The Farm Structure Survey collects data on the structure of agricultural and forestry holdings, including information on the size, the legal status of the holding, occupation type, type of tenure and participation in rural development measures.
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 are used and complemented with questionnaires.
For the census, regional data are available – partially at the municipality level. In survey years, the smallest geographical unit available is that of the federal province.