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24 November 2003

2003 quest. - Summary of question 12 responses

Question 12 from the "questions" document: The mixed farming category in ISIC Rev.3 covers units without a strong specialization. The criterion given in the classification is less 66% specialization in both crop and animal farming. There is not universal support for this activity. Additionally, in many countries there seems to be an implementation problem. An argument in the past was that this category also addresses the needs of small size farms with frequently shifting focus between those two branches of agriculture. The question has been raised a) if such a distinction is useful, b) if it violates classification concepts by creating potential overlaps with other categories, c) if a decision on principal activity should always be possible and, in case of frequent changes, should use the same methodology that would be used for manufacturing etc. and d) if this category is actually being used by countries. On the other hand, the issue has been raised as to whether additional forms of mixed farming should be recognized, such as, agriculture mixed with forestry or agriculture mixed with fishing. Country feedback on whether this category should be maintained and why it is necessary.

Summary of responses to question 12: Support the inclusion of a mixed farming category 36 replies, note 1 Do not support mixed farming concept 23 replies, note 2 No opinion, but further review needed 4 replies Other 5 replies note 1 - This reflects a count of 30 countries + 6 from the combined Afristat response note 2 - This reflects a count of 11 countries + 12 from the combined Afristat response The majority of the respondents supports maintaining a mixed farming category but suggest additional work on this issue. Pro: - Among those supporting the inclusion of a mixed farming category, 6 are also requesting other "mixed" categories, such as for Agriculture+Forestry or Agriculture+Fishing. This list eventually includes: agricultura-ganadería; agricultura-acuicultura; agricultura-pesca; ganadería-silvicultura; ganadería-animales silvestres; agricultura-ganadería-silvicultura. - One country suggested a category for "mixed crop farming" - One country explicitly stated that no other "mixed" categories are necessary. - One reply (ABS/NZ) that supports mixed farming noted that they have included mixed categories for other activities (outside farming), arguing that this would not violate ISIC principles. However, the examples included are based on units, not activities. - Among those supporting the inclusion, 13 countries (mostly EU countries) noted that this should be "reviewed and further developed" without providing any indication as to what this should entail. - The use of OTEX has been mentioned as a proven way to use and structure this category (France). Con: - Responses opposing the mixed farming category typaically argue that it would break with general ISIC rules and that the value added rule should apply here. - One country also noted that such a category would imply the need to create "mixed" categories for all other kinds of possible mixes of activities. Other: - Of the remaining replies, 3 give no clear position on this issue, while 2 others contradict themselves. Action suggested: - Maintain "mixed farming" - Provide additional guidance on what is included here - (ISIC usres guide?) - Follow-up with EU countries necessary - Investigate what other "mixed" activities may be necessary, related to agriculture