H o r t i c u l t u r a l
C e n s u s
National Field Vegetable
Census 2005
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✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Small differences exist between the figures in this report and previously published DAF figures. These are due to
some differences in definitions and calculation methods. Production value figures are based on yield information
from growers and price estimates from the Department of Agriculture & Food, Teagasc and Bord Bia. For
convenience, figures in this report are rounded.
Statistical analysis for this census was carried out by Franklin Research Ltd.
INTRODUCTION
The 2005 National Field Vegetable Census was compiled from a comprehensive survey of 238 field
vegetable producers. The purpose of this census was to quantify the field vegetable production in 2005
and illustrate what changes have taken place since similar censuses were undertaken in 2002 and 1999.
The list of growers surveyed was drawn up from information available within the Department of Agriculture
and Food (DAF), Teagasc and Bord Bia.
The census was confined to growers producing for the fresh vegetable market. Crops grown under
protection (glasshouses, polythene tunnels, cloches) are excluded but those grown under floating
mulches are included. Growers producing only for the processed market are excluded, and potato
production is also excluded.
This census, with the earlier censuses of 2002 and 1999, provides an important overview of the trends
emerging in the field vegetable sector. The data for the census was collected by DAF officers and analysis
was guided by Bord Bia and DAF.
Bord Bia and DAF wish to thank all field vegetable growers involved for their co-operation in compiling
this census.
Part I
The Field Vegetable Sector
Section One
Production Area, Value and Number of Growers
3
Section Two
Crops Grown
5
Section Three
Market Outlets for Products
11
Section Four
Farm Facilities
12
Part II
Top 50 Growers
13
Appendices
Page
18
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The main trends observed from the 2005 census were as follows:
• In 2005, 4,267 hectares of field vegetables were produced, which is virtually unchanged from the 2002
census (4,272 hectares).
• The estimated farmgate value for field vegetables was €57.4 million.
• The number of growers producing field vegetables in 2005 was 238, down 19% from 2002 and down 37%
from 1999.
• There was a total on-farm net equivalent of 844 people employed in 2005, a decrease of 5% since 2002.
Large scale producers represent a significant proportion of the total production area. The top 10 growers (in
terms of area) account for 29% of total production area while the top 50 growers account for 70% of total
production area. The total production area of the top 50 growers has increased by 28% since 2002.
Dublin is the most significant county in terms of production area of field vegetables. Dublin accounts for 41%
of national production area. Leinster, in general, tends to dominate the sector with seven of the top eight field
vegetable producing counties (by area).
Cabbage and carrots are the two most important crops in terms of both production area and farmgate value.
In 2005, 817 hectares of cabbage were grown, with an estimated farmgate value of €9.4 million. 718 hectares
of carrots were grown with an estimated farmgate value of €12.5 million.
The other most important field vegetables in terms of production area include broccoli (547 hectares), swedes
(503 hectares), cauliflowers (424 hectares) and parsnips (363 hectares).
The key trends in crop production are as follows:
• The total production area for carrots has increased by 12% since 2002.
• The total production area for cabbage has decreased by 24% from the 2002 census. However, the top 50
growers have increased their production area for cabbage by 19%, indicating that this crop is moving
towards large scale production.
• Other crops showing a move to larger scale production include cauliflower (down 44% in total but up 31%
among the top 50 growers) and broccoli (up 16% in total but up 70% among the top 50 growers)
• The total production area of parsnips has increased by 33% since 2002.
• The total production area of brussels sprouts has decreased by 24% since 2002.
2
For Further Information Contact:
Alice McGlynn,
Development Marketing Executive,
Bord Bia,
Clanwilliam Court,
Lower Mount Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-668 5155
Fax: 01-668 7521
e-mail: alice.mcglynn@bordbia.ie
www.bordbia.ie
PART I: THE FIELD VEGETABLE SECTOR
SECTION ONE:
PRODUCTION AREA, VALUE & NUMBER OF GROWERS
Introduction
This section provides an overview of field vegetable production in Ireland. The charts illustrate the key
trends in production area, farmgate value, number of growers and employment levels.
Hectares
6,000
Chart 1 Field Vegetable Production Area 1999–2005 (Hectares)
4,554
4,272
4,267
2002
2005
4,000
2,000
0
1999
• The total production area for field vegetables in 2005 was 4,267 hectares which is similar to the 2002
census (4,272 hectares in 2002).
€ million
80
Chart 2 Field Vegetable Estimated Farmgate Value 1999–2005 (€ million)
€57.4m*
60
€41.5m*
€43.9m*
1999
2002
40
20
0
2005
• The farmgate value of field vegetable production in 2005 was estimated to be €57.4 million*. This
represented a 31% increase in farmgate value from the 2002 census figure of €43.9m* and a 38%
increase from the 1999 figure of €41.5m*.
• The farmgate value for each county can be viewed in Appendix Table 1.1.
* Different estimation methods used between censuses: 2005 estimate based on a combination of grower information on
area and yield, and DAF, Teagasc and Bord Bia estimate of value; 2002 and 1999 estimates based on growers' own
estimates of value.
