Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the forecast regarding declining farm numbers contained in the rural development 2025 report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5966/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Ireland 2025: Foresight report was compiled by a working group drawn from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth; University College Dublin; and Teagasc and gives its perspective on rural Ireland in the year 2025. In the "synthesis" section of the report, it states that it is unlikely that by 2025, Ireland will have appreciably more that 10,000 full-time commercial farmers and 30,000 part-time farmers. The foresight report does not contain a detailed analysis giving the rationale behind these figures.

A detailed analysis of farm numbers was undertaken for the independent agri-vision 2015 report, chaired by Alan Dukes. The report cites the figure of 105,000 farmers by 2015, a reduction of approximately 2% per annum. The Rural Ireland 2025: Foresight report appears to accept the analysis set out in the agri-vision 2015 report and omits any detailed explanation on the predicted drop in number by 2025.

The agri-vision 2015 report gives a detailed breakdown explaining the numbers and the rationale for the projected drop in farm numbers to 105,000 in 2015. Some of the contributing factors include incomes levels on farms, the rise in the popularity of part-time farming, the stabilising effects of the single farm payment and the availability of off-farm employment. These factors will underpin the continuing importance of farming and in particular part-time farming. On the issue of farm numbers themselves, it is clear that Ireland is not alone. Farm numbers are dropping in all developed countries. In fact, the rate of decrease in this country is lower than in several other European countries.

This Government is focused on ensuring that farming families have the best possible options available for them to stay on the land. That may mean as full-time farmers, if their farm size and resources are sufficient and if they choose that option. Alternatively, it may be through the combination of on-farm and off-farm income, which many smaller farmers are finding is the best route to a viable life on the land. The commitment of this Government is to support and encourage our farm families in whichever option they choose.