Irish Examiner & ICMSA farming poll 2016 - methodology

The Irish Examiner ICMSA farming survey  was designed to provide a robust and accurate snapshot of the attitudes, beliefs and opinions of the farming community about a range of issues, both farming and social. The survey involved 526 interviews with farm dwelling adults in the Republic of Ireland.

Fieldwork was completed by Behaviour & Attitudes over a three week period between August 14 and September 4, with interviewing undertaken onsite by Behaviour & Attitudes interviewers across seven agricultural shows. The sample size is large and the data has a statistical margin of error of +/-4%.

The sampling approach involves a random probability method, with interviews being undertaken with attendees provided they worked and/or lived on a farm. 429 interview were with farmers themselves and the balance mainly with spouses who also work on the family farm.