Valid, accurate and up-to-date statistical data are indispensable for agricultural policies and strategies development. Since 1995 in Turkey, organic data collection has become a task of the competent authority for organic agriculture, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MFAL). In 2005 MFAL implemented an Internet-based software, organic farming information system (OFIS), to collect data through direct entries from inspection and certification bodies. The Aegean Exporters’ Association (AEA) has been involved since 1996 in organic export data collection through E-BIRLIK software. Despite the available data, there is a gap between the two sources’ export data and local market data still lack. This work describes and analyses the current Turkish organic data collection system (DCS) by identifying its actors and their roles, and assesses the quality of the existing datasets.
[...]
Semi-structured interviews have been conducted to investigate and study the DCS. EUROSTAT quality dimensions are used to assess the system data quality. Despite the easy access, timeliness and punctuality of data, the Turkish organic DCS shows poor quality data mainly at trade level. Accuracy, comparability and reliability are the main proven weaknesses of the system.
