Accuracy and reliability

Overall accuracy

The statistics are based on a sample and the results are therefore somewhat uncertain, although there is a representative extract with a stratification that takes into account that all farms in the population represented. The overall accuracy is considered good. Among the branches of production some are less reliable because of a relatively small area of crop or small number of livestock. Overall, the statistics are based on calculated data and as such is dependent on how precisely such ratios for the distribution of costs is estimated. The estimation is done with emphasis on significant results.

For the data in the Accounts Statistics fro Agriculture 2018 there are some calculations on certainty in Accounts statistics for agriculture 2022 pp. 102-103. (In Danish).

Sampling error

Sample of full-time farms account for approximately 20 per cent of the number of full-time holdings in 2023. For the data in the Accounts Statistics fro Agriculture 2021 there are some calculations on certainty in Accounts statistics for agriculture 2022 pp. 102-103. (In Danish).

Non-sampling error

There are some uncertainty in connection to the selection of farms as participation is voluntary to the farmer and only farms using calendar year as financial can be chosen. Loss of selected farms is countered by selecting a larger sample that needed in the end. Previous selections area analyzed concerning loss which for full time farms was 9-13 pct. in 2020. Farm accounting data are supplemented by administrative data, especially on subsidies. For calculation of results each farm is assigned with a calibrated weight after size, type and region. In the design of weights some goal variables are used with the intention of achieving better estimates.

Quality management

Statistics Denmark follows the recommendations on organisation and management of quality given in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and the implementation guidelines given in the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF). A Working Group on Quality and a central quality assurance function have been established to continuously carry through control of products and processes.

Quality assurance

Statistics Denmark follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. This involves continuous decentralized and central control of products and processes based on documentation following international standards. The central quality assurance function reports to the Working Group on Quality. Reports include suggestions for improvement that are assessed, decided and subsequently implemented.

Quality assessment

The information from the agricultural accounts are collected in a very systematic way and tested thoroughly. Together with a large sample on about 20 per cent of the full time farms in Denmark a high quality of the statistic is secured.

Data revision - policy

Statistics Denmark revises published figures in accordance with the Revision Policy for Statistics Denmark. The common procedures and principles of the Revision Policy are for some statistics supplemented by a specific revision practice.

Data revision practice

The last two years are preliminary. Revision can occur if improved methods of cost allocation are developed.