|
|
For 160 years sheep farming and the export of wool provided the main  base of the Islands economy. Since the introduction of the fishery zone in 1987, the sale of fishing licences has become the major income source for the Islands. However, sheep farming remains the major form of land use.
Farmland extends to an area of approximately 11,408 km² (1,140,500 hectares) and carries approximately 600,000 sheep and 5,000 adult cattle. There are about 90 farms, most run as family units with an average size of 13,000 hectares. In 1991 the Falkland Islands
Government (FIG) purchased four large farms, owned by the Falkland Islands Company Limited. This purchase clearly demonstrated FIG’s commitment to agriculture in the Islands. The Falkland Landholdings Corporation was established as a statutory organisation to run
these farms, which equate to approximately 25% of the total farmland.
The Islands average annual wool clip for the past decade is approximately 2,300 tonnes (greasy) with an average fibre diameter of 26 to 27 micron. Sheep breeds are predominantly Polwarth
and Corriedale. For much of the period since the early 1990’s global wool prices have been low. As a consequence farm incomes suffered. Farmers were assisted with short-term subsidy payments.
Improved wool prices in recent years have encouraged renewed
investment in agriculture. Particular emphasis has been placed on improved genetics, pasture improvement and on replacing farm infrastructure.
For further information see www.agriculture.gov.fk
|
Key Economic Sectors > Agriculture Falkland Islands, Desire the right
