General agricultural census to begin next year

The general agricultural census aims to compile the latest data on the sector. It is intended to provide a basis for benchmarking and harmonization of current agricultural statistics and to establish a framework for agricultural research to be conducted in the intervening years.

To date, 7 general agricultural censuses have been conducted in Turkey. These censuses were carried out in 1927, 1950, 1963, 1970, 1980, 1991, and 2001.

In addition to generating new agricultural statistics by obtaining a statistical framework, the census aims to create an "Agricultural Information System" that will serve as a foundation for all agricultural policies. Within this scope, identifying and registering agricultural enterprises not currently included in existing records is among the priority objectives.

Integration between records and systems will be ensured

The census also aims to improve the Agricultural Enterprise Registration System. The system serves as a database containing address and identity information of agricultural enterprises (households and corporate), as well as their size and type. The system, which enables the determination of support criteria to increase operational efficiency, the transformation of production methods and cultivation into a planned agricultural model, and the execution of control and oversight through a single system by producing stable and sustainable agricultural policies, will be further developed through the general agricultural census.

In this way, it is aimed to increase registration and ensure full integration between many administrative records and systems within the Ministry and TÜİK.

Furthermore, fulfilling the requirements of Turkey's negotiation process for European Union (EU) membership and producing datasets that will serve as a basis for agricultural policies will also be possible with the general agricultural census.

Two-stage census

Within the scope of the protocol signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and TÜİK, the census will be conducted in two stages starting next year. The first stage will involve identifying agricultural lands not included in current administrative records, detecting enterprises engaged in agricultural activities on these lands, preparing questionnaires and data entry programs, and carrying out information, training, and promotional activities.

In the second stage, based on the information obtained in the first stage, data regarding the determined variables will be collected from the field through a full census and sampling, in line with international requirements and national needs.

Preparatory work for the general agricultural census is being carried out by TÜİK. In this context, methodologies applied globally and the existing administrative records of relevant institutions and organizations were examined, and needs and deficiencies were identified. Pilot applications regarding the method and addressing coverage deficiencies in existing administrative records were conducted. The roadmap for the planned census and the Agricultural Enterprise Registration System was evaluated through joint efforts of TÜİK and the Ministry. Meetings were held with relevant institutions and organizations responsible for existing registration systems.

Efforts to identify agricultural lands where crop production activities are carried out but which are not in existing records, using other administrative records and geographic information systems, are ongoing. Work to determine a data collection method to address coverage deficiencies in terms of agricultural enterprises and land use identified in existing records continues.

Work schedule is ready

A draft work schedule for 2024-2025 has been prepared for the general agricultural census. Work has begun on determining the data collection method within the framework of international standards and national conditions, as well as on questionnaires, handbooks, and data entry programs in accordance with definitions and concepts.

With the general agricultural census to be conducted under the Protocol on Conducting the General Agricultural Census signed between the Ministry's General Directorate of Agricultural Reform and the Turkish Statistical Institute, practices such as planned and contract farming will form the focal point of agricultural policies, and these will also guide projects and targets.