The 2023 farm structure survey reports a decrease in holdings and agricultural area, with detailed data on land use, land tenure, livestock, organic farming, employment, and irrigation in Cyprus.
The Statistical Service announced the results of the Farm Structure Survey of Agricultural and Livestock Holdings 2023.
During 2023, the total number of holdings was 32,023, a decrease of 5.9% compared to 2020. The total agricultural area was 1,413,590 decares, down 3.4% from 2020. Utilised agricultural area was 1,298,470 decares, decreasing by 3.2%.
The land use distribution showed a decline in permanent grasslands, temporary outdoor crops, and permanent outdoor crops, with increases in greenhouse areas and woodland areas. The average utilised area per holding increased by 5.1% to 41 decares.
Most holdings (96.9%) are owned or managed by natural persons, with a slight decrease from 97.5% in 2020. The majority of holders (54.5%) have agriculture or livestock as their main occupation. The share of male holders increased to 82.5%, while female holders decreased to 17.5%. The average age of holders remained at 63 years.
Land tenure data indicated an increase in rented land (58.3%) and a decrease in owned land (40.5%). Land use changes included a rise in greenhouse areas and a decline in grasslands and outdoor crops. Notable increases were recorded in berries (+66.1%) and olive plantations, while nuts and vineyards decreased.
Irrigation data showed a total irrigable area of 306,634 decares, down 19.6% from 2020, with 251,040 decares irrigated. Drip irrigation was the most common method (78.4%).
Livestock holdings with cattle numbered 342, a 10% increase, with a total of 86,992 heads. Pigs numbered 336,533, showing an increase despite a slight decrease in holdings. Sheep and goats decreased in holdings and numbers. Poultry holdings declined significantly.
Organic farming holdings decreased by 4.2%, totaling 1,197, but the area under organic production increased by 30.2% to 71,145 decares.
In 2023, total workdays in holdings were 4,560,686, a 2.7% decrease from 2020. Employment data showed a decline in male workers and a slight increase in permanent employees and seasonal workers.
The survey is conducted every 3 years as a sample and every 10 years as a census, covering all holdings with specified land or animal criteria. Data collection was mainly via telephone and personal interviews between September 2023 and May 2024.
For more information, visit the CYSTAT Portal or contact Ms. Loukia Alexandrou at 22605124 or lalexandrou@cystat.mof.gov.cy.
