Little change year-on-year in farm incomes

AGRICULTURAL income in 2004 increased by 1.3% before deductions for interest payments and land rental.

According to the Central Statistics Office, there was little change in the value of milk sales and net subsidies from 2003 to 2004, and increases in sales of livestock were largely offset by falling sales of marketable crops and dearer inputs.

An average price increase for cattle of 10% was offset by fewer slaughterings and live exports, resulting in sales increasing by 4.9% or €61m.