Irish lag behind Euro counterparts in developing non-farming activities

A MERE 4% of Irish farmers are involved in non-farming secondary activities on their own land, according to a study issued by the National Rural Network, Teagasc and LEADER.

The proportion of English farmers who have developed a diversified activity is eight times higher. Teagasc rural economy specialist David Meredith said that off-farm employment has taken a severe hit in the past two years. As a result, more farmers are adding forestry to their mix, with 17,000 farmers planting trees since the mid-1990s.

David Meredith said: “The Teagasc National Farm Survey showed that off-farm employment accounted for 81% of household income on part-time farms and 38% of household income on full-time farms in 2009.