| | | Agricultural StatisticsThe National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has collaborated with the State Committee of the Russian Federation on Statistics (Goskomstat of Russia) since 1995, on improving statistical survey methodology for agricultural surveys in the Russian Federation. The 1990's brought major structural changes in the agricultural sector of the Russian Federation. Goskomstat of Russia recognized that the "complete enumeration" mode of data collection that had traditionally been used was no longer cost effective under the changing conditions in the Russian Federation. With multiple types of agricultural operations, increased importance of the private household sector, disintegration of large agricultural enterprises and establishment of private farming, Goskomstat of Russia actively pursued developing an expanded statistical survey system. NASS assisted Goskomstat of Russia in developing a series of statistical surveys that would monitor the changing agricultural situation by type of operation - particularly for private households and private farms. While it was generally understood that sampling methodology should be implemented, introducing new, sophisticated, survey sampling procedures in a vast, diverse and changing country such as Russia generated many issued to overcome. It was necessary to develop new statistical approaches to survey methodology and sample design. NASS provided technical assistance in developing a new, national survey for the rural household farming sector. The survey was implemented starting in 1998, and is conducted throughout all regions of Russia. Additionally, NASS assisted with a special survey of private farms. Training was necessary for statistical staff in federal and regional offices. NASS collaborated with Goskomstat of Russia in conducting a series of training seminars for statistical staff members within the Russian Federation. Seminars were held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Omsk. Additionally, Russian delegates received training in the USA on several occasions at NASS headquarters in Washington DC and state statistical field offices. It is critical when developing a new system to thoroughly test the entire process. NASS assisted Goskomstat of Russia in conducting a series of test surveys in the Kirov, Penza, Ryazan and Tver Oblasts. NASS has provided assistance to Goskomstat of Russia in publication of the following three statistical reports (available in Russian and English): (1)Private Household Farming in Russia - 1999; (2) Agricultural Activities of Private Farms in Russia - 2000; (3) Private Household Farming in Russia - 2003. Since 2002 NASS has collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. Initial efforts focused on expanding information available about the private farm sector within the Russian Federation. Collaboration is currently being expanded to new areas, including data analysis, data bases and economic statistics. The program funds for NASS technical assistance and funds for the three statistical reports were provided under the Emerging Markets Program of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. | | NewsUSDA announces $400 million in bank guarantees for Russia Russian HRI Sector Growth Fueled by Rising Incomes Developments in the Russian Organics Market Meat Customs Clearance in Vladivostok RUSSIA ALLOWS FOR IMPORTATION OF U.S. LIVESTOCK SearchSite map | | |