Supply balance sheets of agricultural products
Kiirviited
- Purpose
- Type of activity
- Statistical presentation
- Unit of measure
- Reference period
- Institutional mandate
- Confidentiality
- Release policy
- Frequenct of dissemination
- Accessibility and clarity
- Quality management
- Relevance
- Accuracy and reliability
- Timeliness and punctuality
- Coherence and comparability
- Cost and burden
- Data revision
- Statistical processing
- Comment
Kontakt
Contact organisation: Statistics Estonia
Contact organisation unit: Economic and Environmental Statistics Department
Contact name: Ege Kirs
Contact person function: Agricultural and Technology Statistics Service Team, Leading Analyst
Contact mail address: Tatari 51, 10134 Tallinn, Estonia
Contact email address: ege.kirs@stat.ee
Contact phone number: 372 5359 9845
Metadata last certified 20/02/2026
Metadata last update 19/11/2025
Purpose
Data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are used in the organisation of markets under the common agricultural policy (CAP) of the European Union. In Estonia, the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture uses data on the supply balance sheets of agricultural products in the calculation of national self-sufficiency levels, which is a key indicator of food security (in the supply security strategy and in the National Defence Development Plan). Data on domestic use give an overview of national needs and consumption trends. The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture also uses these data as input to development plans (incl. indicators and targets) and analysis.
Type of activity
Process based on other statistical activities
Statistical presentation
Data description (S.3.1)
Indicators of the supply balance of cereals, honey, oilseeds, eggs, meat, milk and dairy products, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and berries, and potatoes (depending on the methodology, partially with processed products converted to basic product): production, imports (incl. from EU Member States) and exports (incl. to EU Member States), change in stocks, losses, use as seed and animal feed, industrial use, human consumption.
Classification system (S.3.2)
Sector coverage (S.3.3)
Agriculture
Statistical concepts and definitions (S.3.4)
Animal feed – the quantities of agricultural products (raw or processed) used for animal feed and/or for the production of animal feed
Change in stocks – the stock of agricultural products: final stock minus initial stock
Domestic use – consumption for seeds, eggs for hatching and animal feed as well as industrial uses, human consumption and losses
Eggs for hatching – the quantities of eggs in incubation
Human consumption – agricultural products consumed irrespective of the processing level
Imports, exports – volume of imports and exports of agricultural products, including processed products, as well as trade between the EU Member States
Industrial use – the quantities of agricultural products used for the production of alcoholic beverages (including beer) and other products, excluding food and animal feed
Losses – losses at the holdings and in marketing stages (during storage, transportation, processing, packing, desiccation)
Production – agricultural production produced on the Estonian territory
Seeds – the quantities of sowed seeds (own production and purchased)
Change in stocks – the stock of agricultural products: final stock minus initial stock
Domestic use – consumption for seeds, eggs for hatching and animal feed as well as industrial uses, human consumption and losses
Eggs for hatching – the quantities of eggs in incubation
Human consumption – agricultural products consumed irrespective of the processing level
Imports, exports – volume of imports and exports of agricultural products, including processed products, as well as trade between the EU Member States
Industrial use – the quantities of agricultural products used for the production of alcoholic beverages (including beer) and other products, excluding food and animal feed
Losses – losses at the holdings and in marketing stages (during storage, transportation, processing, packing, desiccation)
Production – agricultural production produced on the Estonian territory
Seeds – the quantities of sowed seeds (own production and purchased)
Statistical unit (S.3.5)
The whole chain of production from farms to users
Statistical population (S.3.6)
Agricultural holdings, traders, purchasing and processing enterprises
Reference area (S.3.7)
Estonia as a whole
Time coverage (S.3.8)
Crop production 1999–…
Meat, eggs 2002–…
Milk and dairy products 2003–…
Honey 1999–…
Meat, eggs 2002–…
Milk and dairy products 2003–…
Honey 1999–…
Base period (S.3.9)
Not applicable
Unit of measure
Volumes – tonne
Reference period
Year
Institutional mandate
Legal acts and other agreements (S.6.1)
Official Statistics Act.
