Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most traditional economic activities in Estonia. It has provided us with food for millennia. Agriculture continues to be important in Estonia, supplying with food not only Estonia, but also other countries, and providing jobs for many people.

Agricultural statistics give an overview of the situation of agriculture in Estonia by month, quarter and year. Statistics Estonia publishes the following agricultural indicators for Estonia as a whole and for counties:

• crop farming (areas, production, fertilisation);
• animal farming (livestock, production, buying-in prices);
• milk use (production of milk products);
• organic farming;
• creation of value from agriculture (production value, costs and value added);
• sale and rent prices of agricultural land;
• consumption of agricultural products;
• labour force and other gainful activities;
• production methods;
• sizes and types of agricultural holdings.

Agricultural statistics are used to assess the situation of the sector, monitor production and consumption trends as well as food security.

• The data of economic accounts for agriculture serve as a basis for national accounts.
• The statistics of agricultural land prices reflect how direct support paid to agricultural producers affects the price of land.
• Agricultural production and buying-in prices are used in economic accounts for agriculture.
• Consumption data reflect national demand and consumption trends.
• Collecting data on quantities of agricultural production allows assessing the country’s food self-sufficiency.

A major share of agricultural statistics in the European Union are collected using a common methodology. The statistics are used to prepare analyses and development plans and to assess the effectiveness of the EU Common Agricultural Policy.

Agricultural statistics contribute important information for other areas as well. For example, in environmental policy, agricultural indicators are used in the compilation of national greenhouse gas inventories and in reporting under the EU Nitrates Directive and Water Framework Directive as well as under HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan.