Agriculture Dept publishes annual report for 2002

The Department of Agriculture has issued a positive annual report for 2002, despite adverse weather conditions and a downturn in daily markets.

The report said last year was a tough one for Irish farmers, with heavy rain and flooding making conditions difficult for cereal farmers.

It said the State spent €2.9bn supporting the agri-food sector during the year.

Farmers received €1.64bn of this sum in direct payments, with the average recipient being paid €13,000.

The Department of Agriculture said it established two bodies - the food labelling group and consumer liaison panel - to increase confidence in food consumption last year.

Minister Joe Walsh said he was confident that agriculture would continue to make a strong contribution to the economy if farmers and the Government worked in a spirit of partnership.