.1.4.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 and EU handbook
No data with different definitions and classification of variables are collected, sent to Eurostat or published.
There are only differences in the level of detail. Some variables are more detailed. This is the case for horticultural variables and variables that are necessary to comply with other EU-requirements and national information needs.
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 in the annex.
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.
Annexes:
15.1.4.1.1. AWU
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
The information is available in the annex of item 15.1.4.1.1.
15.1.4.1.3. AWU for workers of certain age groups
The information is available in the annex of item 15.1.4.1.1.
15.1.4.1.4. Livestock coefficients
No deviations from the Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.1.4.1.5. Livestock included in “Other livestock n.e.c.”
- rabbits for fattening
- bees
- equidae
- other
15.1.4.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable
15.1.5. Reference periods/days
See sub-categories below.
15.1.5.1. Deviations from Regulation (EU) 2018/1091
The collected data, data sent to Eurostat and published data are in compliance with the reference periods/days set in Regulation (EU) 2018/1091.
15.1.5.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable
15.1.6. Common land
The concept of common land does not exist15.1.6.1. Collection of common land data
Not applicable15.1.6.2. Reasons if common land exists and data are not collected
Not applicable
15.1.6.3. Methods to record data on common land
Not applicable15.1.6.4. Source of collected data on common land
Not applicable15.1.6.5. Description of methods to record data on common land
Not applicable
15.1.6.6. Possible problems in relation to the collection of data on common land and proposals for future data collections
Not applicable
15.1.7. National standards and rules for certification of organic products
See sub-categories below.
15.1.7.1. Deviations from Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
There are no deviations in the national standards and rules for certification of organic products from Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
15.1.7.2. Reasons for deviations
Not applicable
15.1.8. Differences in methods across regions within the country
There are no differences in methods across regions within the country.
Due to the availibility of different administrative data from the regions, two forms were established. One for the Flemish agricultural holdings and one for the Walloon agricultural holdings.
15.2. Comparability - over time
See sub-categories below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
definition of agricultural holding: >50 years
thresholds: 9 years
geographical coverage: >50 years
definition and classification of variables: >50 years
reference periods/dates for animals: 6 years
reference periods/dates for labour force: 4 years
reference periods/dates for crops: >50 years
15.2.2. Definition of agricultural holding
See sub-categories below.
15.2.2.1. Changes since the last data transmission to Eurostat
There have been no changes15.2.2.2. Description of changes
Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 newly considers agricultural holdings with only fur animals. However our country does not raise fur animals.
15.2.3. Thresholds of agricultural holdings
See sub-categories below.
15.2.3.1. Changes in the thresholds of holdings for which core data are sent to Eurostat since the last data transmission
There have been some changes but not enough to warrant the designation of a break in series15.2.3.2. Description of changes
The thresholds were changed to be in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1091. This change has no impact on the main variables.
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 some changes but not enough to warrant the designation of a break in series15.2.5.2. Description of changes
Legal personality of the agricultural holding:
In IFS, there is a new class (“shared ownership”) for the legal personality of the holding compared to FSS 2016, which trigger fluctuations of holdings in the classes of sole holder holdings and group holdings.
Other livestock n.e.c.:
In FSS 2016, deer were included in this class, but in IFS they are classified separately.
Also in FSS 2016, there was a class for the collection of equidae. That has been dropped and Equidae are included in IFS in "other livestock n.e.c."
Livestock units:
In FSS 2016, turkeys, ducks, geese, ostriches and other poultry were considered each one 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 only fully compliant (certified converted) animals were included, in IFS both animals under conversion and fully converted are to be included.
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
The reference period for manure in the FSS 2016 was from 1st October 2015 to 30th September 2016.
In the IFS2020, the reference period for manure was the 12-month period ending on 15 October. This period included the reference day used for livestock and animal housing.
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
from 2016 to 2020 it was recorded a remarkable increase of holdings without LSU. Between 2016 and 2020, there was a large drop in the number of farms keeping animals. There is a decrease in the number of holdings with cattle (-14%), pigs ( -7%) and poultry (-8%).
from 2016 to 2020 it was recorder an increase of holdings FT class 16 in 2020. This increase is due to the decrease in OTE 162 (farms with combined cultivation of cereals, oilseeds, protein crops and root crops). This is due to the strong decrease in the number of farms growing cereals (-
9%) and sugar beet (-9%). While the number of farms growing potatoes has increased by 5%.
