Page 92 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 1

STS407 Étienne Saint-Pierre

The integration of the Census of Agriculture with
the Business Statistics Program: The keystone for
the next generation of Censuses in Canada
Étienne Saint-Pierre
Statistics Canada

Abstract
The approach used by Statistics Canada for the quinquennial Census of
Agriculture consisted of contacting directly the entire farm population to
obtain all of the data using a questionnaire as collection vehicle. With the 2021
Census of agriculture, this approach will start evolving towards a new business
model as a response to an evolving context in the production of agriculture
statistics.
In Canada, the farms are now predominantly complex operations with
structures that are more aligned with the business sector than the household
sector. The key issues affecting the agriculture sector go well beyond the
primary sector. Data users, policy makers and farmers want to get their hands
on high-quality, real-time information to make informed decisions.
Simultaneously, the increased availability of alternate sources of information
combined with the refinement of large datasets processing techniques open
a realm of opportunities for the Census of Agriculture.
The article describes how the integration of the Census of Agriculture with the
Integrated Business Statistics Program is a critical element in the short-term
to position strategically the Census Program for the future.

Keywords
Census of Agriculture; Data Integration; Concepts Harmonization; Statistical
Frame, Integrated Business Statistics Program

1. Introduction
Up to the most recent Census of Agriculture conducted in 2016, the
approach used by Statistics Canada for this program consisted of contacting
the entire farm population every five years to collect all of the data using a
questionnaire as the collection vehicle. Unique concepts, systems, tools and
methods were used throughout the statistical process.
The context is rapidly evolving in regards to the data landscape in the
agriculture sector, offering both challenges and opportunities. Data users,
policy makers and farmers want to get their hands on high-quality, real-time
information to make informed decisions. The ultimate goal of the Agriculture
Statistics Program (ASP) is to produce the near-real time granular information
with minimal contact with respondents by exploiting alternative sources of

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