A Century of Irish Agriculture: A Policy Driven Sector

Abstract

In this paper we have assembled a time-series of agricultural statistics over the past century to describe many of the important trends of what has been an important sector in Ireland over the course of the past century. The paper explores trends in land use trade-offs between tillage and pasture and describes growth in animal numbers, the substitution between different types of animals. Over the century the Irish agricultural sector has moved from a sector with a high subsistence dimension with up to 40% of output consumed on farms to a modern international exporting sector, much less reliant on the traditional trading partner the UK. The paper tracks mechanisation of the sector and the huge reduction in labour and significant restructuring over the century. We emphasise the importance of public policy, not just in relation to price and income supports, but also importantly in relation to trade and production restrictions. The century perspective highlights some recurring trends where export restrictions have seen resilience and recovery after they are eased.