12% jump in EU farm incomes this year, according to Eurostat

FARM incomes in the European Union have risen by an estimated 12% this year relative to 2009, according to the year-end figures newly issued by the EU’s statistics office Eurostat.

This average increase was lifted by higher prices for oilseeds and grains. However, Eurostat highlights that this increase must be noted as rebounding from an almost 11% drop in 2009 incomes. The office does not include estimated figures for incomes. In Ireland, the CSO recently released figures showing a 46% rise to an individual worker average of €17,500 for annual incomes on Irish farms. Irish farmers were also rebounding from a disastrous 2009.

The Eurostat also notes that income probably rose in 21 of the EU’s 27 member states and fell in six countries. An index of average real agricultural income per worker climbed to 110 points, with a base year of 2005.