No of
Growers
500
400
Chart 3 Number of Field Vegetable Growers 1999–2005
377
294
300
238
200
100
0
1999
2002
2005
• There were 238 field vegetable growers in 2005 which represents a 19% reduction since the 2002
census (294 growers in 2002).
3
No of
Employees
2,000
Chart 4 On-Farm Field Vegetable Sector Employment 1999–2005
1,500
1,372
1,032
1,000
889
741
597
577
598
844
617
500
0
Full-time
Part-time
1999
Total full-time equivalents*
2002
2005
* Full-time jobs plus part time jobs aggregated to the number of full-time jobs they would represent.
• In 2005, there were 598 full-time and 617 part-time people in this sector. This corresponds with a total
of 844 full-time equivalent jobs.
• The number of people employed full-time has not changed significantly. However, the number of parttime workers is 55% lower than the 1999 census (1,372 part-time people in 1999). This decrease in
part-time employment may reflect the fact that growers of field vegetables are increasing
mechanisation and automation. Appendix Table 1.2 shows employment data for each county.
Chart 5 Field Vegetable Production Area 2005 by County (Hectares)
Hectares
2,500
2,000
1,739
1,500
1,000
618
529
500
447
462
130
125
118
99
Kilkenny
Laois
Offaly
Louth
0
Dublin
Meath
Cork
Wexford
Other
Counties
• Dublin is the most important county for field vegetable production. There are 1,739 hectares of field
vegetables in Dublin in 2005, which is 41% of the national production area.
• Field vegetable production is concentrated in Leinster. Cork is the only major field vegetable producing county
outside of Leinster. Appendix Table 1.1 shows production statistics by county for the last three censuses.
% of Total
Production
Area
Chart 6 Total Field Vegetable Production by Holding Size 2005
100%
80%
70%
60%
40%
24%
20%
6%
0%
Largest 50 Growers
(by area)
4
•
•
•
•
Medium Sized Growers
(by area)
Smallest 100 Growers
(by area)
Production area is dominated by large-scale producers.
The largest 50 growers (in terms of area) account for 70% of the total field vegetable production area.
The smallest 100 growers (in terms of area) account for 6% of the total field vegetable production area.
The medium-sized growers (88 growers with between approximately 5 and 23 hectares) account for
the remaining 24% of the total field vegetable production area.
SECTION TWO:
CROPS GROWN
Introduction
This section provides a breakdown of census information by type of crop grown. The charts show data
for the most important crops grown in terms of production area.
Note: Swedes are included in the root crop category even though, technically, they are a member of the
Brassica family.
Chart 7 Field Vegetable Production Area 2005
OTHER CROPS: 16%
Other Field Vegetables
LEAFY BRASSICAS: 47%
Outdoor Lettuce &
Other Salad Crops
Alliums
Cabbage
5%
7%
4%
19%
ROOT CROPS: 37%
Parsnips
9%
10%
Cauliflowers
13%
11%
Swedes
Broccoli
5%
17%
Carrots
Other Leafy
Brassicas
Total Production Area = 4,267 hectares
• Leafy Brassicas account for almost half (47%) of all field vegetable production area in Ireland. Cabbage
is the most important brassica (by area) representing 19% of total field vegetable production area.
• Root Crops account for 37% of the total production area. Carrots are the most important root crop
vegetable (by area) representing 17% of total production area.
• The remaining 16% of production area is made up of alliums (7%), salad crops (5%) and other
vegetables (4%).
• Six crops (cabbage, carrots, broccoli, swedes, cauliflowers and parsnips) account for 79% of total
production area.
5
Chart 8 Production Area of Most Important Field Vegetables 1999–2005 (Hectares)
817
Cabbage
918
1,077
718
694
Carrots
641
547
Broccoli
420
470
503
475
Swedes
559
424
Cauliflower
505
641
363
Parsnips
295
273
181
Brussel Sprouts
276
239
176
153
169
Outdoor Lettuce
0
200
400
600
Hectares
1999
800
1,000
2002
1,200
2005
• As seen in Chart 1, the overall production area of field vegetable crops is almost unchanged from the
2002 census and is down 6% from the 1999 census. However, trends in production area vary by crop.
• The production area of cabbage, the main brassica crop, has decreased by 24% since 1999 (from
1,077 hectares, 918 hectares in 2002 and 817 hectares in 2005). Among the other brassica crops, the
production area of broccoli has increased 16% since 1999, cauliflower production has decreased by
44%, and the production area of brussels sprouts has decreased by 24% (see Appendix Table 2.1).
• The production area of carrots, the main root crop in terms of area, has increased by 12% since 1999
(from 641 hectares, 694 hectares in 2002 and 718 hectares in 2005). Among the other root crops, the
production area of swedes has decreased by 10% since 1999 and the production area of parsnips has
increased by 33%.
• Production of outdoor lettuce, the main salad crop, is almost unchanged since 1999 (169 hectares in
1999, 153 hectares in 2002 and 176 hectares in 2005).
Chart 9 Production Area of Cabbage Crops 2002–2005 (Hectares)
403
Winter (round) & Savoy*
375
347
Pointed (York)
379
66
Other
163
0
100
200
300
400
500
Hectares
2002
2005
* These cabbage types were recorded individually in 2005 but not in the 2002 census.
