Bernard J. Durkan
Question:111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total number of persons employed in agriculture in each of the past 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Agricultural Employment.
The table below sets out the total number of persons employed in agriculture in each of the last 15 years and since 1972.
|
Year |
Number employed in Agriculture* |
Percentage of total at work |
|
('000) |
% |
|
|
1972 |
267 |
25.4 |
|
1977 |
228 |
21 |
|
1978 |
226 |
20.4 |
|
1979 |
221 |
19.3 |
|
1980 |
209 |
18.1 |
|
1981 |
196 |
17.1 |
|
1982 |
193 |
16.8 |
|
1983 |
189 |
16.8 |
|
1984 |
181 |
16.4 |
|
1985 |
171 |
15.8 |
|
1986 |
168 |
15.5 |
|
1987 |
164 |
15.2 |
|
1988 |
166 |
15.2 |
|
1989 |
163 |
14.9 |
|
1990 |
167 |
14.8 |
|
1991 |
154 |
13.7 |
|
1992 |
150 |
13.3 |
*Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing.
On the basis of the Labour Force Survey data, employment in agriculture forestry and fishing has declined steadily over the last 15 years. The downward trend in agricultural employment reflects a worldwide trend in developed economies in recent decades and is due primarily to improved farming technology and greater efficiency in agriculture generally. However, it should be noted that the rate of decline in agriculture in Ireland has slowed during the last decade compared to the 1970s and employment in agriculture is twice the average of EC member states.
The wider issue of employment in rural areas in general is being addressed by my Department. Within the Operational Programme for Rural Development under the aegis of my Department there are a number of schemes designed to encourage farm diversification including agri-tourism and horticulture. In addition, other schemes like Leader are intended to help groups in rural communities take advantage of business opportunities. These initiatives and others are designed to improve the employment position in rural areas.