Farm incomes top agenda in agreement talks

FARM incomes were top of the agenda for farm leaders when they met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Dublin Castle yesterday.

The occasion was the launch of talks between the Government and the social partners to formulate an agreement to succeed the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

IFA president John Dillon called for a stronger response by the Government to the farm income situation, where, he said, average incomes at 14,200 have now fallen to 54% of average industrial earnings at 26,370.