The review highlights the limits of farm accountancy data for evaluating income-support objectives and argues for stronger household-level and linked administrative data systems. Improved measurement is essential for credible policy targeting, transparent evaluation and analysis of farm household income, well-being, resilience, generational renewal and social sustainability.
Abstract
Understanding farm household (FHH) income has been a central concern of agricultural economists and policymakers for more than a century. This review traces the evolution of concepts, definitions, data sources, analytical approaches and empirical evidence used to estimate and compare FHH incomes. It argues that the central measurement challenge is the distinction between the farm business and the FHH.