The Farm Structure Survey collects data on the structure of agricultural and forestry holdings, including farms facing natural constraints (according to a point system), respectively farms situated in areas affected by specific handicaps i.e. mountain areas and other less favoured areas. For the classification, available administrative data are combined with the results of the questionnaires.
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.