Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farming Statistics.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

38 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of farmers; the number 25 years ago; the projected total in 25 years' time; and his policy in relation to the continuing decline in farmer numbers. [22170/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

CSO figures show that there were an estimated 227,900 farms in 1975 and 146,300 in 1998. These are the nearest years for which data is available to those requested.

There are no official projections of farm numbers in the future. The technology foresight report, published by Forfás, suggested that there might be 100,000 to 110,000 farms by 2015.

The decline in farm numbers is an international phenomenon, and the decline has been more rapid in several other EU member states over the same period. Recent trends in this country show that the decline in farm numbers is almost entirely confined to farms below 20 hectares in size. The current economic prosperity has brought considerable benefits to farmers, through low interest rates, and the improved availability of off farm jobs which supplement farm income. But there are also new pressures as young farmers are offered new and lucrative job options away from the farm.

The Government favours the retention on the land of the maximum number of farm families that is practicable. This policy is clearly reflected in the very high levels of public support provided to the sector. More than £1 billion in direct payments to farmers, some £500 million in market support measures and £400 million in other measures and administration was provided in 1998. This expenditure amounted to approximately £13,000 per farm on average in one year. In addition the farm assist scheme was launched last year and is now providing enhanced levels of support to farm families on low incomes.

Looking to the future I have appointed a committee of experts to develop a strategy for the development of the agrifood sector over the next decade. I expect to receive their report early in the New Year. I intend to carefully examine the proposals of this committee to ensure that the policies we pursue provide not just short-term support but contribute to the long-term viability of the greatest possible number of farm households.