§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the most recent figures are regarding the average age of farmers and the trend in average age. [113878]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 10 March 2000]: The estimated average age of holders on main holdings in the UK for the years 1990 to 1997 are contained in the table.
Year Estimated average age Percentage of holders aged 65 and over 1990 53 23 1993 53 23 1995 54 25 1997 53 22 Notes:
1. The EC Farm Structure Survey is held across all member states of the European Union four times every decade, to assess the agricultural situation across the Community and to monitor trends in the structure of holdings.
2. The holder of the holding is that (natural or legal) person in whose name the holding is operated. The holder can own the holding outright or rent it, or be a hereditary long-term leaseholder, or a usufructuary or a trustee. A natural person may be either a single individual or a group of individuals, for example married couples, siblings, joint beneficiaries under a will or intestacy.
386W3. The data is collected by age bands and, to calculate the average, the mid-point of each age band is used. The mid-point of 67 is assumed for the age band Aged 65 and over.
Source
EC Farms Structure Survey