Reliable data on grain stocks help decision makers understand food availability, plan the necessary interventions on market stabilization, and address issues related to food insecurity. These Guidelines support statisticians and managers of national statistics offices in developing or improving stock surveys. They provide practical tools for direct measurement of food stocks; discuss current and best practices for stock estimation through sample surveys; reflect on conceptual, technical, human and budgetary issues related to stock surveys; and provide examples and tools for countries wishing to develop their stock survey programmes. The document was produced as part of an AMIS capacity building project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.