Age of farmers

• Only 3% of people living in the GDA make their living from agriculture however despite this farming is highly productive and income levels are high.
• Farm incomes in this region are 40% higher than the  national averages.
• Farming is seen as an attractive career option by young people in this area.
• As a result, there is less outmigration of young people and the average age of farmers is 37.
• This is much lower than the North and West region.
• Farming is seen as a business and more scientific methods are used, for example 50% of the country’s greenhouses are located in the GDA leading to a thriving market gardening sector around Lusk in North Co. Dublin.
• Farms are highly mechanised and there are 10.4 tractors per 10 farms adding to productivity levels.