Leitrim’s organic centre
Farmland in Leitrim is generally poor and since 1980, the number of farm units in Leitrim has decreased by almost 60%. The County’s agricultural sector is heavily dependent on cattle farming, which is the sector receiving most financial aid at present. However, almost two-thirds of milk suppliers produce less than 20,000 gallons per annum – well below the level required for long-term economic viability. Sheep farming in Leitrim is dominated by small herds.
The farming sub-sector in Leitrim showing most growth and with the greatest potential, is organic farming, where the County is well ahead of the National average and where market growth is highest. Rossinver is home to the Leitrim Organic Centre of Excellence for the production of organically grown vegetables.
Leitrim also has a relatively high level of afforestation, There are a total of 23,400 ha of land planted in Co Leitrim, which equates to 15.35% of the total land area. Of this planted area, 12,600 ha are owned by Coillte and 10,800 ha are owned by private individuals, mostly farmers. The average planted area for the country is 10%; Wicklow has the highest area at 21.3% of the county planted. Leitrim is next at 15.35% followed by Waterford at 14.8%. The development of commercial forestry in County Leitrim is moving marginal agricultural land to productive timber forests. This move supports the already established sawmilling industry and manufacturers of furniture and other timber products.
According to Crann, there is evidence to suggest that oak and some other species grow as well in Leitrim as in other parts of Ireland - and better than in some parts.