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Agriculture in Northern Ireland

Agricultural overview

In 2008 there were just under 26,000 active farms in Northern Ireland, utilising 1 million hectares of land. Last year Agriculture accounted for some £1.4Bn in output. Around 50,000 people were involved in farming, most working a part-time basis. Over half of the economic output from farms comes from the dairy sector, even though it accounts for only 1 farm in every 7.

A very small percentage of land in Northern Ireland (1%) is given to organic production. In comparison, across the EU, Austria has the highest percentage with 11% and the UK as a whole, has just over 4% of land in organic production.

More information

Statistical information from DARD comes from two main sources: 1. The Annual Census – giving an overview of farms, labour, crops & animals.
2. The Farm Business Survey – giving a detailed breakdown of farm accounts.

Other key publications

Statistical review of NI Agriculture
Size & performance of NI food & drinks sector
European Union Structure Survey

Detailed Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry small area statistics can also be obtained from the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service website by clicking here

All official statistical publications on this theme can be found here

latest news



    2011 Census Outputs Consultation (June 2010)
    Click Here

    Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2010
    Now Available

    New Publications
    Registrar General Quarterly Report, Quarter 1, 2010

    2009 Mid Year Population Estimates for Northern Ireland

    2008-based Household Projections for Northern Ireland
    Read Story

    Forthcoming Publications
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