From 2025, activities related to data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are carried out pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1538 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2022/2379.
From 2025, activities related to data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are carried out pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1538 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2022/2379.
Data sharing (S.6.2)
None
Confidentiality
Confidentiality - policy (S.7.1)
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 32, § 34, § 35 and § 38 of the Official Statistics Act.
Confidentiality - data treatment (S.7.2)
The dissemination of data collected for the production of official statistics is based on the requirements laid down in §§ 34 and 35 of the Official Statistics Act. The principles for treatment of confidential data can be found here.
Release policy
Release calendar (S.8.1)
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on the website. Every year on 1 October, the release times of the statistical database, news releases, main indicators by IMF SDDS and publications for the following year are announced in the release calendar (in the case of publications – the release month).
Release calendar access (S.8.2)
The release calendar is available to consumers on the website Calendar.
User access (S.8.3)
All users have been granted equal access to official statistics: dissemination dates of official statistics are announced in advance and no user category (incl. Eurostat, state authorities and mass media) is provided access to official statistics before other users. Official statistics are first published in the statistical database. If there is also a news release, it is published simultaneously with data in the statistical database. Official statistics are available on the website at 8:00 a.m. on the date announced in the release calendar.
Frequenct of dissemination
Year
Accessibility and clarity
News release (S.10.1)
Related news can be viewed on the website of Statistics Estonia in the section agriculture news.
News releases are issued on an ad hoc basis.
News releases are issued on an ad hoc basis.
Publications (S.10.2)
Not published
On-line database (S.10.3)
Data are published in the statistical database under the subject area Economy/Agriculture / Agricultural production / Supply balance sheets of agricultural products in the following tables:
PM20: Supply balance of cereals by type of cereal;
PM29: Supply balance of honey;
PM31: Supply balance of potatoes;
PM33: Supply balance of fresh vegetables;
PM34: Supply balance of fresh fruits;
PM37: Supply balance of oilseeds by type;
PM42: Supply balance of meat by type;
PM45: Supply balance of eggs;
PM47: Supply balance of milk and milk products by product.
PM20: Supply balance of cereals by type of cereal;
PM29: Supply balance of honey;
PM31: Supply balance of potatoes;
PM33: Supply balance of fresh vegetables;
PM34: Supply balance of fresh fruits;
PM37: Supply balance of oilseeds by type;
PM42: Supply balance of meat by type;
PM45: Supply balance of eggs;
PM47: Supply balance of milk and milk products by product.
Data tables - consultations (S.10.3.1)
The database tables related to the survey were viewed 1,749 times in 2024, 1,821 times in 2023; 2,393 times in 2022; 2,444 times in 2021; 2,197 times in 2020; 3,002 times in 2019; and 2,623 times in 2018. Each table view is counted as a separate viewing. This is based on the database URLs, which show that the data have been selected and the table generated.
Micro-data access (S.10.4)
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 33, § 34, § 35, § 36, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act. Access to microdata and anonymisation of microdata are regulated by Statistics Estonia’s procedure for dissemination of confidential data for scientific purposes.
Other (S.10.5)
Data serve as input for statistical activity 10601 "Material flow accounts".
Data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are submitted to Eurostat in November (N + 1). The data are transmitted via EDAMIS Web Forms.
Data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are submitted to Eurostat in November (N + 1). The data are transmitted via EDAMIS Web Forms.
Metadata - consultations (S.10.5.1)
The metadata for supply balance sheets of agricultural products were viewed 54 times (1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024). This figure does not represent the number of viewers, as the metadata may have been viewed multiple times by a single user.
Documentation on methodology (S.10.6)
Data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are compiled in accordance with Crop production - Handbook to compile supply balance sheets, 2022 Edition.
Quality documentation (S.10.7)
This statistical activity is guided by the European Statistics Code of Practice – revised edition, 2017.
