Farm Product Prices Survey (FPPS)

Detailed information for January 2010

Status:

Active

Frequency:

Monthly

Record number:

3436

The purpose of the prices series is to collect accurate, up-to-date information on farm product prices received by farmers for agricultural commodities produced and sold.

Description

The series produces provincial data on average prices received by farmers for agricultural products produced and sold. The primary purpose is to provide the pricing component of the Farm Cash Receipts series (record number 3437), which values the agriculture sectors' contribution to the Canadian economy. The prices are also used to calculate the Farm Product Price Index series (record number 5040). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other federal departments use the data to develop, administer and evaluate agricultural policies and programs. Provincial departments and agencies use the prices for production and price analysis to support provincial stabilization programs. A wide variety of groups and individuals also make use of the data for economic research.

Reference period: Monthly

Collection period: One month period following reference month.

Subjects

  • Agriculture and food (formerly Agriculture)
  • Agriculture price indexes
  • Farm financial statistics
  • Prices and price indexes

Data sources and methodology

Target population

The universe includes all Canadian agriculture operations as defined by the Census of Agriculture, as well as all marketing boards, agencies, commissions and federal and provincial government departments that collect data on producer prices or data from which prices can be calculated.

Instrument design

Paper questionnaires were developed by commodity analysts in conjunction with feedback from respondents. In addition to the commodity description the questionnaire outlines the purpose of the survey and the time and terms of sale for which the questions are asked.

Sampling

This is a sample survey with a cross-sectional design.

The sample for the Potato Prices Survey and the Hay and Straw Survey in Ontario, which are part of the Farm Product Prices Survey is selected from the Census of Agriculture. The samples for the Grains and Specialty Crops Survey and the Grains and Oilseed Survey are selected from large companies which purchase these crops. The largest companies are selected into the sample with a probability of 100%. Medium and small companies are sampled lightly.

Provinces and commodities currently surveyed include:
Ontario - The Ontario Hay and Straw Prices Survey (sample of 125 per quarter) collects quarterly data of tame hay and straw prices.

Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia - The Potato Prices Survey (sample of 600 per month) collects monthly data of potato prices.

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta - The Grains and Specialty Crops Survey (sample 13 per month) collects monthly data from companies which purchase these crops.

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island - The Grains and Oilseeds Survey (sample 21 per month) collects monthly data from companies which purchase these crops.

Data sources

Responding to this survey is mandatory.

Data for the Potato Prices Survey and the Ontario Hay and Straw Prices Survey are collected by telephone interview.

Data on the Grains and Specialty Crops Survey in the Western provinces and the Grains and Oilseeds Survey in the Maritime provinces are collected by fax, email and telephone. Administrative data on commodity prices are obtained by fax, email and through Web sites on the Internet.

Prices are estimated on a monthly basis. Where possible, administrative data sources are used in order to reduce response burden. The administrative data come from a variety of sources including: the Canadian Wheat Board, the Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CANFAX, the Canadian Dairy Commission, the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency as well as numerous auction markets.

View the Questionnaire(s) and reporting guide(s).

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