[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

Brussels, 10.5.2007

COM(2007) 245 final

2007/0084 (COD)

Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on farm structure surveys and the survey on agricultural production methods and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

.

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL |

110 | Grounds for and objectives of the proposal The proposed Regulation specifies the requirement to continue the series of structural surveys of agricultural holdings, with a census in 2010 and interim surveys in 2013 and 2016. In addition, a survey on agricultural production methods is proposed, with a reference period 2010. |

120 | General context The proposed Regulation is according to the Commission's new political approach to the simplification of legislation and better regulation as referred to in the Communications of 14 November 2006 on "a strategic review of Better Regulation in the European Union"[1] and on "reduction of the response burden, simplification and priority-setting in the field of Community statistics"[2]. Community surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings have been carried out since 1966. During this time, the regulations governing these surveys have been defined for fixed periods of time. The most recent legislation defined the requirements for censuses of agricultural holdings in 1990 and 2000, with interim surveys in 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003, 2005 and 2007. The first draft of this Regulation was presented to the Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics (hereinafter "SCAS") in November 2005. During the last year, discussions on the different aspects of the structural surveys have taken place at Working Group level and at meetings of the SCAS. The revised proposal takes into account the points made in these discussions, and attempts to balance the need for new and detailed information with the need to avoid increasing the burden on respondents and on Member States. |

130 | Existing provisions in the area of the proposal The present proposal will replace Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 of 29 February 1988 on the organisation of Community surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings[3]. Nevertheless, core structural statistics relating to crops, livestock, labour and equipment will continue to be collected. Some structural information has been dropped and some new characteristics have been added. The number of interim surveys has been reduced from three to two and a new survey on production methods has been introduced. |

140 | Consistency with the other policies and objectives of the Union Statistics on agricultural holdings are required to support the Community's agricultural and rural development policies, relating in particular to the increasing diversification of agricultural activities, the environmental impact of farming and the quality and safety of agricultural products. |

CONSULTATION OF INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT |

Consultation of interested parties |

211 | Consultation methods, main sectors targeted and general profile of respondents Consultations have taken place at different levels during the past year. The Working Group on Agriculture and Environment was consulted on 29 and 30 June 2006 concerning the characteristics required for the survey on agricultural production methods. The Working Group on Structure and Typology of Agricultural Holdings has been consulted at the different stages of development of this proposal. The most recent consultation took place on 21 and 22 September 2006. Following this meeting, the proposal was revised and presented to the SCAS. The SCAS discussed the proposal on 27-29 November 2006. Earlier proposals were also discussed at the SCAS in November 2005 and April 2006. Bilateral exchanges have taken place with several Member States concerning aspects of the proposal. |

212 | Summary of responses and how they have been taken into account At each stage of consultation, Eurostat has revised the text to take into account as far as possible the comments from users and from Member States. During the consultation process, there was little support for specific provisions relating to the establishment and updating of a statistical farm register. These provisions have now been dropped. Further clarification on the list of characteristics has been included. Detailed definitions will follow in the implementing regulation. The precision levels have been modified to achieve reliable results without excessive sample sizes. |

Collection and use of expertise |

229 | There was no need for external expertise. |

230 | Impact assessment The proposal is an extension of existing legislation in this field of statistics. No specific information campaign and no financial incentives were considered appropriate. . |

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL |

305 | Summary of the proposed action The legislation for the existing series of structural surveys does not contain any provisions for the farm structural surveys from 2010 onwards. This proposal therefore provides the legal framework for the next farm structure census in 2010 and for the interim surveys in 2013 and 2016. In addition, the proposal includes a survey on agricultural production methods with reference year 2010. |

310 | Legal basis Article 285 of the Treaty establishing the European Community provides the legal basis for Community statistics. The Council, acting in accordance with the codecision procedure, is to adopt measures for the production of statistics where necessary for the performance of the activities of the Community. This Article sets out the requirements relating to the production of Community statistics and requires conformity to standards of impartiality, reliability, objectivity, scientific independence, cost-effectiveness and statistical confidentiality. |

320 | Subsidiarity principle The objectives of this proposal, namely to specify the requirement for the collection of comparable Community statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings and to specify the requirement for a survey on agricultural production methods, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States. They can be better achieved at Community level on the basis of a Community legal act because only the Commission can coordinate the necessary harmonisation of statistical information at Community level while the collection of data and compilation of comparable statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings can be organised by the Member States. The different climatic and environmental regions within the European Union, with their different farming practices, strengthen the argument for a Community level approach if comparable statistics are to be available. Therefore, the Community may adopt these measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiary as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. The proposal allows the use of sample surveys in specific cases, to help to reduce the survey burden in Member States, and facilitates the use of appropriate existing national data sources. |

Proportionality principle The proposal complies with the proportionality principle for the following reason(s). In accordance with the principle of proportionality, this Regulation confines itself to the minimum required to achieve this objective and does not go beyond what is necessary for that purpose. |

331 | The proposal specifies the definitions, characteristics, coverage, precision required, reference periods and reporting requirements. The implementing measures will specify the detailed definitions of the characteristics. Member States are responsible for determining how to collect the information, the questionnaire design for sample surveys, the data processing and validation procedures. There is no obligation for the Member States to make any changes in their administrative systems related to the statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings. |

332 | The proposal allows the use of sample surveys in specific cases, to help to reduce the survey burden in Member States, and facilitates the use of appropriate existing national data sources. Furthermore, the proposal allows the Commission to approve certain national practices relating to data precision, use of alternative data sources, sub-samples and identification of non-existent or non-significant characteristics. |

Choice of instruments |

341 | Proposed instruments: Regulation. |

342 | Other means would not be adequate for the following reason(s). Selection of the appropriate category for an act of the European Parliament and Council depends on the legislative goal. Given the information needs at European level, the trend for Community statistics has been to use Regulations rather than Directives for basic acts. A Regulation is preferable because it lays down the same law throughout the Community, leaving the Member States with no power to apply them incompletely or selectively; it is directly applicable, which means that it needs not be transposed into national law. In contrast, directives, which aim at harmonisation of national laws, are binding on Member States as regards their objectives, but leave the national authorities the choice of form and methods used to obtain the objectives agreed upon at the Community level; they must be transposed into national law. The use of a Regulation is in line with other statistical legal acts which have been adopted since 1997. |

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION |

401 | Member States are to receive a financial contribution from the Community towards the cost of the surveys defined in the Regulation. |

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |

510 | Simplification |

511 | The proposal provides for simplification of Community legislation and simplification of administrative procedure for national authorities. |

512 | The proposal reduces from three to two the number of interim farm structure surveys required. The survey on agricultural production methods is treated as a separate module which can be carried out as a sample survey. The use of administrative sources instead of surveys will reduce the burden on respondents. The proposal is included in the Commission's Work and Legislative Programme under the reference ESTAT/2006/014 and is a concrete example of the Commission's new political approach to simplification of legislation and better regulation. |

520 | Repeal of existing legislation The adoption of this proposal will lead to the repeal of existing Community legislation. |

560 | European Economic Area The proposed act concerns an EEA matter and should therefore extend to the European Economic Area. |

E-5457 |

1. 2007/0084 (COD)

Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on farm structure surveys and the survey on agricultural production methods and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 285(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission[4],

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty[5],

Whereas:

(1) Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 of 29 February 1988 on the organisation of Community surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings[6] provides for a programme of Community surveys to provide statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings up to 2007.