Pursuant to the agreement with Eurostat, Statistics Estonia compiles a report every three years describing the methodology applied and level of precision achieved. A summary of the quality report is published on Eurostat's website Crop balance sheets.
Pursuant to the agreement with Eurostat, Statistics Estonia compiles a report every three years describing the methodology applied and level of precision achieved. A summary of the quality report is published on Eurostat's website Crop balance sheets.
Quality management
Quality assurance (S.11.1)
To assure the quality of processes and products, Statistics Estonia applies the European Statistics Code of Practice and the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (ESS QAF). Statistics Estonia is also guided by the EFQM Excellence Model and the requirements in section 7 “Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics” of the Official Statistics Act.
Quality assessment (S.11.2)
Statistics Estonia performs all statistical activities according to an international model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process; this information can take many forms, including feedback from users, process metadata, system metrics and suggestions from employees. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality problems related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.
Relevance
User needs (S.12.1)
At the European level, data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are used in the organisation of markets under the common agricultural policy (CAP) of the European Union. In Estonia, the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture who uses the data on the supply balance sheets of agricultural products in the calculation of national self-sufficiency levels, which is a key indicator of food security (in the supply security strategy and in the National Defence Development Plan). Data on domestic use give an overview of national needs and consumption trends. The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture also uses these data as input to development plans (incl. indicators and targets) and analysis.
User satisfaction (S.12.2)
Since 1996, Statistics Estonia has conducted reputation and user satisfaction surveys. Surveys conducted at least once a year target both the existing and potential consumers of statistics. All results are available on Statistics Estonia's website in the section User surveys. The survey referred to does not concern a specific statistical activity but is a general satisfaction survey.
Completeness (S.12.3)
The data comply with the rules laid down in the Crop production - Handbook to compile supply balance sheets and other Eurostat guidelines.
Data completeness - rate for U (S.12.3.1a)
Not applied
Accuracy and reliability
Overall accuracy (S.13.1)
The type of survey and the data collection methods ensure sufficient accuracy. In addition to measurable variables (production, imports, exports), we use model-based reasonable estimates.
Sampling error (S.13.2)
Not applicable, since this is not a sample survey.
Sampling error - indicators for U (S.13.2.1a)
Not applicable, since this is not a sample survey.
Non-sampling error (S.13.3)
Not applicable
Coverage error (S.13.3.1)
Not applicable, since the activity is based on aggregate data from other statistical activities.
Over-coverage - rate (S.13.3.3.1)
Not applicable, since the activity is based on aggregate data from other statistical activities.
Measurement error (S.13.3.2)
Not applicable, since the activity is based on aggregate data from other statistical activities.
Non response error (S.13.3.3)
Not applicable, since the activity is based on aggregate data from other statistical activities.
Unit non-response - rate for U (S.13.3.3.1a)
Not applicable, since the activity is based on aggregate data from other statistical activities.
Item non-response - rate for U (S.13.3.3.2a)
Not applicable, since the activity is based on aggregate data from other statistical activities.
Processing error (S.13.3.4)
Not applicable
Model assumption error (S.13.3.5)
Not applied
Timeliness and punctuality
Timeliness (S.14.1)
The data release dates have not been defined. The releases are based on annual production and foreign trade data, meaning that the data can be released at the earliest after the compilation of these inputs. The data are published as soon as possible, with all data published no later than in November of the following year.
Time lag - first results for P (S.14.1.1)
The data are published as soon as possible, with all data published no later than in November of the following year.
Time lag - final results for U (S.14.1.2a)
The data are published as soon as possible, with all data published no later than in November of the following year.
Punctuality (S.14.2)
The data have been published at the time announced in the release calendar.
Punctuality - delivery and publication for U (S.14.2.1a)
100% of the data have been published on time.
Coherence and comparability
Comparability - geographical (S.15.1)
Supply Balance Sheets of cereals and oilseeds are comparable with the data of other European Union countries because a common methodology is used. No comparable statistics are produced at the EU level for other indicators.
Comparability - over time (S.15.2)
Since 2017, the data on cereals and oilseeds are not directly comparable due to a change in methodology.