• Cabbage is the most important field vegetable in terms of area with 817 hectares grown in 2005.
• The production area for Winter and Savoy cabbages has increased 7% since 2002 (375 hectares in
2002, 403 hectares in 2005).
• The production area for York cabbage has fallen 8% since 2002 (379 hectares in 2002, 347 hectares
in 2005).
6
Chart 10 Production Area of Carrot Crops 2005 (Hectares)
Main Crop
610
Early Crop
83
Bunched
25
0
200
400
Hectares
600
800
• Carrots are the second most important field vegetable (by area) with 718 hectares grown in 2005.
• Maincrop carrots accounted for 610 hectares in 2005, early crop accounted for 83 hectares and
bunched carrots for 25 hectares.
• Comparisons with previous censuses are not available.
Chart 11 Production Area of Outdoor Lettuce Crops 2002–2005 (Hectares)
Iceberg
99
17
Lolla Rossa
120
27
14
Oak Leaf*
6
Butterhead
Other
2
0
24
18
30
60
90
120
150
Hectares
2002
2005
* Oak Leaf Lettuce was not included in the 2002 questionnaire.
• 176 hectares of outdoor lettuce were grown in 2005.
• Iceberg is the most important type of outdoor lettuce produced. Production of iceberg lettuce has
increased 21% since 2002 (99 hectares in 2002, 120 hectares in 2005).
• Outdoor production of Lolla Rossa lettuce has fallen 37% since 2002 (27 hectares in 2002, 17 hectares
in 2005).
• Outdoor production of Butterhead lettuce is 6 hectares in 2005.
• The 2004 Protected Crop Census indicated that lettuce is now predominately produced under
protection allowing several crops to be harvested in one year.
7
Chart 12 Estimated Farmgate Value of Most Important Field Vegetables (by area) 1999–2005 (€ million)
Carrots
€7.0
Cabbage
€6.7
Parsnips
€4.3
Cauliflower
Broccoli
€3.2
€3.8
Swedes
€3.4
€3.6
€3.2
€2.7
Outdoor Lettuce
€2.1
Brussel Sprouts
€2.3
0
€7.6
€9.4
€6.0
€3.9
€2.7
€12.5
€8.2
€5.6
€5.0
€5.4
€4.5
€4.2
€3.3
3
6
9
12
15
€ millions
1999
2002
2005
• The total farmgate value of field vegetables has increased by 38% since 1999 (from €41.5m, to
€43.9m in 2002, to €57.4m in 2005, see Chart 2).*
• Carrots are the most important crop in terms of value. The farmgate value of carrots has increased by
79% since 1999 (from €7.0m, to €8.2m in 2002, to €12.5m in 2005). Among the other root crops,
the value of parsnips has more than doubled (a 122% increase) since 1999 (to €6.0m in 2005) and the
value of swedes has increased by 25% (to €4.5m in 2005).
• The farmgate value of cabbage has increased by 40% since 1999 (from €6.7m, to €7.6m in 2002, to
€9.4m in 2005). Among the other main brassica crops, the value of cauliflower production has
increased by 12% since 1999 (to €5.6m in 2005), the value of broccoli production has increased by
42% (to €5.4m in 2005) and the value of brussels sprout production has decreased by 9% (to €2.1m
in 2005).
• The farmgate value of outdoor lettuce has increased from €2.7 million in 2002 to €3.2 million in 2005.
The 2004 Protected Crop Census indicated that the farmgate value of lettuce grown under protection
was €3.8 million, approximately unchanged from the previous census (€4.2 million in 2001).
• The farmgate value for each field vegetable grown in 2005 can be viewed in Appendix Table 2.1.
* Different estimation methods used between censuses: 2005 estimate based on a combination of grower information on
area and yield, and DAF, Teagasc and Bord Bia estimate of value; 2002 and 1999 estimates based on growers' own
estimates of value.
8
Chart 13 Number of Growers of Most Important Field Vegetables (by area) 1999–2005
128
Cabbage
157
192
93
Swedes
102
141
83
Carrots
94
97
75
Broccoli
96
115
70
Cauliflower
102
115
56
53
Parsnips
62
25
Outdoor Lettuce
35
33
25
Brussel Sprouts
31
33
0
50
100
150
200
Number of Growers
1999
2002
2005
• Overall there has been a 37% decrease since 1999 in the total number of field vegetable growers (see
Chart 3).
• The number of cabbage growers, the main brassica crop, has decreased 33% (to 128 growers in
2005). This is very consistent with reductions in grower numbers of other brassica crops: the number
of broccoli growers has fallen by 35% (to 75 growers in 2005); the number of cauliflower growers has
fallen by 39% to 70 growers; and the number of brussels sprouts growers has decreased by 24% (to
25 growers in 2005).
• The number of carrot growers is down 14% since 1999 (to 83 growers in 2005). Among other root
crops, the number of parsnip growers is down 10% (to 56 growers in 2005) and the number of swede
growers is down 34% (to 93 growers in 2005).