(2) The programme of surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings, carried out on a Community basis since 1966/67, should be continued in order to examine trends at Community level. In the interests of clarity the provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 should be replaced by this Regulation.

(3) For the purposes of updating the basic registers of agricultural holdings and the other information required for the stratification of sample surveys, a census of agricultural holdings in the Community is necessary at least every ten years. The last census took place in 1999/2000.

(4) There is a need to monitor the implementation of measures associated with rural development defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural development (EAFRD)[7].

(5) In their conclusions on agri-environmental indicators, the Council recognised the need for comparable data on agricultural activities, at the appropriate geographical level, and covering the whole Community. The Council asked the Commission to undertake the actions in the Commission Communication COM(2006)508 which includes the development of new EU surveys, particularly regarding farm management practices and the use of farm inputs.

(6) There is a lack of statistical information on the different methods of agricultural production at the level of individual holdings. Therefore a special survey on agricultural production methods, linked to structural information on agricultural holdings, is required to provide additional statistics for the development of agri-environmental policy and to improve the quality of agri-environmental indicators.

(7) Comparable statistics from all Member States on the structure of agricultural holdings are important in determining the development of agricultural policy in the Community. Therefore standard classifications and definitions should be used as far as possible for survey characteristics.

(8) Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics[8], constitutes the reference framework for the provisions of this Regulation. In particular, it requires conformity to standards of impartiality, reliability, objectivity, scientific independence, cost-effectiveness and statistical confidentiality.

(9) The use of geo-reference information, which provides an agricultural holding's precise location, will be limited to statistical purposes. The necessary protection of confidentiality of data should be ensured, among other means, by appropriate aggregation when publishing statistics.

(10) Council Regulation (EEC) No 3037/90 established the statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community[9]

(11) In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS)[10], territorial units should be defined using the NUTS classification.

(12) In order to reduce the burden of data collection for respondents and Member States as far as possible, the possibility of using sample surveys and administrative sources should be provided for.

(13) In order to carry out the surveys, considerable funding will be required from both the Member States and the Commission over a number of years, a large proportion of which will be used to meet the requirements of the Community.

(14) Provision should therefore be made for a Community subsidy to assist this programme through the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund under article 3(2), point e) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 of 21 June 2005 on the financing of the common agricultural policy[11].

(15) This Regulation establishes a financial framework for the entire duration of the programme which is to be the principal point of reference for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure, within the meaning of Point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management[12].

(16) Since the objective of the proposed action, namely the systematic production of Community statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings and on agricultural production methods, cannot be sufficiently achieved at the national level and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective.

(17) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission[13].

(18) In particular, power should be conferred on the Commission to define the characteristics and to adapt the Annexes to this Regulation. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation and supplement this Regulation by the addition of new non-essential elements, they must be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC.

(19) The Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics set up by Council Decision 72/279/EEC[14] has been consulted,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

CHAPTER I

DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

Subject matter

This Regulation establishes a framework for the production of comparable Community statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings and for a survey on agricultural production methods.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

2. ‘Agricultural holding’ means a single unit, both technically and economically, which has a single management and which undertakes agricultural activities listed in Annex I within the economic territory of the European Union, either as its primary or secondary activity

3. 'Sample surveys' mean statistical surveys based on stratified random sampling which are designed to provide representative statistics concerning agricultural holdings at regional and national levels. The stratification shall include the size and type of the agricultural holding to ensure that agricultural holdings of different sizes and types are adequately represented.

4. 'Region' means the NUTS 2 territorial unit defined in Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003.

Article 3

Coverage

1. The surveys specified in this Regulation shall cover:

5. agricultural holdings where the agricultural area utilized for farming is one hectare or more;

6. agricultural holdings where the agricultural area utilized for farming is less than one hectare, if they produce a certain proportion for sale or if their production unit exceeds certain physical thresholds.

2. However, Member States which use a different survey threshold shall fix this threshold at a level to exclude only the smallest agricultural holdings which together contribute 2% or less to the total agricultural area excluding common land and 2% or less to the total number of farm livestock units.

3. In any case, all agricultural holdings reaching one of the physical thresholds specified in Annex II shall be covered.

Article 4

Data sources

1. Member States may use information from the Integrated Administration and Control System[15], the System for the Identification and Registration of Bovine Animals[16] and the Organic Farming Register[17] provided this information is of at least equal quality to information obtained from statistical surveys. Member States may also use administrative sources associated with the cultivation of genetically modified crops and the specific rural development measures referred to in Annex III.

2. In duly justified cases the Commission may allow Member States to use other administrative sources.

Article 5

Precision

1. Member States conducting sample surveys shall ensure that the weighted survey results are statistically representative of agricultural holdings within each region and are designed to meet the precision requirements set out in Annex IV.

2. In duly justified cases the Commission may allow Member States exceptions to the precision requirements for specific regions.

3. The Commission may determine additional precision requirements. That measure, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, inter alia by supplementing and/or by deleting some non-essential elements, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 15(2).

CHAPTER II

STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE OF AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS

Article 6

Farm structure surveys

1. Member States shall carry out in 2010, 2013 and 2016 surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings, hereinafter referred to as ‘farm structure surveys’.

2. The farm structure survey in 2010 shall be carried out in the form of a census. However, sample surveys may be used for the characteristics concerning machinery and other gainful activities of the labour force, listed in Annex III Sections IV(i) and V(ii).

3. The farm structure surveys in 2013 and 2016 may be carried out as sample surveys.

Article 7

Survey characteristics

1. Member States shall collect information on the characteristics of agricultural holdings listed in Annex III.

2. The Commission may amend the list of characteristics provided in Annex III for the farm structure surveys for 2013 and 2016. That measure, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, inter alia by supplementing and/or by deleting some non-essential elements, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 15(2).

3. If a characteristic has a low or zero prevalence in a Member State, the Member State may be authorised by the Commission to exclude the characteristic from a farm structure survey, provided the Member State submits appropriate justification.

4. The Commission determines definitions of the characteristics. That measure, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, inter alia by supplementing and/or by deleting some non-essential elements, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 15(2).