Since 2017, the Supply Balance Sheets methodology has been amended according to the Eurostat guidelines:
- the calculation is based on the calendar year (1 January – 31 December);
- only part of the cereals and oilseeds is covered;
- only the first level processed products, such as flour, are included in the calculation of the resources and consumption of cereals.
Calendar-year-based accounting has been used since 2017/2018 also for other crop products. Therefore, the stocks at the beginning and at the end of the period are not directly comparable. As only the changes in stocks, and not exact values of stocks, are included in the calculation of consumption, consumption data is still comparable. The changes in stocks data for fruits and vegetables have not been registered since 2015 because reliable data are not available, but they do not affect the consumption trend.
Since 2017, the Supply Balance Sheets methodology has been amended according to the Eurostat guidelines:
- the calculation is based on the calendar year (1 January – 31 December);
- only part of the cereals and oilseeds is covered;
- only the first level processed products, such as flour, are included in the calculation of the resources and consumption of cereals.
Calendar-year-based accounting has been used since 2017/2018 also for other crop products. Therefore, the stocks at the beginning and at the end of the period are not directly comparable. As only the changes in stocks, and not exact values of stocks, are included in the calculation of consumption, consumption data is still comparable. The changes in stocks data for fruits and vegetables have not been registered since 2015 because reliable data are not available, but they do not affect the consumption trend.
Length of comparable time series for U (S.15.2.1a)
PM20: Supply balance of cereals by type of cereal – since 2017;
PM29: Supply balance of honey – since 2017;
PM31: Supply balance of potatoes – since 2018;
PM33: Supply balance of fresh vegetables – since 2017;
PM34: Supply balance of fresh fruits – since 2017;
PM37: Supply balance of oilseeds by type – since 2017;
PM42: Supply balance of meat by type – since 2002;
PM45: Supply balance of eggs – since 2002;
PM47: Supply balance of milk and milk products by product – since 2003.
PM29: Supply balance of honey – since 2017;
PM31: Supply balance of potatoes – since 2018;
PM33: Supply balance of fresh vegetables – since 2017;
PM34: Supply balance of fresh fruits – since 2017;
PM37: Supply balance of oilseeds by type – since 2017;
PM42: Supply balance of meat by type – since 2002;
PM45: Supply balance of eggs – since 2002;
PM47: Supply balance of milk and milk products by product – since 2003.
Coherence - cross domain (S.15.3)
As input data for Supply Balance Sheets are data of other agricultural statistics activities, the Supply Balance Sheets are consistent with other agricultural statistics. Production data are derived from agricultural production statistics. Data on imports and exports are derived from foreign trade statistics The Supply Balance Sheets for cereals, potatoes, eggs, meat and dairy products cover processed products, converting them into basic products using Eurostat technical coefficients. The amount of feeding stuff used for animal feed is consistent with the change in the number of animals as it is determined by the change in the number of livestock units (if the amount of feeding stuff used for animal feed is not calculated based on other balance sheet items).
Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics (S.15.3.1)
Not applicable, since sub-annual data are not published.
Coherence - National Accounts (S.15.3.2)
Not applicable, since the data are not used directly in National Accounts.
Coherence - internal (S.15.4)
The outputs of the statistical activity are consistent as total consumption is always calculated on the basis of other entries. Consumption subheadings are coherent as one of them is calculated on the basis of other headings. Depending on available data, also any other balance sheet item can be calculated.
Cost and burden
As this statistical activity is based on data from other statistical activities, there is no data submission and therefore no burden.
Costs are not calculated by statistical activities.
Costs are not calculated by statistical activities.
Data revision
Data revision - policy (S.17.1)
The data revision policy and notification of corrections are described on Statistics Estonia's website in the section Principles of dissemination of official statistics.
Data revision - practice (S.17.2)
The published data may be revised if the methodology is modified, errors are discovered, new or better data become available.
