Farm Business Survey 2021-22: Farm level emissions and nitrogen usage: Methodology

Introduction

This report provides information on the methodology for estimating whole-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen use estimates from the Farm Business Survey (FBS). Information is included about estimation methods and limitations.

These data are designated as experimental statistics as they are still in development, with a potentially wider degree of uncertainty in the resulting estimates as the methods and processes are established and verified.

Methodology and quality information about data collected in the FBS and its headline measure of income, Farm Business Income (FBI), is available in Scottish farm business income (FBI) - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

Details about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen use estimates are included here in line with the European Statistical System (ESS) quality framework. This covers areas of statistical:

• Relevance
• Accuracy and reliability
• Timeliness and punctuality
• Accessibility and clarity
• Coherence and comparability