Why are Yields Estimates Necessary?

1. Why are Yields Estimates Necessary? Counting each fruit is usually not an option • Accurate yield estimates are used to reconcile the expected production of each farmer with actual yields. • Yield estimates are used to verify that the product sold by each farmer is produced only on his or her farm.

2. Yield Estimates in the ICS Procedures Farmers and/or field officer estimates yield In simple cases done by one person in one step Internal inspector verifies --> data entered in Farm InspectionForm Yield estimates approved and entered in farmers list ( ) Last visit just before harvest to confirm data for buying list If necessary Yield estimates used as basis for buying procedures

3. Yield = total quantity of a certain product that can be harvested on the farm. Estimating Yields The yield can vary according to slope, soil type, different farming practices,·climatic impacts (e.g. drought, excess rain). Yields are estimated on basis of assessment of crops in the fields, previous sales/harvest information, typical yields in the area, etc. Getting accurate yield estimates before harvest is an interactive process and can take time. • Estimates improve with • better registration information (e.g. exact number of trees in each age group), • more experienced ICS staff and/or farmer • good sales/buying information. Use local measures for the estimates.

4. ......... ......... Climatic effects Cross-checking the Information Typical yield per tree or acre Farmer’s estimates & sales records Yield Estimate Actual Yield Buying Lists Field staff’s estimate

5. There are many genuine reasons why the farmers may not to provide an accurate estimate of his / her product yields. The inspector should be aware of these and encourage the farmer to provide the most accurate data possible. Challenges in Getting Accurate Data • Examples: • Fear of taxation by government • The farmer may think that total yield refers only to product to be supplied to the organic processor and not include quantities used for domestic use or other sales • The farmer may simply not remember or understand the relevance of the questions. • In some cases great variation in yields depending on weather conditions. • Might be seen as an offence to God to predict a good harvest • Farmer might feel proud in giving exaggerated figures in front of other farmers