Improving Community agricultural statistics

OBJECTIVE: to improve the way agricultural statistics meet current information needs following the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Decision 96/411/EC on improving Community agricultural statistics. SUBSTANCE: the Council Decision was drawn up in the context of Decision 93/464/EEC on the framework programme for priority action in the field of statistical information 1993-1997. It fixes the work areas in which improvements are to be sought, and establishes a mechanism for implementing the improvements which ensures appropriate involvement of all concerned. The first phase in the process of adapting Community agricultural statistics is to implemented during the period 1996-1997. The Commission will decide on a technical action plan for agricultural statistics each year. These plans will cover the actions to be carried out by the Member States. The Decision also provides measures to facilitate the small changes necessary in the specification of Community requirements and in national systems for meeting those requirements. Finally, the Decision provides for a process of adaptation to take account of new needs. �