Written question asked by David Burnside (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 16 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 March 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his estimate of the profitability of the (a) dairy, (b) beef, (c) pig and (d) poultry sectors of farming in the Province was in the last year for which figures are available.

Answer: David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his estimate of the profitability of the (a) dairy, (b) beef, (c) pig and (d) poultry sectors of farming in the Province was in the last year for which figures are available. [223164] Mr. Pearson: The level of profitability of the main agricultural sectors is not calculated by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). However, annual estimates are available of the contribution made by each sector towards the overheads and profitability of the agricultural industry, as measured by their aggregate sector gross margins. The 2004 provisional sector gross margins are: (a) £281 million for dairy cows and followers; (b) £244 million for beef cattle, rearing and fattening; (c) £23 million for pigs; and (d) £23 million for poultry. Detailed information on the value of outputs and costs included in the determination of the sector gross margins is given in the Statistical Review of Northern Ireland Agriculture 2004, which is available on the DARD website at www.dardni.gov.uk

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c807W; 223164
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Agriculture Cattle Dairy farming Poultry Northern Ireland Pigs Livestock industry Beef Profitability
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk