Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Agricultural Employment Figures.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

325 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the total number of persons employed in agriculture including the food and meat processing industry in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The information required is as follows:—

Employment in the Agricultural and Food Sector

	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing	164,000	166,000	163,000	167,000	155,000
Food Sector of which	37,019	37,480	36,200	36,800	36,900
Meat Processing	9,578	9,705	9,300	10,000	10,600

Employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing fell by 12,000 between 1990 and 1991. This follows a reported increase in two of the previous years and a reported decrease in the other two. These figures are from the Labour Force Survey which is based on a self classification of activity. Thus a proportion of the reported 12,000 drop could still be engaged in agriculture but may be classifying themselves as having another activity as a principal occupation.

There is a long term trend towards reduced numbers engaged full time in primary agriculture. However, there is also a trend of increased numbers of farmers engaging in part time farming. This trend of a greater diversification in the income sources of farm and rural households is likely to continue. Greater emphasis on rural development programmes in the future is likely to consolidate this trend.

There has been relatively stable employment in the food processing industry in recent years. Current efforts to increase the value added in the food industry are aimed at sustaining and, if possible, increasing employment in the food processing industry.