Social and Economic Sustainability in RuralSocial and Economic Sustainability in RuralAreas – A New ApproachAreas – A New Approach

Zita MurphyRural Policy DivisionDepartment of Agriculture and Rural Development in NorthernIreland

Farming for Health, Pisa, 25-27 MayFarming for Health, Pisa, 25-27 May20092009

Rural Northern Ireland – Setting the scene

NI Population – 1.7 million1/3

live in Greater Belfast areaDefinition of rural : settlements of population of 4,500 or less.Rural population: 35% / 588,651 people (2001 Census)80% of land in agricultural and forestry use27,000 farms (2005)Predominantly grass based (beef, dairy and sheep)Farmers tend to be old (51% farmers aged 55 and over in 2005)Agriculture still accounts for significant amount of businesses in rural,followed by construction.Rural areas experiencing increasing populations and people choosingto live in the countryside and commute to towns/cities.