• The number of growers of outdoor lettuce has decreased 24% since 1999 (to 25 growers in 2005).
9
Chart 14 Most Important Field Vegetables (by area)
Percentage of Total Area Produced by the Top Ten Growers in 2005
Outdoor Lettuce
95%
Brussel Sprouts
95%
90%
Parsnips
74%
Carrots
62%
Cauliflower
58%
Swedes
57%
Broccoli
37%
Cabbage
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
% of Total Production Area
Some field vegetable crops are dominated by a small number of specialised growers. This chart displays
the percentage of total production area accounted for by the top 10 growers of that particular vegetable.
• Of the most important crops produced, the top 10 growers account for 90% or more of the total
production area of outdoor lettuce, brussels sprouts and parsnips.
• The top 10 carrot growers account for almost three-quarters (74%) of the production area of carrots.
• Cabbage production (which has the largest production area and the highest number of growers) is not
as dominated by larger growers, with only 37% of production area accounted for by the top 10
growers.
• The top 10 growers (in terms of area) across all field vegetables accounted for 29% of total production
area.
Chart 15 Production Area of the Most Important Field Vegetables (by area) 2005 by County
Cabbage
324
147
84
111
151
817
12
Carrots
241
182
272
718
11
Broccoli
223
73
47
70
135
547
12
Swedes
187
97
68
13
238
Cauliflower
Parsnips
98
3 10
66
281
139
3
72
547
424
363
8
Onions, Scallion, Leeks
148
Brussel Sprouts
83
Outdoor Lettuce
113
32
89
4
6
25 64
181
2
0
6
54
1
296
19
176
200
400
600
800
1,000
Hectares
Dublin
Cork
Wexford
Meath
Other
• Dublin dominates production of many of the most important crops. In Dublin there are 238 hectares of
cauliflowers (representing 56% of total cauliflower production), 281 hectares of parsnips (representing
77% of total parsnip production), 113 hectares of outdoor lettuce (representing 64% of total outdoor
lettuce production) and 148 hectares of alliums (i.e. onions, scallions and leeks, representing 50% of
total allium production).
• For carrot production, Wexford is the most important county with 241 hectares, followed by Meath
(182 hectares). These two counties account for 59% of total carrot production.
• Counties Dublin (177 hectares) and Cork (114 hectares) account for over 60% of all swede production.
10
SECTION THREE: MARKET OUTLETS FOR PRODUCE
Introduction
This section looks at the market outlets for vegetable produce. Growers were asked to record the percent
of sales through various market outlets for each type vegetable grown.
Chart 16 Market Outlets for Brassica Crops 2005
2%
78%
Cabbage
17%
4%
Cauliflower
85%
2%
11% 2%
Broccoli
85%
11%
75%
Brussel Sprouts
0%
20%
Retailers & wholesalers
40%
Farmshop/Markets
1%
2%
25%
60%
80%
100%
Semi-prepared
Other
• Retailers and wholesalers are the most significant outlets for brassica crops.
Chart 17 Market Outlets for Root Crops & Outdoor Lettuce 2005
2%
68%
Carrots
24%
74%
Swedes
Parsnips
56%
Outdoor Lettuce
59%
0%
Retailers & wholesalers
20%
20%
5%
2%
3%
40%
23%
40%
Farmshop/Markets
60%
3%
5%
13%
80%
Semi-prepared
100%
Other
• Retailers and wholesalers also dominate sales of carrots and swedes. However, farmshops/markets
account for 40% of parsnip sales.
11
SECTION FOUR: FARM FACILITIES
Introduction
This section provides a breakdown of various farm facilities such as propagation tunnels, packhouses,
storage and transportation. As many field vegetable growers are involved in other farming activities, only
those farm facilities that are used for field vegetable production are listed in this analysis.
A detailed breakdown of field vegetable facilities by county can be viewed in Appendix Table 3.1.
Chart 18 Percentage of Field Vegetable Growers with Various Facilities 2005
32%
Propagation Tunnels
58%
Pack-houses
44%
Cold Stores
40%
Other Stores
39%
Washers
27%
Graders
16%
Chilled Transport
0
20
40
60
80
100
% of Total Number of Growers
• Almost a third (32%) of growers have propagation tunnels.
• Over half (58%) of growers have pack-houses.
• Regarding cold storage and transport, 44% of growers have cold stores and 16% have chilled
transport.
• 39% of growers have washers and 27% have graders.
No of
Growers
Chart 19 Number of Field Vegetable Growers with Various Facilities
by Size of Facility 2005
200
138
150
21
100
50
104
75
12
20
62
16
24
43
56
64
Propagation Tunnels
Pack-houses
Cold Stores
95
29
35
31
0
<300 m sq
12
301–900 m sq
Other Stores
>900 m sq
• Of the 75 growers with propagation tunnels, 43 growers have propagation tunnels covering an area of 300
metres squared or less, 20 growers have propagation tunnels covering an area between 300 and 900
metres squared and 12 growers have propagation tunnels covering an area of over 900 metres squared.
