Walsh, Timmins clash over income

The level of farm income was at the heart of a clash last night between Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh and Fine Gael spokesman Billy Timmins, TD.

Launching his Department’s annual report, Mr Walsh said aggregate farm income rose by 4.9% in 2003. Average full-time farm income stood at €27,758, comparable to an average industrial income of around €27,900.

Total public expenditure in support of the agri-food sector amounted to almost €2.8 billion. Total direct payments were €1.6 billion. This level of expenditure demonstrated the ongoing support for the sector.