In Germany the type of operation and the labour force of agricultural holdings are recorded every two years within the framework of the Farm Structure Survey (FSS). Amongst others the outcomes are used to control the success of policy measures. Main users are the European Commission, the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, the respective ministries in the federal states as well as scientific institutions. Furthermore local authorities, associations, chambers and departments of agriculture, lobby groups, consultant associations and interested consumers use these statistics.