• Of the 138 growers with pack-houses, 56 growers have pack-houses with an area of 300 metres
squared or less, 62 growers have pack-houses with an area between 300 and 900 metres squared
and 21 growers have pack-houses with an area of over 900 metres squared.
• Of the 104 growers with cold stores, 64 growers have cold stores with an area of 300 metres squared
or less, 24 growers have cold stores with an area between 300 and 900 metres squared and 16
growers have cold stores with an area of over 900 metres squared.
• Of the 95 growers with other storage types, 31 growers have other storage with an area of 300 metres
squared or less, 35 growers have other storage with an area between 300 and 900 metres squared
and 29 growers have other storage with an area of over 900 square metres.
PART II: TOP 50 GROWERS
Introduction
Although there are 238 field vegetable growers in 2005, the top 50 growers (by production area) account
for 70% of the total production area (see Chart 6 in Section One). This section analyses the production
of these top 50 growers.
The methodology used was to identify the top 50 growers by production area in 2005 and compare their
production in 2005 to what they reported in 2002.
Hectares
6,000
Chart 1 Top 50 Growers: Field Vegetable Production Area 2002–2005 (Hectares)
4,267
4,272
4,000
2,946
2,302
2,000
0
2002
All growers
2005
Top 50 growers of 2005*
• As shown in Chart 1 of the main section, total production area for all growers was virtually unchanged
(4,272 hectares in 2002, 4,267 hectares in 2005).
• However, though production may be unchanged for all growers, the largest growers (in terms of area)
are increasing their production areas. The top 50 growers in 2005 have increased their total production
area by 28%, from 2,302 hectares in 2002 to 2,946 hectares in 2005.
Chart 2 Top 50 Growers: Field Vegetable Estimated Farmgate Value 2002–2005 (€ million)
€ million
€80
€57.4m*
€60
€43.9m*
€40.5m*
€40
€26.7m*
€20
€0
2002
All growers
2005
Top 50 growers of 2005
• As shown in Chart 2 of the main section, total farmgate value for all growers increased 31% since the
previous census (€43.9 million* in 2002, €57.4 million* in 2005).
• However, the top 50 growers increased their total farmgate value by an even higher amount. The top
50 growers increased their total farmgate value of field vegetable production by 52% (€26.7 million* in
2002, €40.5 million* in 2005).
* Different estimation methods used between censuses: 2005 estimate based on a combination of grower information on
area and yield, and DAF, Teagasc and Bord Bia estimate of value; 2002 and 1999 estimates based on growers' own
estimates of value.
13
No of Chart 3 Top 50 Growers: On-Farm Field Vegetable Sector Employment 2002–2005
Employees
600
497
438
372
400
316
276
266
200
0
Full-time
Part-time
Total full-time equivalents*
2002
2005
* Full-time jobs plus part time jobs aggregated to the number of full-time jobs they would represent.
• The top 50 growers in 2005 have increased full-time employment by 17% (316 full-time employees in
2002, 372 in 2005). The number of full-time equivalents employed has increased by 13% (438 full-time
equivalents in 2002, 497 in 2005).
Chart 4 Top 50 Growers: Number of Field Vegetable Growers by County 2005
Dublin
23
Meath
7
Wexford
5
Cork
4
Other Counties
11
0
5
10
15
20
25
Number of Growers
• Of the top 50 growers by production area in 2005, 23 are Dublin growers, 7 are Meath growers, 5 are
Wexford growers, 4 are Cork growers and the remaining 11 growers are in other counties.
Chart 5 Top 50 Growers: Production Area of Most Important Field Vegetables 2002–2005 (Hectares)
531
Carrots
Cabbage
435
443
373
Broccoli
411
242
320
Swedes
223
Parsnips
238
294
282
Cauliflower
216
161
Brussel Sprouts
200
138
119
Outdoor Lettuce
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Hectares
2002
14
2005
• The top 50 growers have increased production in almost all of the important crops. Broccoli shows the
largest increase in production area, increasing by 70% to 411 hectares in 2005. The production area
of carrots, cabbage, swedes, parsnips and cauliflower are all significantly higher than in 2002. Only
brussels sprouts has declined in overall production area for the top 50 growers between 2002 and
2005.
Chart 6 Top 50 Growers: Production Area of Cabbage Crops 2002–2005 (Hectares)
219
Winter (round) & Savoy
158
199
Pointed (York)
146
25
Other
69
0
50
100
150
200
250
Hectares
2002
2005
• The top 50 growers (of all crops) increased their production of Winter and Savoy by 39% (158 hectares
in 2002, 219 hectares in 2005) and increased production of York by 36% (146 hectares in 2002, 199
hectares in 2005).
Chart 7 Top 50 Growers: Production Area of Carrot Crops 2005 (Hectares)
Main Crop
454
Early Crop
65
Bunched
13
0
100
200
300
400
500
Hectares
• The top 50 growers (of all crops) produced 454 hectares of main crop carrots in 2005, 65 hectares of
early crop carrots and 13 hectares of bunched carrots. Figures for 2002 are not available.
