Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Decision 96/411/EC of 25 June 1996 on improving Community agricultural statistics^f1, and in particular Article 4(1) and Article 6(2) thereof,

Whereas:

In accordance with Decision 96/411/EC, the Commission establishes a technical action plan for agricultural statistics each year.

In accordance with Decision 96/411/EC, the Community contributes to the costs incurred by the Member States in making adaptations to national agricultural statistical systems or the costs of preparatory work for new or increasing needs which are part of a technical action plan.

It is essential to improve and develop statistical information on rural development for the implementation of the related Community policies. This is a main area of the annual action plan.

There is a need to consolidate the agricultural statistical system and to continue the work supported by the previous action plans in the areas of farm registers and small farms.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in line with the opinion of the Standing Committee of Agricultural Statistics,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: