Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 514: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the supporting measures she intends to bring forward in view of the fact that almost 80 percent of farmers are part-time farmers; her views on the state of agriculture in this country in view of the high proportion of part-time farmers; if her Department has undertaken an analysis of full-time farmers; the measures she will bring forward to ensure that the massive decline in full-time farming is abated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27893/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that on 78% of farm holdings the farmer and/or spouse have some source of off-farm income be it from employment, pensions or social assistance. This is not the same as saying that 80 per cent of farm holdings are part-time. The same survey indicates that 62% of farms (defined by Teagasc in terms of labour units) were part-time. By contrast, the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate that by their measurement (farm work is not the sole occupation of the farm owner) that 42% of farms in the State were defined as part-time. The growth of part-time farming is not unexpected. For some time, farmers have been choosing to maximise their incomes through a combination of farming and off-farm employment. This Government is committed to maintaining a core of competitive, full-time farmers, while at the same time providing an economic environment which enables smaller scale producers to avail of both on and off-farm opportunities to secure their future. Full-time farmers are looking to the new flexibility offered to them under decoupling to develop and intensify their commercial farm enterprises while many small-scale producers are finding that combining farming with off-farm employment is an effective way to ensure the viability of their holdings.

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 small-scale producers are finding as the best route to a viable life on the land. This Government is committed to supporting and encouraging our farm families in whichever option they choose. The approach by this Government, and my own approach within CAP and WTO negotiations, is in keeping with this commitment.