Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Size Statistics.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

41 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farms of (a) less than 30 acres (b) between 30 and 50 acres (c) between 50 and 70 acres (d) between 70 and 90 acres and (e) accordingly in increments of 20 acres; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

The source of statistics on farm size is the EC farm structures survey. The published data do not fit into the precise categories requested (i.e. less than 30 acres, 30-50 acres etc.).

The data on farm size from the 1987 farm structure survey is in the form of a tabular statement which I am having circulated.

The overall number of farms has dropped by 4.8 per cent since 1975 whereas the average farm size has increased slightly from 22.2 ha (54.85 acres) in 1975 to 22.7 ha (56 acres) in 1987, not taking account of farms of less than one hectare.

Statement

Size of farm (ha)	(Acres)	Farms (000)
1	(2.5	35,000
5	(12.5	32,900
10	(25	63,300
20	(50	36,700
30	(75	29,600
50	(125	16,000
100 or more	250 or more	3,500
Total		217,000

Published data does not fit into the precise categories requested in the question.