Agriculture Statistics
The Isle of Man covers 141,440 acres of which 107,210 (75%) are utilised for agriculture and supported by the Agricultural Development Scheme. Land varies from the undulating south with rich soils supporting mixed farming, to the central uplands with thin soils supporting extensive beef and sheep production and the flat northern plains used for arable and vegetable production. The Island is ideal for grass growing and livestock represents the mainstay of the agricultural economy. Traditional family farms, smaller fields and generally extensive production methods mean that farming continues to shape a landscape much valued by residents and visitors.
The Island has one abattoir, one creamery and one flour mill. All milling wheat grown on the Island goes to the Mill which produces a range of flours sold on and off Island. The Creamery processes most liquid milk, producing butter, cheese and cream. Liquid milk is supplied by the Creamery and one licenced producer who sells direct to customers. Most livestock are killed at the abattoir though there are some live exports for slaughter or breeding.
Latest Statistics
| Number of Holdings | 2014/15 | 2015/16 | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | % of Holdings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater than £50,000 | 29 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 5% |
| Between £25,000 and £50,000 | 57 | 56 | 51 | 49 | 54 | 60 | 62 | 18% |
| Between £10,000 and £25,000 | 109 | 112 | 112 | 123 | 119 | 116 | 117 | 35% |
| Between £5,000 and £10,000 | 64 | 75 | 65 | 66 | 73 | 71 | 68 | 20% |
| Between £1,000 and £5,000 | 86 | 96 | 83 | 80 | 69 | 74 | 72 | 21% |
| Less than £1,000 | 47 | 35 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Total | 392 | 399 | 356 | 352 | 338 | 339 | 337 | 100% |
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| Total support payment | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Payment | 2014/15 | 2015/16 | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | % of payment |
| Greater than £50,000 | 2,198,198 | 1,863,365 | 1,972,496 | 1,859,584 | 1,376,754 | 1,285,950 | 1,238,778 | 21% |
| Between £25,000 and £50,000 | 1,985,159 | 1,905,267 | 1,683,977 | 1,565,720 | 1,829,311 | 2,007,267 | 2,095,399 | 35% |
| Between £10,000 and £25,000 | 1,830,303 | 1,855,100 | 1,875,181 | 1,979,808 | 1,925,288 | 1,866,953 | 1,875,861 | 32% |
| Between £5,000 and £10,000 | 466,743 | 545,299 | 485,301 | 490,459 | 538,494 | 529,225 | 510,908 | 9% |
| Between £1,000 and £5,000 | 218,008 | 256,212 | 238,125 | 221,136 | 199,103 | 217,598 | 209,330 | 4% |
| Less than £1,000 | 25,794 | 23,495 | 11,465 | 4,358 | 2,667 | 0 | 951 | 0% |
| Total | 6,724,205 | 6,448,739 | 6,266,545 | 6,121,064 | 5,871,619 | 5,906,994 | 5,931,228 | 100% |
Please see the downloadable documents on the right for livestock and crop data.
For older data, please see the downloadable documents. The annual agricultural census ceased in 2011. 2012-2014 livestock data was derived from the Bovine and Identification Traceability System (BITS) for cattle, the annual 'Waste Food' inspections for pigs and the Countryside Care Scheme application forms for sheep, land use and holding size.
From 2015 onwards a basic livestock & crop return is gathered from all Agricultural Development Scheme claimants in June each year.
Additional statistics can be found on:
Further information can be sought from Agriculture@gov.im
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all. If you require these documents in an alternative format and / or language please contact us to discuss your needs.
