L 55/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 24.2.2001 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 12 February 2001 approving the 2001 technical action plan for improving agricultural statistics (notified under document number C(2001) 356) (2001/147[EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 96/411/EC of 25 June 1996 on improving Community agricultural statistics (*), as last amended by European Parliament and Council Decision 2298/ 2000/CE (?), and in particular Articles 4 and 6(2) thereof, Whereas: (1)  Pursuant to Decision 96/411/EC, the Commission draws up each year a technical action plan for agricultural statistics. (2) It is appropriate to consolidate certain actions initiated under previous action plans and to continue the effort which the Member States have already undertaken, particularly where balances and the use of pesticides are concerned. (3) It is essential to obtain detailed information on animal production forecasts, agri-environmental indicators and to develop environmental aspects of agricultural accounts in order to implement the relevant Community policies. (4)  Pursuant to Article 6 of Decision 96/411/EC, the Community contributes to the costs incurred by the Member States in making adaptations to national agri- () O] L 162, 1.7.1996, p. 14. () O] L 263, 18.10.2000, p. 1. cultural statistical systems or to the costs of preparatory work for new or increasing needs which are a part of a technical action plan. (5)  The measures provided for in this Decision are in line with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Agricul- tural Statistics, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The 2001 technical action plan for improving agricultural stat- istics is annexed to this Decision. Article 2 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 12 February 2001. For the Commission Pedro SOLBES MIRA Member of the Commission