Vol. 553 No. 3
55 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the fact that the number of farms is falling by an average of 3,000 per annum; and if he will consult with farmers, growers and consumers to put in place measures which will reverse this decline. [13961/02]
The most recent CSO data shows that there were 143,900 farms in 1999, 146,300 in 1998 and 147,800 in 1997. This means farm numbers declined by 2,400 and 1,500 across those years. This trend in declining farm numbers is not specific to Ireland – indeed it is mirrored in developed countries all over the world.
The Government is committed to the preservation of the maximum viable number of full and part-time farmers. Due to this commitment I established the Agri-Food 2010 Committee in June 1999 "to propose a strategy for the development of Irish agriculture and food over the decade to 2010." This independent committee invited and received submissions from interested individuals and organisations and produced a report in March 2000. In response to its report I initiated an extensive round of consultations with organisations representing consumer, farmer and other interests. The Government's policy response to the Agri-Food 2010 report is contained in the Agri-Food 2010 plan of action.
