Production of the three main cereals (wheat, oats and barley) increased by 275,000 tonnes to 2,401,000 tonnes in 2013, according to figures released today by the CSO.
Last years’ increase follows a decrease of 23.7% in 2012. The CSO says the production of spring cereals (wheat, oats and barley) in 2013 increased by 482,000 tonnes (+43.3%) to 1,593,000 tonnes, including an increase of 380,000 tonnes (+40.4%) in spring barley.
The yield of potatoes increased by 48.1% from 25.8 tonnes per hectare in 2012 to 38.2 tonnes per hectares in 2013, resulting in an increase in production of 178,000 tonnes (+76.8%).
Further comparisons with the 2012 results indicate that winter wheat production decreased by 204,000 tonnes (-32.5%). This was due to a drop of 39,200 hectares (-46.3%) in the area sown.
Winter oats production decreased by 25,000 tonnes (-36.2%). The area sown decreased by 4,500 hectares (-45.7%), while the yield increased by 17.4%.
Oilseed rape production fell by 10,000 tonnes (-16.2%). The area sown decreased by 3,800 hectares (-21.7%), while the yield increased by 12.4%.