Article 8

Reference periods

The reference periods for the farm structure surveys in the survey years 2010, 2013 and 2016 are defined as follows:

7. for land characteristics specified in Annex III: a period of 12 months ending on a reference day between 1 March and 31 October of the survey year;

8. for livestock characteristics specified in Annex III: a reference day between 1 March and 31 December of the survey year;

9. for labour force characteristics specified in Annex III: a period of 12 months ending on a reference day between 1 March and 31 October of the survey year;

10. for rural development measures specified in Annex III: a period of three years ending on 31 December of the survey year.

Article 9

Transmission

1. Member States shall transmit to the Commission validated survey data for the farm structure survey for 2010 by 31 March 2012.

2. For the farm structure surveys in the survey years 2013 and 2016, Member States shall transmit validated survey data to the Commission within 12 months of the end of the survey year.

3. However, data relating to the rural development measures referred to in Annex III, and based on administrative records, may be transmitted to the Commission separately within 18 months of the end of the survey year.

4. The farm structure survey data transmitted to the Commission shall be in electronic form and at the level of individual agricultural holdings.

5. The Commission determines the format for the transmission of the survey data.

Article 10

Sampling frame

For the purposes of updating the sampling frame for the farm structure surveys in 2013 and 2016, Member States shall provide the national authorities responsible for farm structure surveys access to information on agricultural holdings contained in administrative files compiled on their national territory.

CHAPTER III

STATISTICS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION METHODS

Article 11

Survey on agricultural production methods

1. Member States shall carry out a sample survey on agricultural production methods used by agricultural holdings.

2. In duly justified cases, the Commission may allow a Member State to carry out the sample survey using separate sub-samples.

3. Member States shall collect information on the characteristics of the agricultural production methods listed in Annex V. If a characteristic has a low or zero prevalence in a Member State, in duly justified cases the Commission may allow the Member State to exclude the characteristic from the survey. The volume of water used for irrigation per year may be calculated using statistical imputation.

4. The Commission determines the definitions of the characteristics. That measure, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, inter alia by supplementing and/or by deleting some non-essential elements, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 15(2).

5. The reference period shall coincide with the reference periods used for the characteristics of the farm structure survey in 2010.

6. The results of this survey shall be linked to the data obtained from the farm structure survey in 2010 at the level of individual agricultural holding. The combined validated data set shall be transmitted to the Commission in electronic form no later than 31 December 2012.

7. The Commission determines the format for the transmission of the survey data.

CHAPTER IV

REPORTS, FINANCING AND IMPLEMENTING MEASURES

Article 12

Reports

1. Member States shall supply the Commission with any information it may require regarding the organisation and methodology of the surveys covered by this Regulation.

2. In particular, "National Methodological Reports" shall be provided by Member States describing:

11. the methodology applied;

12. the levels of precision achieved for the sample surveys referred to in this Regulation;

13. information on the quality of any administrative data sources used; and

14. the inclusion and exclusion criteria applied to meet the coverage requirements specified in Article 3.

3. The National Methodological Reports shall be submitted to the Commission with the validated survey results.

Article 13

Community contribution

1. Member States shall receive a financial contribution of 50% from the Community towards the cost of carrying out the surveys defined in this Regulation, subject to the maximum amounts defined in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article.

2. For the combined costs of the Farm Structure Survey 2010 and the Survey on Agricultural Production Methods, the Community contribution shall be limited to the maximum amounts specified below:

EUR 0.05 million each for Luxembourg and Malta;

EUR 0.15 million each for Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia and the Slovak Republic;

EUR 1 million each for Austria, Ireland and Lithuania;

EUR 2 million each for Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Portugal and the United Kingdom;

EUR 3 million each for Greece, Spain and France;

EUR 4 million each for Italy, Poland and Romania; and

EUR 0.3 million each for all other Member States.

3. For the Farm Structure Surveys in 2013 and 2016, the maximum amounts specified in paragraph 2 shall be reduced by 60%.

4. The Community financial contribution is financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund under article 3(2), point e) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005.

Article 14

Financial framework

1. The financial envelope for the implementation of this programme, including the appropriations necessary for the management, maintenance and development of the database systems used within the Commission to process the data supplied by Member States under the provisions of this Regulation, shall be EUR 54.27 million for the period 2008 - 2013.

2. The amount for the period 2014-2018 will be fixed by the budgetary and legislative authority on a proposal from the Commission on the basis of the new financial framework for the period commencing in 2014.

3. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework.

Article 15

Committee

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics established by Article 1 of Council Decision 72/279/EEC.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a (1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

Article 16

Derogations

1. By way of derogation from Articles 6(1) and (2), 8, 9(1), 11(5) and (6), 13(2) and Annex IV, the references to the year 2010 are replaced by the year 2009 for Greece, Spain and Portugal.

2. By way of derogation from Article 9(1), the reference to 31 March 2012 is replaced by:

15. 31 March 2011 for Greece and Portugal;

16. 30 June 2011 for Spain;

17. 30 June 2012 for Italy and Romania.

3. By way of derogation from Article 11(6), the reference to 31 December 2012 is replaced by 31 December 2011 for Greece, Spain and Portugal.

Article 17

Repeal

1. Regulation (EEC) 571/88 is repealed.

2. References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references to this Regulation

Article 18

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union .

It shall apply from 1 January 2009.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

ANNEX I

The list of agricultural activities referred to in the definition of an agricultural holding

The following activities (which may be either primary or secondary activities) are based on the European Statistical Classification of Economic Activities (NACE Rev. 2) for crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities and are used to define an agricultural holding:

Description of activity | NACE Rev. 2 code | Additional notes on activities included or excluded when defining agricultural activities |

Growing of non-perennial crops | 01.1 |

Growing of perennial crops | 01.2 | Agricultural holdings which produce wine or olive oil from self-produced grapes or olives are included in the scope of this Regulation. |

Plant propagation | 01.3 |

Animal production | 01.4 | All activities classified under 01.49 of NACE Rev. 2 (Raising of other animals) shall be excluded from the scope of this Regulation, except: (i) the raising and breeding of ostriches, emus and rabbits; (ii) bee-keeping and production of honey and beeswax. |

Mixed farming | 01.5 |

Support activities to agriculture and post-harvest crop activities | 01.6 | In general, all holdings which carry out activities under 01.6 of NACE Rev. 2 are excluded from the scope of this Regulation if they are undertaken exclusively. However, holdings exclusively maintaining agricultural land in good agricultural and environmental condition (under NACE Rev. 2. 01.61) are included in the scope of this Regulation. |

ANNEX II

Thresholds for the farm structure surveys and the survey on agricultural production methods

Characteristics | Threshold |

Utilised agricultural area | Arable land, kitchen gardens, permanent pasture and meadow, permanent crops | 5 ha |

