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 Inspection Form
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. Estimating Yields
Yield = total quantity of a certain product that can be harvested on the farm.
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. Cross-checking the Information
Typical yield
per tree or acre
Farmer’s estimates
& sales records
Yield
Estimate
Actual Yield
Buying
Lists
Climatic effects
Field staff’s
estimate

5. Challenges in Getting Accurate Data
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.
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