Besides this decrease, there is an increase of 23% in OTE 166 (farms with various combinations of arable crops). This mainly concerns farms that combine arable crops with vegetables. for example, there is a strong increase compared to 2016 in the area of fresh peas (+15%), fresh beans (+23%), onions (+60%) and chicory roots (+22%).
Other gainful activities
The increase in the number of holders who have another activity outside the holding is mainly due to the decrease in the number of sole holders (-5.2% compared to 2016) while the number of legal entities increased by 8.8%. At the same time, between 2016 and 2020, a decrease was observed in the number holders working more than half-time (-8.9%) and an increase in the number of holders working less than half-time (+7.2%). This indicates that more and more holders have another activity outside the holding.
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
In 2020 there was one data collection for all agricultural statistics.
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
PERC: For the figure of IFS (VALUE), PERC=PERCT and for Landuse (VALUE_EUROBASE), PERC=PERCT+PERCS. The figure for Landuse does not include Christmas trees.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The data are internally consistent. This is ensured by the application of a wide range of validation rules.
See sub-categories below.
16.1. Coordination of data collections in agricultural statistics
We use as far as possible administrative data. For 2020: almost all the cultivated areas were provided by the IACS, cattle and pigs were provided by SANITEL (registration system of animals)some variables for AHMM are administrative data from he Vlaamse Landmaatschappij.
16.2. Efficiency gains since the last data transmission to Eurostat
On-line surveysIncreased use of administrative data
16.2.1. Additional information efficiency gains
In order to reduce administrative burden, the same data may only be collected once (‘collect once – use often’). This policy is also applied in the census.
16.3. Average duration of farm interview (in minutes)
See sub-categories below.
16.3.1. Core
The core and the module labour force were carried out as a census. As there is one form it is impossible to separate the average duration to fill the variables for the core and the LF.
Average: 28 minutes
16.3.2. Module ‘Labour force and other gainful activities‘
See item 16.3.1
16.3.3. Module ‘Rural development’
Not relevant
16.3.4. Module ‘Animal housing and manure management’
Average : 44 minutes
16.3.5. Module ‘Irrigation’
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
16.3.6. Module ‘Soil management practices’
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
16.3.7. Module ‘Machinery and equipment’
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
16.3.8. Module ‘Orchard’
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
16.3.9. Module ‘Vineyard’
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Belgium publishes only a revision for their statistics when errors are discovered after data have been placed in the public domain.
The FSS dataset in Belgium is not placed in the public domain, so there is no revision.
17.2. Data revision - practice
There was no revision for the FSS.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested.
Annexes:
18. Timetable_statistical_process
18.1. Source data
See sub-categories below.
18.1.1. Sampling design & Procedure frame
See sub-categories below.
18.1.1.1. Type of frame
List frame18.1.1.2. Name of frame
Statistical Farm Register
18.1.1.3. Update frequency
Quarterly18.1.2. 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 for 2019/2020.
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 for 2019/2020.
18.1.2.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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
Not applicable18.1.3.2. Sampling design
Not applicable
18.1.3.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.3.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.3.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.3.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable
18.1.3.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable
18.1.3.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.4. Module “Labour force and other gainful activities”
See sub-categories below.
18.1.4.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
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”
See sub-categories below.
18.1.6.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Sample18.1.6.2. Sampling design
The sample is a stratified simple random sample of agricultural Holding. The stratification is made on 3 criteria: location (NUTS1) , type of livestock (7 categories) and size of the holding (2 categories). Large holding are covered exhaustively. Sampling fractions are determine to largely fulfill precision requirement, taking into account expected response rate.
18.1.6.2.1. Name of sampling design
Stratified one-stage random sampling18.1.6.2.2. Stratification criteria
Unit sizeUnit location
Unit specialization
18.1.6.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
No18.1.6.2.4. Full coverage strata
In all NUTS1 and livestock type, the largest unit are covered exhaustively
18.1.6.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Sampling fractions are determine to largely fulfill precision requirement, taking into account expected response rate
18.1.6.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Other18.1.6.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.7. Module ‘Irrigation’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.7.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Not applicable18.1.7.2. Sampling design
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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 for 2019/2020.
18.1.7.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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
Not applicable18.1.8.2. Sampling design
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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 for 2019/2020.