Permanent outdoor crops | Fruit, berry, citrus and olive plantations, vineyards and nurseries | 1 ha |

Other intensive production | Fresh vegetables, melons, strawberries, which are outdoors or under low (not accessible) protective cover | 0.5 ha |

Tobacco | 0.5 ha |

Hops | 0.5 ha |

Cotton | 0.5 ha |

Crops under glass or other (accessible) protective cover | Fresh vegetables, melons, strawberries | 0.1 ha |

Flowers and ornamental plants (excluding nurseries) | 0.1 ha |

Bovine animals | All | 10 Heads |

Pigs | All | 50 Heads |

Breeding sows | 10 Heads |

Sheep | All | 20 Heads |

Goats | All | 20 Heads |

Poultry | All | 1000 Heads |

ANNEX III

List of farm structure survey characteristics

Characteristics | Units/categories |

I. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS |

Geographical situation of the holding |

Geo-reference of the headquarters of the holding | Code |

Legal personality of the holding |

Is the legal and economic responsibility of the holding assumed by: |

a natural person who is a sole holder, where the holding is independent? | Yes/No |

If the answer to the previous question is "yes", is this person (the holder) also the manager? | Yes/No |

If this person is not the manager, is the manager a member of the holder's family? | Yes/No |

If the manager is a member of the holder's family, is the manager the spouse of the holder? | Yes/No |

one or more natural persons who is/are a partner, where the holding is a group holding? | Yes/No |

a legal person? | Yes/No |

Type of tenure (in relation to the holder) and farming system |

Agricultural area utilised: |

For owner farming | ha |

For tenant farming | ha |

For share farming or other modes | ha |

Certified production: |

Organic farming |

The total utilised agricultural area of the holding on which organic farming production methods are applied and certified according to National or European Community rules | ha |

The total utilised agricultural area of the holding that is under conversion to organic farming production methods to be certified according to National or European Community rules | ha |

Area of the holding on which organic farming production methods according to National or European Community rules are either applied and certified or under conversion to be certified: |

Cereals | ha |

Dried pulses | ha |

Potatoes | ha |

Sugar beet | ha |

Oil crops | ha |

Fresh vegetable, melons, strawberries | ha |

Pasture and meadow, excluding rough grazings | ha |

Fruit and berry | ha |

Citrus fruit | ha |

Olives | ha |

Wine grapes | ha |

Other crops (textile crops etc.) | ha |

Organic production methods applied to animal production and certified according to National or European Community rules: |

Bovine animals | Heads |

Pigs | Heads |

Sheep and goats | Heads |

Poultry | Heads |

Other animals | Heads |

Agricultural production under certified or labelled contractual frameworks (other than organic farming) |

EC quality schemes: |

Holding's crop area covered by these schemes | ha |

Holding's livestock covered by these schemes | Heads |

National quality schemes: |

Holding's crop area covered by these schemes | ha |

Holding's livestock covered by these schemes | Heads |

EC/National quality schemes |

Cereals | ha |

Fruits and vegetables | ha |

Wine grapes | ha |

Olives | ha |

Bovine animals | Heads |

Pigs | Heads |

Sheep and goats | Heads |

Poultry | Heads |

Destination of the holding’s production: |

Household consumes more than 50% of the value of the final production of the holding | Yes/No |

Direct sale to final consumers represents more than 50% of the total sales of the holding | Yes/No |

II. LAND |

Arable land |

Cereals for the production of grain (including seed): |

Common wheat and spelt | ha |

Durum wheat | ha |

Rye | ha |

Barley | ha |

Oats | ha |

Grain maize | ha |

Rice | ha |

Other cereals for the production of grain | ha |

Dried pulses and protein crops for the production of grain (including seed and mixtures of cereals and pulses) | ha |

of which peas, field beans and sweet lupines | ha |

Potatoes (including early potatoes and seed potatoes) | ha |

Sugar beet (excluding seeds) | ha |

Fodder roots and brassicas (excluding seeds) | ha |

Industrial plants (including seeds for herbaceous oil-seed plants; excluding seeds for fibre plants, hops, tobacco and other industrial plants), of which: |

Tobacco | ha |

Hops | ha |

Cotton | ha |

Rape and turnip rape | ha |

Sunflower | ha |

Soya | ha |

Linseed (oil flax) | ha |

Other oil seed crops | ha |

Flax | ha |

Hemp | ha |

Other textile crops | ha |

Aromatic plants, medicinal and culinary plants | ha |

Other industrial plants not mentioned elsewhere | ha |

Fresh vegetables, melons, strawberries of which: |

outdoor or under low (not accessible) protective cover | ha |

open field | ha |

market gardening | ha |

under glass or other (accessible) protective cover | ha |

Flowers and ornamental plants (excluding nurseries): |

outdoor or under low (not accessible) protective cover | ha |

under glass or other (accessible) protective cover | ha |

Forage plants: |

temporary grass | ha |

other green fodder: |

Green maize (maize for silage) | ha |

Leguminous forage plants | ha |

Other forage plants | ha |

Arable land seeds and seedlings (excluding cereals, dried vegetables, potatoes and oil-seed plants) | ha |

Other arable land crops | ha |

Fallow land without any subsidies | ha |

Fallow land subject to the payment of subsidies, with no economic use | ha |

Kitchen gardens | ha |

Permanent pasture and meadow | ha |

Pasture and meadow, excluding rough grazings | ha |

Rough grazings | ha |

Permanent grassland and meadows no longer used for production purposes and eligible for the payment of subsidies | ha |

Permanent crops |

Fruit and berry plantations | ha |

Fresh fruit species, of which: | ha |

fresh fruit of temperate climate zones | ha |

fresh fruit of subtropical climate zones | ha |

Berry species | ha |

Nuts | ha |

Citrus plantations | ha |

Olive plantations | ha |

Normally producing table olives | ha |

Normally producing olives for oil production | ha |

Vineyards, of which normally producing: | ha |

Quality wine | ha |

Other wines | ha |

Table grapes | ha |

Raisins | ha |

Nurseries (including Christmas trees) | ha |

of which Christmas trees | ha |

Other permanent crops | ha |

Permanent crops under glass | ha |

Other land |

Unutilised agricultural land (agricultural land which is no longer farmed, for economic social or other reasons, and which is not used in the crop rotation system) | ha |

Wooded area | ha |

of which short rotation coppices | ha |

of which is exploited for forestry purposes | ha |

Other land (land occupied by buildings, farmyards, tracks, ponds, quarries, infertile land, rock, etc.) | ha |

Successive secondary cropping, mushrooms, irrigated area, combined crops, areas no longer used for food production purposes, subject to the payment of subsidies, and area subject to set-aside incentive schemes, bio-fuel production areas and genetically modified crops |

Successive secondary crops (excl. market-garden crops and crops under glass) | ha |