Data revision - average size for U (S.17.2.1a)
Not applicable
Statistical processing
Source data (S.18.1)
The supply balance sheets of agricultural products are based on aggregate data.
The following statistical activities are used as source data:
“Livestock farming and meat production”;
“Purchase and use of milk”;
“Economic accounts for agriculture”;
“Crop farming”;
“Foreign trade”;
“Household Budget Survey”.
Administrative source data and questionnaires are not used.
The following statistical activities are used as source data:
“Livestock farming and meat production”;
“Purchase and use of milk”;
“Economic accounts for agriculture”;
“Crop farming”;
“Foreign trade”;
“Household Budget Survey”.
Administrative source data and questionnaires are not used.
Frequency of data collection (S.18.2)
Year
Data collection (S.18.3)
There is no data collection, as the supply balance sheets of agricultural products are based on aggregate data.
The exports and imports data included in the balance sheets come from the statistical activity “Foreign trade”. 8-digit combined nomenclature (CN) codes are used. The CN codes in the balance sheets are based on Eurostat methodology.
The statistical activity “Crop farming” is the source for data on area under cultivation, production and yield for the supply balance of cereals, potatoes, fresh vegetables, fruits and berries, oilseeds and fruit.
Data on the number of colonies of bees and honey production for the supply balance of honey are obtained from the statistical activity “Livestock farming and meat production”.
Meat and egg production figures for the supply balance sheets are obtained from the statistical activity “Livestock farming and meat production”.
Production figures for the supply balance of milk and milk products are obtained from the statistical activity “Purchase and use of milk”.
The data of the Household Budget Survey are used in the calculation of use data (primarily barley).
Data from the statistical activity “Economic accounts for agriculture” are used in the calculation of use data.
The exports and imports data included in the balance sheets come from the statistical activity “Foreign trade”. 8-digit combined nomenclature (CN) codes are used. The CN codes in the balance sheets are based on Eurostat methodology.
The statistical activity “Crop farming” is the source for data on area under cultivation, production and yield for the supply balance of cereals, potatoes, fresh vegetables, fruits and berries, oilseeds and fruit.
Data on the number of colonies of bees and honey production for the supply balance of honey are obtained from the statistical activity “Livestock farming and meat production”.
Meat and egg production figures for the supply balance sheets are obtained from the statistical activity “Livestock farming and meat production”.
Production figures for the supply balance of milk and milk products are obtained from the statistical activity “Purchase and use of milk”.
The data of the Household Budget Survey are used in the calculation of use data (primarily barley).
Data from the statistical activity “Economic accounts for agriculture” are used in the calculation of use data.
Data validation (S.18.4)
Not applicable
Data compilation (S.18.5)
Data on production, foreign trade and stocks are used to calculate domestic use with a breakdown by purpose. Depending on the available data, other balance sheet items may also be calculated.
The supply balance of cereals, potatoes, eggs, meat and milk products also includes processed products which are converted into basic products using technical coefficients recommended by Eurostat.
For the supply balance of cereals, potatoes and oilseeds, loss is usually calculated as 1–2% of domestic use. Use as seed is estimated based on average seeding rates and sown area. Use as animal feed is estimated based on changes in livestock units. The value of stocks is estimated based on changes in production.
The supply balance of cereals, potatoes, eggs, meat and milk products also includes processed products which are converted into basic products using technical coefficients recommended by Eurostat.
For the supply balance of cereals, potatoes and oilseeds, loss is usually calculated as 1–2% of domestic use. Use as seed is estimated based on average seeding rates and sown area. Use as animal feed is estimated based on changes in livestock units. The value of stocks is estimated based on changes in production.
Imputation - rate (S.18.5.1)
Not applicable
Adjustment (S.18.6)
Not applicable
Seasonal adjustment (S.18.6.1)
Not applicable
Comment
From 2025 onwards, activities related to data on the supply balance of cereals and oilseeds are carried out pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1538 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2022/2379. Therefore, the reference period for the supply balance sheets of cereals and oilseeds will be the crop year and additional items will be added to the balance sheet.