Chart 8 Top 50 Growers: Production Area of Outdoor Lettuce Crops 2002–2005 (Hectares)
Iceberg
94
Lolla Rossa
4
112
7
12
Oak Leaf*
1
Butterhead
20
7
Other
0
30
60
90
Hectares
2002
120
150
2005
* Oak Leaf Lettuce was not included in the 2002 questionnaire.
• The top 50 growers (of all crops) increased their production area of iceberg lettuce, the most important
type of outdoor lettuce in terms of area, by 19% (94 hectares in 2002, 112 hectares in 2005).
15
Chart 9 Top 50 Growers: Number of Growers of Most Important Field Vegetables (by area) 2002–2005
29
Cabbage
33
Swedes
20
11
12
12
Carrots
27
Broccoli
22
18
Cauliflower
21
10
Parsnips
7
6
6
Outdoor Lettuce
8
Brussel Sprouts
0
5
11
10
15
20
Number of Growers
25
2002
30
35
2005
Grower numbers add to more than 50 because many growers grow more than one type of crop
• The above chart shows the change in crops being grown by the top 50 growers. For example, the
biggest change is in swede production. Only 11 of the top 50 growers were producing swedes in 2002,
whereas 20 of them were producing swedes in 2005. The number of top 50 growers producing
broccoli also showed an increase. 22 of the top 50 growers were producing broccoli in 2002 whereas
27 of them were producing broccoli in 2005.
Chart 10 Top 50 Growers: Market Outlets for Brassica Crops 2005
1%
93%
Cabbage
6%
1%
Cauliflower
89%
Broccoli
96%
2% 8%
1%
2%
1%
99%
Brussel Sprouts
0%
20%
Retailers & wholesalers
40%
60%
Farmshop/Markets
80%
100%
Semi-prepared
Other
• The top 50 growers engaged in brassica production market most of their brassica output through
retailers and wholesalers. Farmshops/markets represent only a small share of the market outlet for
brassicas.
Chart 11 Top 50 Growers: Market Outlets for Root Crops & Outdoor Lettuce 2005
2%
79%
Carrots
19%
2%
79%
Outdoor Lettuce
0%
Retailers & wholesalers
16
3%
84%
Parsnips
20%
40%
Farmshop/Markets
1%
7%
91%
Swedes
13%
21%
60%
80%
Semi-prepared
100%
Other
• Root crops and outdoor lettuce are sold through retailers and wholesalers, and to a lesser extent, semiprepared markets. The top 50 growers do not market these crops through farmshops/markets to any
large extent.
17
APPEN
SECTION ONE: PRODUCTION AREA
Table 1.1:
Field Vegetable Production 1999-2005 by County
1999
Hectares
Total
Farmgate
Value (€m)
Average
Value per
Hectare
Number of
Growers
3
35
6
127
19
16
3
10
4
5
11
30
–
14
14
8
8
14
–
35
–
13
6
449
13
1,924
89
86
62
210
108
20
118
589
–
193
20
31
46
109
–
408
–
58
€0.08
€3.14
€0.08
€18.98
€0.37
€0.59
€0.51
€1.94
€1.62
€0.14
€1.20
€4.80
–
€1.13
€0.08
€0.19
€0.43
€1.28
–
€4.37
–
€0.41
€14,443
€6,988
€6,189
€9,864
€4,166
€6,821
€8,186
€9,218
€15,035
€7,078
€10,135
€8,146
–
€5,871
€3,775
€6,082
€9,334
€11,764
–
€10,711
–
€7,195
3
24
6
94
12
11
4
8
4
4
8
22
–
11
8
6
4
16
3
35
4
7
377
4,554
€41.47
€9,107
294
Number of
Growers
Clare
Cork
Donegal
Dublin
Galway
Kerry
Kildare
Kilkenny
Laois
Limerick
Louth
Meath
Monaghan
Offaly
Roscommon
Sligo
Tipperary
Waterford
Westmeath
Wexford
Wicklow
Other Counties *
Total
* remaining counties were aggregated to protect grower confidentiality (only a small number of growers in each county).
** different estimation methods used between censuses: 2005 estimate based on a combination of grower information on area
and yield, and DAF, Teagasc and Bord Bia estimate of value; 2002 and 1999 estimates based on growers' own estimates of value.
