Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:31 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers in 1986; the current number; the likely trend over the next seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Farmer Numbers.
According to the Labour Force Survey carried out in 1986 the number of farmers was 126,300. In 1991, the last year for which this information is published, the number was 112,900. The total number of people employed in the agricultural, forestry and fishing sectors was 168,000 and 156,000 in 1986 and 1991 respectively.
The objective of the various programmes operated by my Department, including on-farm development, income support measures, agri-environment and rural development schemes is to maintain the farming and rural population at the maximum sustainable level.