Farmers (Average Age) (Hansard, 2 November 1998)

HC Deb 02 November 1998 vol 318 cc429-30W 429W

§ Mr. Levitt
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the average age is of British farmers; and how this has changed over the last thirty years. [57300]

§ Mr. Rooker
The earliest year for which figures are available is 1975. The age distribution of UK farmers in 1975 and 1995 are given in the table. The estimated average age has increased from 53 years in 1975 to 55 years in 1995.
430W

Percentage of farmers

Age range 1975 1995

Less than 35 9 6

35 to less than 45 19 17

45 to less than 55 27 27

55 to less than 65 27 26

65 years and over 18 24

Total 100 100

Source:

	Percentage of farmers
Age range	1975	1995
Less than 35	9	6
35 to less than 45	19	17
45 to less than 55	27	27
55 to less than 65	27	26
65 years and over	18	24
Total	100	100