18
N DICES
A, VALUE & NUMBER OF GROWERS
2002
2005
Total
Farmgate
Value (€m)
Average
Value per
Hectare
Number of
Growers
6
415
9
1,764
44
81
79
158
152
10
96
551
–
131
12
9
38
104
6
533
17
55
€0.11
€3.31
€0.05
€21.98
€0.17
€0.47
€0.31
€1.56
€1.99
€0.07
€1.36
€5.00
–
€0.47
€0.04
€0.04
€0.32
€0.89
€0.05
€5.13
€0.28
€0.35
€17,621
€7,974
€5,528
€12,459
€3,851
€5,844
€3,913
€9,898
€13,071
€6,620
€14,166
€9,064
–
€3,574
€3,324
€4,145
€8,341
€8,478
€7,340
€9,625
€16,838
€6,255
–
26
4
68
10
8
–
7
4
3
10
21
4
9
8
3
–
12
3
25
5
8
4,272
€43.93
€10,284
238
Hectares
Total
Farmgate
Value (€m)
Average
Value per
Hectare
–
529.0
16.0
1739.0
51.0
70.0
–
130.0
125.0
14.0
99.0
618.0
7.0
118.0
14.0
19.0
–
94.0
5.0
447.0
15.0
156.5
–
€6.2
€0.2
€23.7
€0.6
€0.9
–
€1.8
€2.0
€0.2
€1.4
€8.6
€0.0
€1.4
€0.2
€0.2
–
€1.5
€0.1
€6.1
€0.2
€2.1
–
€11,720
€12,500
€13,629
€11,765
€12,857
–
€13,846
€16,000
€14,286
€14,141
€13,916
€1,429
€11,864
€14,286
€10,526
–
€15,957
€10,000
€13,647
€13,333
€13,287
4,267
€57.4**
Hectares
€13,446
19
SECTION ONE: ON–FARM
Table 1.2:
Field Vegetable Employment 1999–2005 by County
1999
Full time
employees
Part time
employees
Part time
employees
as full time
equivalents
Cork
Donegal
Dublin
Galway
Kerry
Kilkenny
Laois
Limerick
Louth
Meath
Offaly
Roscommon
Sligo
Waterford
Westmeath
Wexford
Wicklow
Other Counties*
58
1
258
4
20
72
8
4
14
76
11
2
3
14
1
27
–
24
182
8
414
66
43
107
24
9
32
122
64
26
18
39
11
133
–
74
44.9
3.3
126.4
20.1
16.3
34.2
12.5
2.8
11.9
42.9
20.3
7.2
8.5
14.8
3.4
46.4
–
19.0
103
4
384
24
36
106
21
7
26
119
31
9
12
29
4
73
–
43
51
1
266
6
7
24
9
3
17
50
23
2
4
25
1
54
6
27
Total
597
1,372
435.0
1,032
577
Total
full–time
employment
* remaining counties were aggregated to protect grower confidentiality (only a small number of growers in each county).
20
Full time
employees
M EMPLOYMENT LEVELS
2002
2005
Part time
employees
Part time
employees
as full time
equivalents
Total
full–time
employment
Part time
employees
Part time
employees
as full time
equivalents
Full time
employees
Total
full–time
employment
58
6
340
13
11
52
26
9
34
58
5
8
6
5
1
61
4
44
14.6
3.0
105.8
5.1
5.5
19.3
14.2
3.0
14.5
31.2
10.0
2.0
2.5
2.0
2.8
52.2
8.0
17.0
66
4
372
11
13
43
23
6
32
81
33
4
7
27
4
106
14
45
55
4
258
2
15
19
30
18
2
59
28
1
4
18
4
51
12
18
63
3
208
12
9
24
5
50
0
71
16
7
0
22
0
96
8
23
25.9
0.5
87.6
5.8
3.5
10.3
2.0
19.0
0.0
27.8
6.2
2.3
0.0
5.3
0.0
38.4
2.8
9.8
81
5
346
8
18
29
32
37
2
87
34
3
4
23
4
89
15
28
741
313.0
890
598
617
246.8
844
21
SECTION TWO: DETAIL OF FIEL
Table 2.1:
Field Vegetable Production 1999–2005
1999
Leafy Brassicas
Hectares
Value per
Hectare***
Growers
Cabbage – York
Cabbage – Savoy*
Cabbage – Winter (round)*
Cabbage Other*
Cauliflowers
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Kale
170
–
146
37
115
115
58
5
452
–
450
175
641
470
239
10
€2.68
–
€2.73
€1.33
€5.02
€3.84
€2.28
€0.06
€5,939
–
€6,051
€7,579
€7,821
€8,174
€9,534
€6,157
118
113
–
57
102
96
31
6
Root Crops
Carrots
Swedes
Parsnips
Beetroot
White Turnips
97
141
62
3
4
641
559
273
0
4
€6.97
€3.55
€2.65
€0.00
€0.02
€10,878
€6,351
€9,706
€4,534
€4,895
94
102
53
7
9
20
23
7
–
3
10
131
30
6
–
2
13
€3.50
€0.39
€0.25
–
€0.04
€0.17
€26,793
€13,300
€40,753
–
€16,864
€13,687
14
22
11
–
9
9
26
40
45
162
77
66
€1.09
€1.70
€0.90
€6,703
€22,116
€13,621
24
30
28
28
42
€0.97
€23,377
22
23
–
–
**
54
–
–
**
€0.50
–
–
**
€9,242
–
–
**
19
5
3
–
–
17
–
8
–
€0.06
–
€7,320
10
6
Herbs
Parsley
Thyme
Other Herbs
22
9
5
27
2
2
€0.50
€0.02
€0.06
€18,544
€8,457
€29,365
13
6
9
Legumes
Beans – French
Beans – Broad
Peas – Green
Other
–
–
3
–
–
–
1
–
–
–
€0.01
–
–
–
€6,746
–
3
4
–
5
Other
Other
27
15
€0.15
€10,628
2
377
4,554
€41.47
€9,106
294
Salad Crops/Leafy Vegetables
Lettuce – Iceberg
Lettuce – Lollo Rossa types
Lettuce – Butterhead
Lettuce – Oak Leaf*
Lettuce Other*
Spinach/Chinese Leaves
Alliums
Onions
Scallions
Leeks and Shallots
Stalk Crops
Celery
Other Minor Field Vegetables
Rhubarb
Radish
Sweetcorn
Asparagus
Squashes
Pumpkins
Courgettes and Marrows
Total
*
Growers
Total
Farmgate
Value (€m)
there were some differences in the definitions of categories between censuses.