Mushrooms | ha |

Irrigated area |

Total irrigable area | ha |

Total cultivated area irrigated at least once during the previous 12 months | ha |

Combined (associated) crops | ha |

Areas no longer used for food production purposes, subject to the payment of subsidies, and area subject to set-aside incentive schemes (already recorded elsewhere in section II. LAND), broken down by: | ha |

Areas no longer used for food production purposes, subject to the payment of subsidies | ha |

Areas used for the production of agricultural raw material for non-food purposes (e.g. rape, trees, bushes, etc., incl. lentils, chick peas and vetches) | ha |

Other areas | ha |

Bio-fuel (or other renewable energy) production areas (e.g. rape, soy-bean, wheat and sugar-beets); already recorded elsewhere in section II. LAND | ha |

of which genetically modified crops | ha |

Areas used for production of bio-energy as a secondary product (e.g. straw, stalks) | ha |

Genetically modified crops; already recorded elsewhere in section II. LAND | ha |

III. LIVESTOCK |

Equidae | Heads |

Bovine animals: |

Bovine animals, under one year old, male and female | Heads |

Bovine animals, one but less than two years old, male | Heads |

Bovine animals, one but less than two years old, female | Heads |

Male bovine animals , two years old and over | Heads |

Heifers , two years old and over | Heads |

Dairy cows | Heads |

Other cows | Heads |

Sheep and goats: |

Sheep (all ages) | Heads |

Breeding females | Heads |

Other sheep | Heads |

Goats (all ages) | Heads |

Breeding females | Heads |

Other goats | Heads |

Pigs: |

Piglets having a live weight of under 20 kilograms | Heads |

Breeding sows weighing 50 kilograms and over | Heads |

Other pigs | Heads |

Poultry: |

Broilers | Heads |

Laying hens | Heads |

Other poultry: |

Turkeys | Heads |

Ducks | Heads |

Geese | Heads |

Ostriches | Heads |

Other poultry, not mentioned elsewhere | Heads |

Rabbits, breeding females | Heads |

Bees | Hives |

Livestock not mentioned elsewhere | Yes/No |

of which fur animals | Yes/No |

IV. MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT |

IV. (i) MACHINERY |

Belonging exclusively to the holding |

Four-wheel tractors, track-laying tractors, tool carriers | Number |

Cultivators, hoeing machines, rotary hoes and motor mowers | Number |

Combine harvesters | Number |

Other fully mechanised harvesters | Number |

Machinery used by several holdings (belonging to another holding, to a cooperative or owned jointly with other holdings) or belonging to a service supply agency |

Four-wheel tractors, track-laying tractors, tool carriers | Yes/No |

Cultivators, hoeing machines, rotary hoes and motor mowers | Yes/No |

Combine harvesters | Yes/No |

Other fully mechanised harvesters | Yes/No |

IV. (ii) EQUIPMENT |

Equipment used for renewable energy production by type of energy source: |

Wind | Yes/No |

Biomass | Yes/No |

of which bio-methane | Yes/No |

Solar | Yes/No |

Hydro-energy | Yes/No |

Other types of renewable energy sources | Yes/No |

V. LABOUR FORCE |

V.(i) FARM WORK ON THE HOLDING |

Holder |

Gender | Male/Female |

Age | Age bands[18] |

The farm work on the holding (apart from housework) | AWU % band[19] |

Manager |

Gender | Male/Female |

Age | Age bands |

The farm work on the holding (apart from housework) | AWU % band |

Training of manager |

Agricultural training of manager | Training codes[20] |

Vocational training undertaken by manager during the last 12 months | Yes/No |

Members of sole holder's family carrying out farm work for the holding: male |

The farm work on the holding (apart from housework) | AWU % band |

Members of sole holder's family carrying out farm work for the holding: female |

The farm work on the holding (apart from housework) | AWU % band |

Non-family labour regularly employed: male |

The farm work on the holding (apart from housework) | AWU % band |

Non-family labour regularly employed: female |

The farm work on the holding (apart from housework) | AWU % band |

Non-family labour employed on a non-regular basis: male and female | working days |

Total number of equivalent full-time working days of farm work during the 12 months preceding the day of the survey, not included under previous categories, undertaken on the holding by persons not employed directly by the holding (e.g. contractors' employees) | Full-time days |

V.(ii) OTHER GAINFUL ACTIVITIES (non-farm work on the holding and work outside the holding) |

Other gainful activities of the holder who is also the manager: |

The work on the holding (other than farm work) | AWU % band |

The work outside the holding (agricultural and non-agricultural) | AWU % band |

Other gainful activities of the spouse of the sole holder: |

The work on the holding (other than farm work) | AWU % band |

The work outside the holding (agricultural and non-agricultural) | AWU % band |

Other gainful activities of the other members of the sole holder's family engaged in the farm work of the holding: |

The work on the holding (other than farm work) | AWU % band |

The work outside the holding (agricultural and non-agricultural) | AWU % band |

Non-family labour force involved in other gainful activities on the holding (other than farm work), directly relating to the holding | AWU % band |

VI. NON-FARMING GAINFUL ACTIVITIES OF THE HOLDING (directly related to the holding) |

VI.(i) List of non-farming gainful activities |

Tourism, accommodation and other leisure activities | Yes/No |

Handicraft | Yes/No |

Processing of farm products | Yes/No |

Wood processing (e.g. sawing) | Yes/No |

Aquaculture | Yes/No |

Contractual work (using production means of the holding) |

Agricultural (for other holdings) | Yes/No |

Non-agricultural | Yes/No |

Other | Yes/No |

VI.(ii) Importance of the non-farming gainful activities directly related to the holding |

Percentage of the final output of the holding | Percentage bands[21] |

VII. SUPPORT FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT |

Holding's benefit of one of the following rural development measures during the last 3 years | Yes/No |

Use of advisory services | Yes/No |

Modernisation of agricultural holdings | Yes/No |

Adding value to agricultural and forestry products | Yes/No |

Meeting standards based on Community legislation | Yes/No |

Participation of farmers in food quality schemes | Yes/No |

Natura 2000 payments for agricultural area | Yes/No |

Payments linked to the Water Framework Directive | Yes/No |

Agri-environment payments | Yes/No |

of which in the framework of organic farming | Yes/No |

Animal welfare payments | Yes/No |

Diversification into non-agricultural activities | Yes/No |

Encouragement of tourism activities | Yes/No |

ANNEX IV

Precision requirements

The sample surveys specified in this Regulation must be statistically representative at a regional level (NUTS 2 level and for national aggregations of less-favoured areas[22]) in terms of the type and the size of the agricultural holdings, in line with Commission Decision 85/377[23] establishing a Community typology for agricultural holdings. In addition, certain levels of precision are required at the NUTS 2 level for the crop and livestock characteristics of the agricultural holdings. These precision levels are specified below and are based on the list of characteristics specified in Annex III of this Regulation. The relevant crop and livestock characteristics of the holdings in the Survey on Agricultural Production Methods will be available from the results of the Farm Structure Survey 2010.

