In 2005, approximately 45,000 agricultural holdings managed 2.6 million
hectares of cultivated land or 60% of the total area.
Forestry land is about 0.6 million ha i.e. 14% of the total area.
By 2005, around 6% of agricultural land on almost 2,900 farms, equivalent to around 151,000 ha (including areas under conversion), had been converted to organic production
Around 48% of all farms are managed on part-time basis.
Over the last 10 years the number of agricultural holdings has decreased by almost 35%, while the average farm size has now increased to 58 ha.
Under Natura 2000, habitat and bird protection areas equivalent to around 359,000 ha or 8.3% of the total area, are designated.
The food processing sector is highly specialist and diversified – main sectors pig and dairy.
In 2005 agricultural export stood at 17% of total exports of goods.
Chosen strategy:

The overall objectives were chosen in accordance with the Community Strategic Guidelines (CSG) and the National Strategy Plan and are:

Through innovative investments to strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural, food and forestry sectors as well as to adapt to the increasing demand for quality food products, including organic products and through investment in environmentally friendly technology to reduce the adverse impact on the surroundings from agricultural activities.
Reinforcing the complementarity between agriculture/forestry and environment so to protect nature and environment to ensure preservation of natural assets in rural areas.
To make rural areas more attractive places to live and work through support aiming at maintaining/creating new jobs as well as better access to cultural activities.
To assure a high degree of local influence by establishing Local Action Groups in rural areas.

Total public funding: € 77 698 872 – EAFRD contribution: € 42 734 380

Source: By European Union