18.1.8.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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
Not applicable18.1.9.2. Sampling design
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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 for 2019/2020.
18.1.9.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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 for 2019/2020.
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 for 2019/2020.
18.1.10.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
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’
See sub-categories below.
18.1.11.1. Coverage of agricultural holdings
Not applicable18.1.11.2. Sampling design
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
18.1.11.2.1. Name of sampling design
Not applicable18.1.11.2.2. Stratification criteria
Not applicable18.1.11.2.3. Use of systematic sampling
Not applicable18.1.11.2.4. Full coverage strata
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
18.1.11.2.5. Method of determination of the overall sample size
Not applicable for 2019/2020.
18.1.11.2.6. Method of allocation of the overall sample size
Not applicable18.1.11.2.7. If sampled from the core sample, the sampling strategy and calibration strategy
Not applicable18.1.12. Software tool used for sample selection
sample selection : SAS
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.
18.1.13.2. Description and quality of the administrative sources
See the attached 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
Resistance to change caused by a general lack of trust in the quality of the sourceThe final validated data in the source would not be in time to meet statistical deadlines or would relate to a period which does not coincide with the reference period
18.1.14. Innovative approaches
The information on innovative approaches is available on Eurostat's website.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
The agricultural census is conducted every 10 years. The decennial agricultural census is complemented by sample or census-based data collections organised every 3-4 years in-between.
18.3. Data collection
See sub-categories below.
18.3.1. Methods of data collection
Postal, non-electronic versionPostal, electronic version (email)
Use of Internet
18.3.2. Data entry method, if paper questionnaires
Manual18.3.3. Questionnaire
Please find the questionnaire in annex.
Annexes:
18.3.3. questionaire core and labour force Wallonia
18.3.3. questionaire core and labour force Flanders
18.3.3. questionaire core, labour force and animal housing Wallonia
18.3.3. questionaire core, labour force and animal housing Flanders
18.4. Data validation
See sub-categories below.
18.4.1. Type of validation checks
Completeness checksRouting checks
Relational checks
Comparisons with previous rounds of the data collection
18.4.2. Staff involved in data validation
None18.4.3. Tools used for data validation
Blaise and SAS
18.5. Data compilation
See information in next items
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Imputation rate for some variables :
A2300F_EXRY_T=1,88%
STCAP_COMP=3,39%
WH_MAN_AWU_PC=2,45%
WH_HLD_AWU_PC=9,60%
UAAT_IB=13,61%
These imputation rates are unweighted.
18.5.2. Methods used to derive the extrapolation factor
Calibration18.6. Adjustment
Covered under Data compilation.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable to Integrated Farm Statistics, because it collects structural data on agriculture.
See sub-categories below.
19.1. List of abbreviations
CAP – Common Agricultural Policy
CAPI – Computer Assisted Personal Interview
CATI – Computer Assisted Telephone Interview
CAWI – Computer Assisted Web Interview
FSS – Farm Structure Survey
IACS – Integrated Administration and Control System
IFS – Integrated Farm Statistics
LSU – Livestock units
NACE – Nomenclature of Economic Activities
NUTS – Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics
PAPI – Paper and Pencil Interview
SO – Standard output
UAA – Utilised agricultural area
STATBEL (TDE) - Statistic Belgium (Thematic Directorate Economie)
STATBEL (CDC) - Statistic Belgium (Data Collection)
STATBEL (CMC) - Statistic Belgium (Methodology)
19.2. Additional comments
No additional comments.
The data describe the structure of agricultural holdings providing the general characteristics of farms and farmers and information on their land, livestock and labour force. They also describe production methods, rural development measures and agro-environmental aspects that look at the impact of agriculture on the environment.
The data are used by public, researchers, farmers and policy-makers to better understand the state of the farming sector and the impact of agriculture on the environment. The data follow up the changes in the agricultural sector and provide a basis for decision-making in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other European Union policies.
The statistical unit is the agricultural holding (farm). The aggregated results are disseminated through statistical tables. The data are presented at different geographical levels and over periods.
The data collections are organized 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 2020 (the agricultural census), 2023 and 2026. The data are as comparable and coherent as possible with the other European countries.
28 February 2022
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 2020 are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1874.
The following groups of variables are collected in 2020:
- 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 "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.
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 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 information in next items
See sub-categories below.
Crops and animals : yearly
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
See sub-categories below.
