WIREDGOV

A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

An overview of Scottish Agriculture has been published yesterday by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

The 160-page Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture brings together a wide range of information from the Scottish Government’s agriculture analysts.

The report covers the difficult 2012 crop year, which was followed by the harsh winter, as well as the recovery that occurred in 2013. It also sets the data in the context of the last ten years.

Also new this year are a series of new maps showing, for example, where agricultural output is highest, the average size of farms, and agricultural employment patterns.

It also includes a short paper on work carried out to support the Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, and an historical look-back at the rise of the tractor in the 1950s.

Also published yesterday is a pocket-sized Agricultural Facts and Figures card, which will be distributed free of charge at the Scottish Government’s pavilion at the Royal Highland Show.

The documents released were produced by independent statistical staff, free from any political interference, in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

Notes To Editors

The Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/01108

The Agriculture Facts and Figures card can be accessed at 
www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/01109

These statistics are used by government and stakeholders to monitor and assess the economic well-being of the agricultural sector and for policy evaluation. Further information on Agriculture and Fisheries statistics within Scotland can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Agriculture-Fisheries

More information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at:www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About