.

PRECISION CATEGORIES FOR THE FARM STRUCTURE SURVEYS 2013 AND 2016 |

Crop characteristics: |

Each individual crop characteristic listed in section "II. LAND" in Annex III, but excluding characteristics whose specific description begins with "Other"; |

Cereals for the production of grain (including seed), comprising common wheat and spelt, durum wheat, rye, barley, oats, grain maize, rice and other cereals for the production of grain; |

Potatoes (including early potatoes and seed potatoes) and sugar beet (excluding seeds); |

Oilseed crops comprising rape, turnip rape, sunflower, soya, linseed (oil flax) and other oil seed crops; |

Permanent outdoor crops comprising fruit, berry, citrus and olive plantations, vineyards, nurseries and other permanent outdoor crops |

Livestock characteristics: |

Each individual animal characteristic listed in section "III. LIVESTOCK" in Annex III; |

Bovine animals (all ages); |

Sheep and goats (all ages); |

Pigs; |

Poultry |

PRECISION CATEGORIES FOR SAMPLE SURVEYS UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF THE FARM STRUCTURE SURVEY 2010 AND THE SURVEY ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION METHODS |

Crop characteristics: |

Cereals for the production of grain (including seed), comprising common wheat and spelt, durum wheat, rye, barley, oats, grain maize, rice and other cereals for the production of grain; |

Potatoes (including early potatoes and seed potatoes) and sugar beet (excluding seeds); |

Oilseed crops comprising rape, turnip rape, sunflower, soya, linseed (oil flax) and other oil seed crops; |

Permanent outdoor crops comprising fruit, berry, citrus and olive plantations, vineyards, nurseries and other permanent outdoor crops; |

Fresh vegetables, melons, strawberries, flowers and ornamental plants (excluding nurseries); |

Temporary grass and permanent pasture and meadow |

Livestock characteristics: |

Bovine animals (all ages); |

Sheep and goats (all ages); |

Pigs; |

Poultry |

PRECISION TABLE

Farm structure surveys 2013 and 2016 | Survey on Agricultural Production Methods |

Precision categories | Prevalence (NUTS 2) | Relative standard error | Prevalence (NUTS 2) | Relative standard error |

Crop characteristics of the agricultural holding | 5% or more of the utilised agricultural area | < 5% | 10% or more of the utilised agricultural area | < 7.5% |

Livestock characteristics of the agricultural holding | 5% or more of the livestock units | < 5% | 10% or more of the livestock units | < 7.5% |

ANNEX V

List of characteristics for the survey on agricultural production methods

. .

Characteristic | Units/ categories |

Tillage methods | Conventional tillage (mouldboard plough or disc plough) | ha |

Conservation tillage (low tillage) | ha |

Zero tillage (direct seeding) | ha |

Soil conservation, actions against erosion and nutrient leaching | Soil cover in winter: | Normal winter crop | ha |

Cover crop or intermediate crop | ha |

Plant residues | ha |

Bare soil | ha |

Crop rotation: | Arable area out of planned crop rotation | ha |

Anti-erosion measures for arable land and permanent crops: | Terraces | Yes/No |

Contour farming or herring bone farming | Yes/No |

Permanently vegetated ditches or strips | Yes/No |

Other anti-erosion measures | Yes/No |

Landscape features | Linear elements maintained by farmer during the last 3 years, of which: | Hedges | Yes/No |

Tree lines | Yes/No |

Stonewalls | Yes/No |

Linear elements established during the last 3 years, of which: | Hedges | Yes/No |

Tree lines | Yes/No |

Stonewalls | Yes/No |

Animal grazing | Grazing on the holding | Area grazed during the last year | ha |

Amount of time when animals are outdoors on pasture | Months per year |

Amount of time when animals are outdoors on bare soil or hard standing | Months per year |

Common land grazing: | Total number of animals grazing on common land | Heads |

Amount of time when animals are grazing on common land | Months per year |

Animal housing | Cattle: | Conventional stable (stanchion-tied stalls) | Places |

On partially slatted floors | Places |

On completely slatted floors | Places |

On straw beds (deep litter-loose housing) | Places |

Other | Places |

Pigs: | On partially slatted floors | Places |

On completely slatted floors | Places |

On straw beds (deep litter-loose housing) | Places |

Other | Places |

Laying hens: | On straw beds (deep litter-loose housing) | Places |

Battery cage (all types) | Places |

Battery cage with manure belt | Places |

Battery cage with deep pit | Places |

Battery cage with stilt house | Places |

Other | Places |

Nutrients | Basis for decision on the use of nutrients: | Soil tests (carried out at least once during the last 3 years) | Yes/No |

Manure application techniques: | Application of solid/farmyard manure | ha |

Of which: with immediate incorporation | ha |

Application of slurry: | Total area | ha |

Of which: with immediate incorporation or injection | ha |

Percentage of the total produced manure exported from the holding | Percentage |

Manure storage and treatment facilities | Storage facilities for: | Solid dung | Yes/No |

Liquid manure | Yes/No |

Slurry | Yes/No |

Use of : | Slurry tank | Yes/No |

Lagoon | Yes/No |

Are the storage facilities covered? | Solid dung | Yes/No |

Liquid manure | Yes/No |

Slurry | Yes/No |

Plant protection | Type of plant protection methods applied: | Physical/mechanical | Yes/No |

Biological | Yes/No |

Chemical (preventive and curative) | Yes/No |

Area on which the methods of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are applied: | Total | ha |

Of which certified IPM | ha |

Use of pesticide application equipment: | Equipment for non-liquid formulation | Yes/No |

Field crop sprayer with a boom | Yes/No |

Air-assisted sprayer | Yes/No |

Aerial spraying | Yes/No |

Treatment decision techniques: | Treatment scheme | Yes/No |

Advisory services | Yes/No |

Forecasts from media | Yes/No |

Advice from chemical companies | Yes/No |

Economic damage threshold | Yes/No |

None | Yes/No |

Irrigation | Irrigated area | Average irrigated area the last three years | ha |

Total cultivated area irrigated at least once during the previous 12 months | Total | ha |

Cereals for the production of grain (excluding maize and rice) | ha |

Maize (grain and green) | ha |

Rice | ha |

Pulses | ha |

Potatoes | ha |

Sugar beet | ha |

Rape and turnip rape | ha |

Sunflower | ha |

Textile crops (flax, hemp, other textile crops) | ha |

Fresh vegetables, melons, strawberries- open field | ha |

Temporary and permanent grass | ha |

Other crops on arable land | ha |

Fruit and berry plantations | ha |

Citrus plantations | ha |

Olive plantations | ha |

Vineyards | ha |

Irrigation methods employed: | Surface irrigation (flooding, furrows) | Yes/No |

Sprinkler irrigation | Yes/No |

Drop irrigation | Yes/No |

Source of irrigation water used on the holding: | On farm ground water | Yes/No |

On-farm surface water (ponds or dams) | Yes/No |

Off-farm surface water from lakes, rivers or watercourses | Yes/No |

Off-farm water from common water supply networks | Yes/No |

Other sources | Yes/No |

Volume of water used for irrigation per year | m3 per year |

.

