15/02/2012

Census Figures Show Importance Of Agriculture

The President of Ireland's largest farmers associations has said the preliminary results of the last census show agriculture remains an important economic sector across the country.

Irish Farmers Association President John Bryan said the information provided by farmers and analysed by the CSO gave a valuable picture of farming in Ireland today.

He said the figures showed an improvement in the overall farm structure over the last decade with larger herd sizes for dairy and beef and a significant increase in the area of cereals planted per farm.

However, in the context of the targets in Food Harvest 2020, land mobility continues to be a challenge.

Mr Bryan said: “The difficulties experienced over the last decade in the sheep sector are reflected in the fall in flock numbers. However, the improved price environment for sheep of 2010 and 2011 has reversed this trend, with an increase in output recorded in 2011.”

Commenting on the results, IFA Chief Economist, Rowena Dwyer said that further Census releases from the CSO will be provided in 2012 with greater detail on farm structures, age profile, output and labour inputs.

The IFA said the data is critical to support policymaking both here in Ireland and as part of the on going farming subsidy negotiations.

(DW)

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