Material costs temper profits

PAYING 6.7% more for farming materials spoiled the 9.8% rise in prices for their produce enjoyed by Irish farmers in 2007.

Central Statistics Office figures show prices went up 67.7% for cereals, 23% for milk, 11.7% for vegetables, 5% for poultry and 2.4% for sheep, compared to 2006.

Unfortunately, prices fell for cattle and potatoes, by 1.9 and 7.6% respectively.