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1. NAME OF THE PROPOSAL:

Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on farm structure surveys and the survey of agricultural production methods.

2. ABM / ABB FRAMEWORK

Agriculture, Statistics:

(a) Maintenance and development of IT tools for the results of farm structure surveys and the survey of agricultural production methods (contracts)

(b) EU contribution to Member States towards the farm structure surveys and the survey of agricultural production methods (grants)

3. BUDGET LINES

3.1. Budget lines (operational lines and related technical and administrative assistance lines (ex-B..A lines)) including headings:

05.08.02: Surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings

3.2. Duration of the action and of the financial impact:

2008 – 2018.

3.3. Budgetary characteristics

Budget line | Type of expenditure | New | EFTA contribution | Contributions from applicant countries | Heading in financial perspective |

05.08.02 | Non-comp | Diff | NO | NO | NO | NO |

4. SUMMARY OF RESOURCES

4.1. Financial Resources

4.1.1. Summary of commitment appropriations (CA) and payment appropriations (PA)

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

Expenditure type | Section no. | Year 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | Total |

Operational expenditure[24] |

Commitment Appropriations (CA) | 8.1. | a | 8.000 | 14.950 | 14.950 | 0.550 | 15.270 | 0.550 | 54.270 |

Payment Appropriations (PA) | b | 4.000 | 10.550 | 10.550 | 4.550 | 19.350 | 5.270 | 54.270 |

Administrative expenditure within reference amount[25] |

Technical & administrative assistance (NDA) | 8.2.4. | c |

TOTAL REFERENCE AMOUNT |

Commitment Appropriations | a+c | 8.000 | 14.950 | 14.950 | 0.550 | 15.270 | 0.550 | 54.270 |

Payment Appropriations | b+c | 4.000 | 10.550 | 10.550 | 4.550 | 19.350 | 5.270 | 54.270 |

Administrative expenditure not included in reference amount[26] |

Human resources and associated expenditure (NDA) | 8.2.5. | d |

Administrative costs, other than human resources and associated costs, not included in reference amount (NDA) | 8.2.6. | e |

Total indicative financial cost of intervention |

TOTAL CA including cost of Human Resources | a+c+d+e | 8.000 | 14.950 | 14.950 | 0.550 | 15.270 | 0.550 | 54.270 |

TOTAL PA including cost of Human Resources | b+c+d+e | 4.000 | 10.550 | 10.550 | 4.550 | 19.350 | 5.270 | 54.270 |

Cofinancing details

If the proposal involves cofinancing by Member States, or other bodies (please specify which), an estimate of the level of this cofinancing should be indicated in the table below (additional lines may be added if different bodies are scheduled to provide the cofinancing):

Note: The total CA below includes 2.75 million for Action 3 which does not involve cofinancing by Member States.

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

Cofinancing body | Year 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | Total |

Member States | f | 8 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 15.3 | 0 | 53.3 |

TOTAL CA including cofinancing | a+c+d+e+f | 16.000 | 29.950 | 29.950 | 0.550 | 30.570 | 0.550 | 107.570 |

4.1.2. Compatibility with Financial Programming

( Proposal is compatible with existing financial programming.

( Proposal will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the financial perspective.

( Proposal may require application of the provisions of the Interinstitutional Agreement[27] (i.e. flexibility instrument or revision of the financial perspective).

4.1.3. Financial Impact on Revenue

( Proposal has no financial implications on revenue (involves the technical aspects of implementing a measure)

( Proposal has financial impact – the effect on revenue is as follows:

4.2. Human Resources FTE (including officials, temporary and external staff) – see detail under Point 8.2.1.

Annual requirements | Year 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |

Total number of human resources | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

5. CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES

5.1. Need to be met in the short or long term

The surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings play a key role in agricultural statistics. The decennial census and the interim sample surveys provide a substantial volume of statistical information on agricultural holdings in the Community (size of holding, type of farming, use of labour and machinery, etc.). In the proposed regulation an additional sample survey has been included covering the methods of agricultural production used on agricultural holdings. At the same time, the number of interim sample surveys has been reduced from three to two over a ten-year cycle.

The information is collected through statistical surveys using a questionnaire covering a set of characteristics harmonised at Community level. The information is not available elsewhere. It is primarily used as the basis for implementing the Community's policy on agriculture and rural development and is highly relevant in other policy fields which impact upon agriculture, e.g. regional, social and environmental policy. The results are also used in the ex-post evaluation of the effect of agricultural and rural development policies, using the considerable amount of data accumulated over time.

The surveys provide the sampling framework for undertaking other surveys required by the Commission, which are specific to certain categories of crops or livestock.

5.2. Value added of Community involvement and coherence of the proposal with other financial instruments and possible synergy

As stated in the Explanatory Memorandum, the collection of comparable Community statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings and on agricultural production methods cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States. This can be better achieved at Community level on the basis of a Community legal act because only the Commission can coordinate the necessary harmonisation of statistical information at Community level.

The Community contribution covers only a very small share of the overall cost of carrying out the surveys, but nevertheless helps to offset the additional costs incurred by Member States in meeting the requirements of the Commission, concerning, in particular, the harmonisation of survey characteristics and the delivery of results in a common format according to a fixed schedule.

5.3. Objectives, expected results and related indicators of the proposal in the context of the ABM framework

The proposal aims to achieve comparable statistics on the structure of agricultural holdings and on the methods of agricultural production in EU Member States. The proposal specifies the coverage of the surveys, the characteristics to be collected, the reference periods, deadlines for transmission and precision criteria. Furthermore, with the delivery of the validated results for each survey, Member States must provide a methodological report describing how the survey has been implemented.

Action 1

The surveys in 2009 and 2010 comprise a census of agricultural holdings (FSS 2010) and a sample survey of agricultural production methods (SAPM).

Action 2

The surveys in 2013 are interim sample surveys of agricultural holdings.

Action 3

The maintenance and development of the data-processing systems required to handle the results of the farm structure surveys and survey on agricultural production methods.

Action 4

The surveys in 2016 are interim sample surveys of agricultural holdings.

