Sample survey of agriculture and forestry, 2006, preliminary figures

The total consumption of electricity in agriculture and horticulture decreased from 1.22 billion kWh in 2001 to 1.11 billion kWh in 2005. The decline in the number of agricultural holdings is a major explanation for the decline in the consumption of electricity. At the same time, the total agricultural area is more or less unchanged and the average size of agricultural holdings has increased. The average consumption per holding increased by 2 000 kWh to 24 000 kWh from 2001 to 2005.

The total consumption of diesel in agriculture and horticulture was 127 million litres in 2005, against 129 million litres in 2001. The consumption of diesel per holding increased by about 18 per cent.

Energy consumption in greenhouses is not included.

Tables:

• Table 1 Consumption of electricity in agriculture. 2001 and 2005
• Table 2 Consumption of diesel in agriculture. 2001 and 2005*