Income falling, but energy costs keep on rising
They are large consumers of energy in the form of electricity, expended mostly in order to meet exacting standards required for quality milk production.
Energy costs on Irish farms have risen 31%, according to the Central Statistics Office, adding enormously to operational costs on farms. Others face equally high increases in charges for energy and power. But they can demand higher wages and salaries, or charge more for their goods and services to offset the rising costs.