** value witheld to protect grower confidentiality (only a small number of growers in category).
22
*** value per hectare was calculated by dividing Total Farmgate Value by total Hectares.
**** different estimation methods used between censuses: 2005 estimate based on a combination of grower information on area
and yield, and DAF, Teagasc and Bord Bia estimate of value; 2002 and 1999 estimates based on growers' own estimates of value.
L D VEGETABLE CROPS GROWN
2002
Hectares
2005
Total
Farmgate
Value (€m)
Value per
Hectare***
Growers
Hectares
Total
Farmgate
Value (€m)
Value per
Hectare**
379
375
–
163
505
420
276
13
€2.93
€3.14
–
€1.54
€4.33
€3.24
€3.27
€0.15
€7,717
€8,379
–
€20,536
€8,580
€7,712
€11,854
€11,477
102
63
60
24
70
75
25
9
347
142
261
66
424
547
181
11
€4.72
€1.45
€2.35
€0.89
€5.61
€5.41
€2.09
€0.03
€13,600
€10,200
€9,000
€29,355
€13,250
€9,893
€11,591
€3,050
694
475
295
21
17
€8.16
€3.40
€3.92
€0.11
€0.18
€11,754
€7,156
€13,289
€5,187
€10,640
83
93
56
15
**
718
503
363
3
**
€12.52
€4.54
€5.99
€0.01
**
€17,439
€9,030
€16,500
€4,000
**
99
27
24
–
2
31
€1.82
€0.35
€0.46
–
€0.04
€0.35
€18,311
€13,021
€18,866
–
€17,403
€11,197
12
19
10
16
8
9
120
17
6
14
18
59
€2.69
€0.20
€0.02
€0.12
€0.16
€0.10
€22,370
€11,700
€3,520
€8,550
€9,000
€1,650
152
71
69
€1.12
€1.53
€1.28
€7,369
€21,388
€18,646
20
15
35
135
96
66
€2.12
€2.16
€1.16
€15,750
€22,499
€17,640
47
€1.18
€25,006
19
50
€1.92
€38,500
38
6
3
–
€0.38
€0.08
€0.03
–
€9,980
€13,508
€9,913
–
14
0
0
0
44
0
0
0
€0.33
–
–
–
€7,500
–
–
–
18
2
€0.06
€0.03
€3,161
€12,767
11
15
22
11
€0.08
€0.13
€3,540
€11,571
25
3
9
€0.42
€0.04
€0.23
€16,982
€13,508
€26,818
15
4
5
26
3
7
€0.26
€0.04
€0.21
€10,000
€13,800
€30,000
0.3
0.2
–
9
€0.01
€0.00
–
€0.14
€23,476
€15,651
–
€15,289
**
**
**
–
**
**
**
–
1
€0.02
€18,127
0
0
4,272
€43.93
€10,283
238
4,267
**
**
**
–
**
**
**
–
–
–
€57.37****
€13,446
23
SECTION THREE: FARM FACILITIES BY COUNTY
Table 3.1:
Number of Growers with Field Vegetable Facilities 2005 by County
Stores
Propagation
Tunnels
Packhouse
Stores
Chilled
Cold stores Other Stores
Cork
Donegal
Dublin
Galway
Kerry
Kilkenny
Laois
Limerick
Louth
Meath
Offaly
Roscommon
Sligo
Waterford
Westmeath
Wexford
Wicklow
Other Counties*
10
1
26
0
2
2
1
8
1
5
4
1
0
0
1
2
5
6
13
3
39
5
2
2
4
10
0
17
7
5
3
8
0
11
4
6
11
0
34
3
3
3
3
4
0
10
8
3
0
6
0
7
5
4
Total
75
139
104
Transport
Graders
Washing
Facilities
9
1
32
8
0
0
1
5
1
14
2
6
0
6
0
3
4
3
26
4
48
3
5
1
4
6
1
8
4
0
1
0
0
2
2
5
8
1
14
1
1
2
2
7
0
10
3
1
2
7
0
4
0
5
12
2
20
5
5
3
3
6
1
9
3
3
3
8
1
5
2
6
95
120
68
97
* remaining counties were aggregated to protect grower confidentiality (only a small number of growers in each county).
24
Horticulture and Plant Health Division
Maynooth Business Campus • Maynooth • Co. Kildare
Telephone 353 1 505 3300 • Facsimile 353 1 505 3564
E-mail: clodagh.byrne@agriculture.gov.ie
Website: www.agriculture.gov.ie
Clanwilliam Court • Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2 • Ireland
Telephone 353 1 668 5155 • Facsimile 353 1 668 7521
E-mail: info@bordbia.ie
Website: www.bordbia.ie