Farm inflation at 5.1% running at double the general rate
The cost of materials and services used in farming in Ireland increased by 5.1% from August 2003 to August 2004, according to the Central Statistics Office.
This compares with inflation, as measured by the CSO’s Consumer Price Index, of 2.5% in the 12 months to September, 2004.
The CSO found that purchases by farmers of energy increased by 14.3%, feeding stuffs (5.7%), plant protection products (2.1%), veterinary expenses (0.7%) and fertilisers (0.6%).
Compared to 2002, farming costs this year have been 5.2 to 7.6% higher, according to CSO estimates.
