Administrative Data | Agricultural Research Collection: 2011 - Northern Ireland

The Administrative Data | Agricultural Research Collection: 2011 - Northern Ireland (AD|ARC 2011 NI) is the Northern Ireland strand of the UK-wide AD|ARC project. This four-country data resource seeks to create a research-ready dataset of information about farmers and farming households.

The NI strand brings together two datasets:

• The Census of Population and Households Northern Ireland 2011
• a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Farm Database which includes:
  • the NI Agricultural Census 2010
  • the EU Structure Survey 2010
  • Single Farm Payments data (2010, 2013 and 2016)

to create a themed agricultural dataset.

The data linkage is the result of a collaboration between the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), the Census Office Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Research using the data will enable better understanding of the demographic, health, education and economic characteristics of households associated with different types and sizes of farm business. This will provide new insights for decision makers to improve agricultural and rural policies and enhance the wellbeing of farmers and their households.

Related datasets

This dataset relates to Northern Ireland only. There are also 2011 and 2021 versions of AD|ARC for England and Wales:

• Find out more about AD|ARC: 2011 – England and Wales
• Find out more about AD|ARC: 2021 – England and Wales (coming soon).

 It is anticipated that data for Scotland will follow. Methods for cross-UK federated analysis are in development.

Component datasets and linkage

AD|ARC links de-identified electronic records that are already collected by departments and public bodies across the governments of the UK. The datasets included in AD|ARC 2011 NI are: Census of Population and Households Northern Ireland 2011 and a DAERA Farm Database which includes the Northern Ireland Agricultural Census 2010, the EU Structure Survey 2010 (Northern Ireland) and Single Farm Payments data taken from 2010, 2013 and 2016.

Timeframe	2010-2016 (varies by dataset)
Update Frequency	Currently static
Population	Individuals living in farming households in Northern Ireland
Coverage	Northern Ireland
Size	Approx. 74,000 individuals resident in approx. 24,000 farms.

Examples of research questions

Examples of research questions the data could be used to address:

• What are the characteristics of farming households that receive farm subsidies?
• Is the educational attainment of farmers uniform and is it different from non-farming rural contemporaries?
• What effect does being part of a farm household have on health and wellbeing outcomes, and does this vary by farm characteristics?

The above list is illustrative only and intended to demonstrate the research potential of the dataset.

Other supporting resources

Resource	Description
Northern Ireland Census of Population and Households 2011	Census statistics help paint a picture of the nation and how we live. Find out more about the 2011 Census on the NISRA website.
Northern Ireland Agricultural Census 2010	The NI Agricultural Census is conducted annually in June by DAERA. In 2010 a full census was undertaken covering all farm businesses in Northern Ireland with results being published online.
European Union Farm Structure Survey 2010	This survey obtains reliable data, at regular intervals, on the structure of agricultural holdings in the EU. Information on the results of this survey and the methodological approach can be found on the DAERA website.
Single Farm Payments Scheme (2010, 2013, 2016)	The Single Farm Payment scheme in Northern Ireland came into force on 1 January 2005 as part of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy . The scheme was administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the predecessor to DAERA, to provide a safety net for farmers by supplementing their income. Information on farm incomes in Northern Ireland for the years 2013/14 and 2016/17 can be found online.
AD|ARC website	The project website includes publications, documentation and news.

 

Accessing the data

1. Apply to become an accredited researcher under the Digital Economy Act 2017

• Apply to become an accredited researcher through the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

2. Apply to access AD|ARC 2011 NI data

• Submit a one-page document to rsu@nisra.gov.uk to assess feasibility, including aims and objectives, outline of methodology, policy impact and variable list.
• Submit an application to the UK Statistics Authority Research Accreditation Panel (RAP).

Please note that the NISRA RSU will support you through the full application process and submit the application to the Research Accreditation Panel on your behalf.

3. Access the data securely via the NISRA Secure Environment or the ONS Secure Research Service

NISRA Secure Environment in Colby House – complete a RSU Secure Environment Researcher Booking Request Form and submit it to rsu@nisra.gov.uk.

Safe Rooms – based in the ONS offices in Titchfield and Newport, open Monday-Friday, 9.00-16.00.

SafePod Network – a small, self-contained secure room with a single workstation.

Assured Organisational Connectivity – the ability to access the ONS Secure Research Service from your office. Check what arrangements your institution already has or can put in place.

Further information on how to apply for approval is available on the NISRA Research Support Unit page or by contacting rsu@nisra.gov.uk.