Figures from the Agricultural and Horticultural Survey indicate labour on registered holdings at June each year. These figures therefore show net change only in the numbers of farmers.
Total farmers, partners, directors and spouses (if working on the holding) Total labour 1997 4,895 11,791 1998 4,815 12,160 1999 4,641 11,173 2000 5,476 11,211 2001 5,830 11,582 2002 5,637 10,785 2003 5,498 10,208 2004 5,699 10,683 2005 5,635 10,621 2006 5,778 10,293 Notes: (a) Figures prior to 2000 are for main holdings only. Figures from 2000 onwards include all holdings. A minor holding has to meet all of the following conditions: (i) the total area less than six hectares (ii) the labour requirement is estimated to be less than 100 standard person days (iii) there is no regular full time farmer or worker (iv) the glasshouse area is less than 100 square metres (v) the occupier does not farm another holding (b) Since the annual June Survey is now based on a sample estimates have been made for those not surveyed. (c) Due to the introduction of new labour questions in 1998 figures prior to this year are not directly comparable with earlier year’s results. (d) Due to a register improvement exercise in 2001 labour figures prior to this are not directly comparable with later results. Source: June Agricultural Survey