Drop in Irish farm incomes far outstrips average European fall

FIGURES released by Eurostat show that the average fall in European Union farm incomes is one third of the drop endured by Irish farmers in 2009.

Fine Gael spokesperson Michael Creed, who made the comparison, said it is clear Irish farmers are suffering more than most.

“While EU farm incomes fell last year by an average of 11.6%, Irish farm incomes fell by 30%.