Indicators

Key indicators for measuring achievement of the objectives are:

- Timeliness of the delivery of the validated survey results and Methodological Reports

- Quality of the Methodological Reports describing the design and implementation of the survey

- Promptness of publication of results by the Commission

5.4. Method of Implementation (indicative)

( Centralised Management

( directly by the Commission

( indirectly by delegation to:

( executive Agencies

( bodies set up by the Communities as referred to in Article 185 of the Financial Regulation

( national public-sector bodies/bodies with public-service mission

( Shared or decentralised management

( with Member States

( with Third Countries

( Joint management with international organisations (please specify)

Relevant comments:

6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

6.1. Monitoring system

The grant agreements with Member States will specify the work programme and the schedule for delivering the results. The contracts with external contractors will specify the work programme, deliverables and schedule for delivering the contract outputs. The payment of the final balance will depend on a final technical and financial evaluation undertaken by the Commission, requiring satisfactory implementation of the terms of the grant agreements, including the delivery of acceptable results and the description of the methodology used and contracts with external contractors.

6.2. Evaluation

6.2.1. Ex-ante evaluation

The action is a continuation of existing surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings with some specific changes – to meet new policy requirements, to reduce survey burden and to simplify survey procedures. These changes have been introduced following discussion with users, and with Member States in the Standing Committee on Agricultural Statistics.

6.2.2. Measures taken following an intermediate/ex-post evaluation (lessons learned from similar experiences in the past)

Member States are required to provide information to the Commission on the methodology and organisation of the surveys covered by this proposal. In particular, the methodological reports delivered by Member States to the Commission with the final results will be evaluated from a technical viewpoint and must be approved before final payment is made.

Progress with the surveys will be regularly assessed through the Standing Committee on Agricultural Statistics.

6.2.3. Terms and frequency of future evaluation

Following the completion of each survey, there will be an overall evaluation of the implementation and the results of the survey presented to the Standing Committee on Agricultural Statistics.

7. Anti-fraud measures

(a) Payments for contracts and agreements concluded by the Commission are made only on the basis of the results obtained.

(b) In particular, there will be a requirement for the costs of the actions to be audited.

(c) The statistics obtained are considered an objective instrument for evaluating Community action programmes and thus contribute to consolidating the anti-fraud provisions.

8. DETAILS OF RESOURCES

8.1. Objectives of the proposal in terms of their financial cost (excludes Action 4 which will be covered by the next financial perspective)

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

Year 2008 | Year 2009 | Year 2010 | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 |

Officials or temporary staff[28] (XX 01 01) | A*/AD |

B*, C*/AST |

Staff financed[29] by Article XX 01 02 |

Other staff[30] financed by Article XX 01 04/05 |

TOTAL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

8.2.2. Description of tasks deriving from the action

Not applicable

8.2.3. Sources of human resources (statutory)

( Posts currently allocated to the management of the programme to be replaced or extended

( Posts pre-allocated within the APS/PDB exercise for year n

( Posts to be requested in the next APS/PDB procedure

( Posts to be redeployed using existing resources within the managing service (internal redeployment)

( Posts required for year n although not provided for in the APS/PDB exercise of the year in question

8.2.4. Other administrative expenditure included in reference amount (XX 01 04/05 – Expenditure on administrative management)

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

Budget line (number and heading) | Year 2008 | Year 2009 | Year 2010 | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 | TOTAL |

Other technical and administrative assistance |

- intra muros |

- extra muros |

Total technical and administrative assistance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

8.2.5. Financial cost of human resources and associated costs not included in the reference amount

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

Type of human resources | Year 2008 | Year 2009 | Year 2010 | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 |

Officials and temporary staff (XX 01 01) |

Staff financed by Article XX 01 02 (auxiliary, END, contract staff, etc.) (specify budget line) |

Total cost of Human Resources and associated costs (NOT in reference amount) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

8.2.6. Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) |

Year 2008 | Year 2009 | Year 2010 | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 | TOTAL |

XX 01 02 11 01 – Missions |

XX 01 02 11 02 – Meetings & Conferences |

XX 01 02 11 03 – Committees[32] |

XX 01 02 11 04 – Studies & Consultations |

XX 01 02 11 05 - Information Systems |

2 Total Other Management Expenditure (XX 01 02 11) |

3 Other expenditure of an administrative nature (specify including reference to budget line) |

Total administrative expenditure, other than human resources and associated costs (NOT included in reference amount) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

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[1] Communication from the Commission to the Council, to the European Parliament, European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions COM(2006) 689 final : "A strategic review of Better Regulation in the European Union".

[2] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council "on reduction of the response burden, simplification and priority-setting in the field of Community statistics" (COM(2006) 693 final).

[3] OJ L 56, 2.3.1988, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1890/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 386, 29.12.2006, p. 12).

[4] OJ C , , p. .

[5] OJ C , , p. .

[6] OJ L 56, 2.3.1988, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1928/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 7).

[7] OJ L 277, 21.10.2005, p. 1.Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2012/2006 of 19 December ( OJ L 384, 29.12.2006, p. 8).

[8] OJ L 52, 22.2.1997, p. 61. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 3.10.2003, p. 1) .

[9] OJ L 293, 24.10.1990, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 393, 30.12.2006, p. 1).

[10] OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No /2007 (OJ L , …...2007, p. ).

[11] OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p.1 Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 (OJ L 58, 28.2.2006, p. 42).

[12] OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

[13] OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

[14] OJ L 179, 7.8.1972, p. 1.

[15] Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p.1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2217/2004 (OJ L 375, 23.12.2004, p. 1).

[16] Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000.

[17] Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, OJ L 198, 22.7.1991, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission. Regulation (EC) No 1481/2004 (OJ L 272, 20.8.2004, p. 11).

[18] Age bands: (From school leaving age-24 years), (25-34), (35-44), (45-54), (55-64), (65 and over)

[19] Annual Work Unit (AWU) percentage bands: (0), (>0-<25), (e"25-<50), (e"50-<75), (e"75-<100), (100)

[20] Training codes: (only practical agricultural experience), (basic agricultural training), (full agricultural training)

[21] Percentage bands: (0), (>0-<25), (≥25-<50), (≥50-<75), (≥75-<100), (100)

[22] Training codes: (only practical agricultural experience), (basic agricultural training), (full agricultural training)

[23] Percentage bands: (≥0-≤10) .(>10-≤50) .(>50-<100)

[24] OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80.

[25] OJ L 220, 17.8.85, p. 1.

[26] Expenditure that does not fall under Chapter xx 01 of the Title xx concerned.

[27] Expenditure under Article xx 01 04 of Title xx.

[28] Expenditure under Chapter xx 01 other than Articles xx 01 04 or xx 01 05.

[29] See Points 19 and 24 of the Interinstitutional Agreement.

[30] Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount

[31] Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount

[32] Cost of which is included within the reference amount

[33] Reference should be made to the specific legislative financial statement for the Executive Agency(ies) concerned.

[34] Specify the type of committee and the group to which it belongs.