The Farm Structure Survey collects data on the structure of agricultural and forestry holdings, including data on livestock production and the structure of livestock holdings. In addition, analyses according to livestock units are available.
According to EU legislation, a census is conducted every ten years, with sample surveys at three- or four-year intervals in between. All agricultural and forestry holdings meeting the legislation's minimum requirements must participate. Relevant available administrative data sources (the Integrated Administration and Control System, the central cattle database, and the Consumer Health Information System) are used and complemented with questionnaires.
For the census, regional data are available – partially at the municipality level. In sample survey years, the smallest geographical unit available is that of the federal province.